​Living abroad to most probably seems glamorous. Many people view it as they would a fairy tale. Everything appears romantic, better, cooler happier. And while that is true part of the time, living abroad can also be difficult in the sense that it's not home or even in the vicinity of home. And so of course we expats (and I think I can speak for the majority of us) love to return home for visits. However, this can be dangerous.

​After living abroad for 15 years, going home is something I always look forward to. In fact, for me it's necessary in order to keep my frame of mind healthy and my sanity intact. But as I just recently told David, as much as I love going home, sometimes I don't think it's always good. I know that seems like an oxymoron but it's a real battle that I deal with and my husband as well, when we return to his home country of Malaysia.

As you fly in, over the desert, you cross over the Interstate 10 and the memories of drives along the freeway begin. It's a feeling of exhilaration, old familiarities, home. And once you start your drive to your hometown across that desert, despite the changes and growth of the city you see places that you spent time at, riding dirt bikes with your cousins and the mountains where you hiked with your dad searching for special stones. The mall is still standing (even though ran down) that you spent countless hours with your mom shopping for the perfect dress for Easter Sunday. And not too far away is the roller-skating rink that you frequented practically every weekend when you were a young teen.

​The memories flood your mind and the visuals, tastes and smells play havoc with you mind and your emotions. This is home! And although you've been away for many years, there's still an appeal that is captivating and alluring, pulling you back to the place of familiarity that you know so well.

For me, the desire of remaining in my home during our visits was due to the fact that I spent many years in a country that I was not happy in. A place that was completely different in every aspect than everything I ever knew. Therefore, I was in a constant escape mode allowing the comforts of home to tear at my soul.

Just last year, I put my foot down. I demanded a change that would place our family back at my roots. It was a difficult decision for my husband, the main provider of the family being that his job is in Europe with no ability to transfer to the states. However, happy wife means happy life, right?!

However, things took an unexpected turn. Within a few months of the decision another option was set before us. An option that would take us to a place that we both love and that possessed many attributes of my home and David's home . This alternative was so perfect that it still allows David to continue working for the same company and keeps us close to our daughter and granddaughter in Germany.

​I'm not saying that Mallorca, Spain will be our forever home but it is a great alternative to the original plan that was set to take place. And it has surprisingly made going home this time a little less painful... a little!

"For this world is not our permanent home;
we are looking forward to a home yet to come."~Romans 13:14

​With Love and Blessings,
Robin and David

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​Depression is not black or white nor is it simply a feeling of being sad and unhappy. It’s not something that you will snap out of, nor will it completely disappear when you wake up one morning. Living with depression requires consistent management and effects each person differently. However, there are ways to overcome depression naturally. 
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Understanding your own depression is vital to knowing how to manage it by finding the needed support through your journey. And the method one person uses might not be effective for another. This is why it’s important to seek out alternative ways to not only change the way we look at our depression, but also to encourage us to be open for different experiences that will help towards controlling depression in an effective way. This will gradually increase our energy and clarity to move forward in a positive way strengthening our drive to remain healthy.
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​Although no scientific research has been made into the connection of travel curing depression, many people suffering from depression have come forward about how through their travels and encountering different people, situations and experiences has helped them in overcoming it naturally.

Endorphins and oxytocin play a major role in the chemistry of our brain and the way our mood affects the way we perceive ideas, thoughts and beliefs. Through traveling, endorphins and oxytocin are released in countless ways through different experiences we encounter. And with travel, our brain is forced to use these hormones to improve our mood and outlook on life itself.
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A survey from Priceline.com found that traveling is the number one mood booster saying that “More than half of Americans say travel improves their mood even more than exercising or shopping.” That is monumental, considering how much shopping boosts our mood, right ladies?! Vacations and longer trips prove to fill that travel "sweet spot", whether it’s to spend time with family and friends or to just get away and rest up. It's really of no surprise, everyone needs a break and time to recover or heal. 
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​Depression can take form in many ways but when you suffer from depression, you can have a tendency to isolate and alienate yourself from others. And this usually causes you to indulge in negative thinking and beliefs that can cut you off from external environments that might potentially help you get through these challenging bouts.

Traveling puts you in the middle of situations forcing you to see what is happening around you and causes your brain to problem solve in different ways that you wouldn’t necessarily face in everyday life and especially NOT from your isolated bedroom. You also become exposed to new people and different stimuli that steers you away from focusing too much on your emotions.
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Distraction isn’t an instant cure for depression. But, it will cause you to concentrate less on your inner thoughts allowing you to perceive things differently. Creating new positive memories will absolutely drive out the negative thinking!​
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​Depression leads to thoughts of low self-worth creating a negative belief convincing us that we are incapable of A LOT of things. It will prevent us from seeing our true-self and our full potential. However, traveling educates us in ways that no other experiences can, showing us that we are in actuality very capable of many things. This creates a kind of inspiration that alters our perception of our self and others around us.
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Meeting people who have made life choices based on what they want, rather than what society expects, encourages us to also choose to think this way. Traveling affords you the freedom to eat what you want, see what you want and do anything that you want to do, which depression prevents you from in everyday life.
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​Depression brings with it social anxiety or anti-social tendencies. When at home, in your everyday environment meeting new people can be hard. But when traveling, you are more likely to meet open, friendlier people that are more prone to conversation. Traveling creates a common bond between fellow travelers because the majority are sharing similar experiences. 
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Meeting people from different cultures and all walks of life opens up your mind to ideas and gives you an understanding that you would not have had if you stay at home. In the long-run, friendships gathered from your travels serves as a constant reminder of the positive memories helping to drive out the depression once you’re back home.
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​When depression hits, the big picture of our lives is shrunk down to sometimes almost nothing. When we’re bogged down in everyday life and problems, it prevents us from accessing problems properly. Depression causes us to have a skewed view of the world creating a grim outlook on life.
Traveling allows us to see the bigger picture. It helps us put thoughts and views into perspective, allowing us to make clearer assessments. When we take ourselves out of our usual environment, our eyes are forced to see the world through a different lens. The accumulation of experiences gained through traveling can create a whole new thought process aiding us in overcoming depression.
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​Never underestimate the vast beauty and wonder that this Earth provides and its effect on us as human beings! Traveling creates a sense of awe that we don’t necessarily get the chance to experience when we’re seeing the same places and same people everyday at home.
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The awe has a massive affect on our well-being and happiness when traveling to different cities and countries. Whether it’s diving in the waters of Ko Phi Phi, Thailand or trekking through the forests of Bavaria, nature has a very strong and calming effect on us. A study in the UK reported by BBC says, “Intuitively we knew that nature was good for us as humans, but the results were beyond brilliant .” Traveling creates immense opportunities that help expose us to more of what God's creation has to offer us mentally and spiritually.

You might be thinking that traveling is not for me. Or that it costs too much to go somewhere new or exotic. You might be a workaholic that instead of taking advantage of your vacation time at work, you opt to have your company pay out. But if you are depressed or have anxiety, travel can be a part of the solution. It was for me! 

I have suffered under depression for my entire life. And there has been several times that it actually knocked me out. However, the more I fight against it and find new ways to change my life and my thinking, the less often it comes at me. Travel has absolutely been a huge catalyst in this process! I wouldn't stop seeing new places and meeting new people for anything! It has become such an important part of our lives, that the financial outlook of life in general has been altered, prompting us to trade in material things for the experiences. It has not only changed my life but David's too. And it can change yours! 
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​If you battle with depression, why don't you give it a try? There are many places you can vacation in that won't cost you a lot but the reward is great, such as Thailand...you can read my blog about it here.
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​
​...And if you need tips as to how to save up for that much needed getaway, I have put together a guide of 50 EASY ways to get your dream vacation while saving a ton of money!
​You can get it by signing up at the link below. 

​With Love and Blessings,
Robin and David

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And join in on our wild adventures of culture, personality and fervor! 
​

In less than just a week, it's Valentine's Day! Maybe you are still trying to figure out what to get for your loved ones. Every year when February 14th rolls around, you head off to the local drugstore to pick up a box of chocolate and flowers for your husband or wife and kids on your way home from work. Same routine, same gifts... And maybe this year, you have the inclination to do things a bit different. So why not try something offbeat, colorful or fun? A different kind of way to say, "You're special" You mean the world to me"  "I love you", as opposed to the ordinary mundane Valentine's gifts of the past.

Here it is!  25 simple but GREAT Valentine's Day gift ideas that won't empty your pockets and are guaranteed to hit them with the arrow of love! I've made it so easy for you.. so easy that you don't even need to leave your house to buy the gifts! All you need to do is click on the link I've provided or the photo itself... and you will be directed straight to the website where you can make your purchase and have it sent directly to the address you provide! Sounds easy, right? It is!!!

Let him or her know that your love endures forever. (www.bedbathandbeyond.com)

Matching rings that are personalized with your favorite quote or promise of your love to one another are beautiful and practical. (www.etsy.com)

What a sweet way to be reminded of your love for each other every time you bake! (www.mignon-shop.com)

Nothing says you love her quite like a ring does! (www.etsy.com)

Treat your man or wife like the royalty that they are with purple luxurious satin sheets! (www.amazon.com)

Warm her heart as you warm up her feet with UGG boots! It works everytime for me! (www.amazon.com)

Let him know how you really feel about his beard! (www.amazon.com)

In today's times, Instagram takes the credit for all the greatest pictures. So, why not take the best, print and frame to give as a gift that can be displayed in plain sight? (www.socialprintstudio.com)

There's no better way to start out the day than with coffee and cuddling! And it's quality time with your honey. (www.amazon.com)

This is a great way to turn a favorite photo into a fun activity! (www.potraitpuzzles.com)

A great way to let your kids know how much you love them and you think about them even while they're away! (www.lunchboxnotes.com)

The family will love the joy this frame will bring as pictures are chosen to complete it and hang it in your family room. (www.amazon.com)

Instead of giving chocolate to the kids, why not give them something that will provide loads of fun and keep them busy? They will love this chubby penguin to slide down the slopes on.  (www.amazon.com)

Valentine's Day is for everyone, right? Let's not forget our furry family members! Show your pet your puppy love with this cute cuddly sweater. (chillydogsweaters.com)

We all know Sweethearts candies! Now you can give these classic messages of love reminding your sweetheart how much he or she means as they solve the crosswords. (www.amazon.com)

The love of your spouse is openly declared as they wear this cute and fun t shirt around town! (cafepress.com)

Say "I love you" with a cute and unique Valentine's Day card. (www.anthropology.com)

Declare your love in writing from A-Z with this fun fill-in book! (www.uncommongoods.com)

Slippers is something she can use everyday to warm up her feet. And you'll be sure to warm up her heart in the process! (www.amazon.com)

As these cute coasters lay around the houses, they serve as constant reminders to stay encouraged. I'm sure we can all use a little more of that! (www.amazon.com)

Sweeten up your sweethearts bath time with these adorable macaroon soaps! (www.etsy.com)

You both get a piece of the love with this cute and yet practical gift! (www.amazon.com)

This is a great gift that you can attach a note to letting your loved one know that you are nuts about them. It's sure to crack their shell! (www.amazon.com)

Messages don't only come in bottles. They also come as bottle openers! Send your sweetheart a message letting them know just how intoxicating they make you! (www.uncommongoods.com)

Let her know over and over just how beautiful she really is as she has a daily reminder hanging on her wall. (www.amazon.com)

​Valentine's Day gives us the perfect opportunity to show our loved ones just how much we love them. I would encourage you to do so... And however you decide to do that, whether that be to give them a special gift, kind gesture or a delicious dinner, in the end we must remember that “the love itself is the greatest gift of all.” 1 Cor. 13:13
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"Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love." Eph. 4:2
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With Love and Blessings,
Robin and David

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Are you ready for a holiday to a new place that’s not only culturally stimulating but relaxing? If you are looking to escape to a foreign, exotic and affordable place there is no better place than Thailand.

If the gorgeous white beaches and relaxing atmosphere don’t win you over the food and people most definitely will. Not only is Thailand one of the most beautiful places on earth, but there are endless views, attractions and excursions for every kind of traveler. You just might have such a great time that you won’t want to go home! 

Sound interesting? Well, keep reading! 

Here's my nine awesome reasons for vacationing in Thailand...

I think we all like the idea of stepping foot onto a spot where a popular movie was filmed. Especially in a remote part of the world. Not only was "The Beach" staring Leonardo DiCaprio filmed on this uninhabited island, it is covered with sandy white beaches, stunning cliffs surrounded by crystal clear blue water that will take your breath away! You will feel like you just stepped into paradise when you step out the boat which is required to reach Ko Phi Phi Le. And trust me, once that happens it's really difficult to get back on the boat to leave this paradise island!

​Hotels, food and clothing are all incredibly affordable. What you might pay for a beach side hotel in the U.S. is approximately half the price in Thailand and food from the local village and street vendors can be as cheap as a $1 for an entire meal.

​Tip: A word of caution, there are a lot of locals that are willing to take advantage of your dollar. Negotiate and compare prices before you start tossing out the money. Your pockets can become very light very fast. Just be wise.

​Thailand is not called the “Land of Smiles” for nothing! The natives are kind, happy and willing to help you if you're lost or need help. They aim to please, whether it comes to cooking you a dish or making up your hotel room. They don't skip on hospitality. It’s a country that welcomes tourism, but doesn’t pester its tourists either.

Coming from a family that LOVES food, you can trust me when I say, you haven’t experienced real Thai food until you’ve had it in Thailand! Not only is it affordable, but it’s delicious. There are a variety of options and if you're at the right place, you can choose your own crab or lobster from the tank. Ask the locals what they recommend and without a doubt you will be more than just satisfied. Note: Their idea of spicy is as close to a fireball in your mouth as possible! ALWAYS order mild if you aren't into fireballs.

There's more to Thailand than party towns. Krabi Town is a quiet getaway not far from Ao Nang, once a quiet backpacker resort, this formerly quiet town has grown into Krabi's capital of tourism. The main road, which was once a dirt track on the beach itself, is lined with tour operators and charming cafes, while the upper streets of the town house bars, restaurants, and interesting eateries operated by local Thais and international visitors.

​Although part of the Krabi providence, Ao Nang is more lively and offers bungalows to luxury hotels. Many of the region's best hotels and resorts are found along its beaches and stunning limestone hills. Small, easy to navigate, and designed for both pedestrians and motorists, Ao Nang is a good place to stay while you explore Krabi's beaches and islands.

Visiting Thailand presents perhaps your first opportunity to touch, ride and play with elephants. As first-time visitors to Thailand ourselves, we took part and paid for an elephant-riding activity that – had we done our research – we would have most likely avoided. Elephants are plentiful in Thailand. But before you get on the back of one, please read what is entailed with elephant-riding here. If you decide against elephant-riding there are other alternatives and locations where you can pet, feed and cuddle with these amazing creatures!

You might take awhile to get to Thailand, but once you are there everywhere is just around the corner. You can grab a flight with Air Asia and in just four hours be in Bali, three hours to Hong Kong, two hours to Singapore and it is half way between Australia and Europe. It’s the perfect place to start or end a travel adventure.

"Looking for an exotic destination that the kids can handle? Thailand has it: beaches, mountains, elephants, sparkling temples and bustling markets; there's something for each age range. Plus Thais are serious 'cute' connoisseurs and exotic-looking foreign children trump stuffed animals and fluffy dogs", says Lonely Planet.
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When you take a vacation together, you become a team. You’re all suddenly part of a dynamic that relies and includes each family member. Researchers have found that family vacations can improve family communication and bonding. 

​Research has concluded vacations build up what is called by fostering growing and enduring connections strengthening positive connections. We found that Thailand is a perfect place for strengthening those connections!

So what are you waiting for?
Start planning your trip to Thailand!

Still not sold?
Here's another article that might do the trick!
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Places we visited and recommend
​The Taj Palace
Krabi Town Market
Poo Dam Restaurant
Majaraja Restaurant
Tiger Temple
Orchid Resort
Air Asia
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​With Love and Blessings,
Robin and David
​

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“Be brave. Take risks. Nothing can substitute experience.”
--Paulo Coelho

​There are so many things you can spend money on nowadays. We live in a world that is obsessed with consumption. Houses, cars, technology, etc. are all things that we are enticed into buying. We can’t go anywhere, including on our laptops, without encountering advertisements urging us to buy the latest trend or technological advancement.

But why do companies push their goods on you? What is the catch? How is it that they can bait their hooks so well into you, reel you in, and catch you where you feel that you MUST purchase their products?

Well, here it is... They offer you happiness as you consume their goods. We can all admit that buying a new house, car, iPhone, or hamburger from a fast food restaurant might satisfy you momentarily, but the satisfaction will not last. Experiences on the other hand, live on forever. If you spend money on long lasting experiences, as opposed to material stuff, you are going to have a much greater sense of joy and contentment in your life. I know because David and I for many years tried to fill our happiness void with stuff only to learn that stuff is temporary and experiences are the only thing that endures.

Material things have an expiration date but experiences live on. The house and car you buy are great things but over time the satisfaction you receive from them, more often than not, diminish. The high that you get when you first purchase something never lasts for very long.

However, experiences never lose their luster. You might have spent $150 on The Lion King Musical tickets, but that is an experience you will never forget. You can always go back to that moment in your mind and relive those wonderful feelings. Perhaps you will never forget a night out you had with your husband, having dinner, at the movies, or dancing. You will never forget when you were at the Super Bowl that took place in your home town or when you took that road trip through Europe and wound up staying the night in a castle on the countryside of France. These are life experiences that can NEVER be replaced no matter how many cars or gadgets you purchase.

​Of course you need a place to live and a car to drive. There are certain things and technologies that we are required to have to live. But before you run out and buy the newest iPhone on the market, you should ask yourself if that $700 could be used to purchase a long lasting experience instead.

​If you are only spending money on material things then chances are you have not discovered your purpose or passion in life which serve as a compass to get you through life and satisfy your belonging.

I'm not saying that experiences should be expensive or grandiose, as well as your purpose and passions. However, your experiences should be in line with what you are passionate about. If you enjoy water sports, for example, and perhaps you feel that you should be a champion surfer then it makes sense for you to spend money to get to the best beaches to surf. Learn and experience as much as possible about surfing and about the biggest and best waves!

​The experiences that matter the most will take a hold of your life and your purpose. And they will always be the best investments.

​There is no better way to learn about world perspectives than traveling. Traveling is hands down one of the greatest ways to experience different cultures, societies and views. It is the best education that you will never receive in a classroom. While international travel is wonderful, and should be experienced you don’t have to travel halfway around the world to reap the benefits of travel. Simply taking a road trip or a weekend getaway to a new destination will give you a new experience. Or simply spending time in nature can be a refreshing experience.

​One of my best memories was when I was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude while sitting on a quiet beach watching a magical sunset. Or the time when I experienced a huge accomplishment of conquering my fears by hiking a huge mountain of boulders to the top where the most amazing view of the forest was my reward. Experiences like this won’t cost you a dime, but they have the potential of being life-changing while changing your perspective.
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Experiences are worth the investment because they teach you life lessons that you can't get anywhere else. Traveling to new places teaches patience, tolerance, understanding, and organizational skills. A ticket to the theater or a musical will expose you to the performing arts. A museum or exhibit gives you knowledge of historical events. And at a sporting event you will learn about commitment and stamina it takes to be an athlete.

​As humans, we hunger for experiences that are meaningful and significant. And these experiences will transform your life. They teach us how to be humble, virtuous, and compassionate. These lessons might not be so noticeable at first but believe me, they are main reason why we spend money on experiences.

​Experiences, that you find to be worthwhile and meaningful, will undoubtedly give you a deep feeling of gratitude, like I had mentioned previously when I experienced the sunset on the quiet beach. Experience gives you a sense of gratitude for being alive. And these feelings often lead to appreciation of even the smallest and mundane experiences. It could be that you will experience a paradigm shift, where ALL experiences are experiences to cherish.

​To live gratefully is the best way for you to live happily. When you inundate your life with grateful experiences, you will be more grateful for life as a whole.

​For many people the main reason for investing in experiences is that they are unforgettable whether you've had a good or bad experience. Just the experience itself sets your brain in motion. For example, last year when we were flying to our new home with heaps of luggage in tow, we found ourselves stranded in a place (Austria) that was not part of our plan. We spent double of what our budget was and it took us double as long to reach our destination. However, we took the negative and turned it into a positive and now we have a memory that will last a lifetime!

​These memories can be very useful if you are going through a rough time. Having pleasant memories to reminisce on can be quite therapeutic. And they could perhaps serve as a reminder that, just maybe things aren’t as terrible as they seem.

​Experiences are exciting and challenging, just like my hike up those boulders that I previously mentioned. I am not a very sporty person. Hiking is not really my forte. But when my friend that I hadn't seen in over a year suggested it as a way to spend a sunny afternoon, I looked at it as a great time to spend together and as a challenge. And I have to say that after the first boulder was conquered the challenge became exciting! These kinds of experiences are unforgettable because of the difficult task you are forced to overcome. Accepting the challenge of climbing a mountain, trying a new Asian dish or learning a new language can be gratifying for anyone who goes for it and survives it.

​Overcoming challenges are not only inspiring but gives us contentment in our lives. Whether or not you realize it, you need to be prompted to an certain degree in order to reach your full potential.

In today’s economy most of us are looking for ways to cutback on spending, rather than to increase it. With that being said, we shouldn't to waste money on new experiences that aren’t meaningful to us. Therefore, getting the most bang from the buck is necessary. The goal is not to throw money away at every opportunity that comes your way but rather research and decide what experiences are most meaningful for you. And what experiences are important to your well-being.

​So, go ahead and fill your life up with experiences. There are many that will cost you nothing, some are reasonably priced, and some will be expensive from a financial standpoint, but rich with enduring memories. And if you link these with your passions you will always find satisfaction. Spending your money on stuff is easy and limits your happiness. But investing in experiences will bring a lifetime of happiness that will never fade away. For David and I, once we were hit with the realization that “Less is More” and that fast cars, fancy houses and big TVs didn't contribute to our lack of joy, we set our sights on what did; travel and being with family. We began to reconfigure our lifestyle and downsize in every area, that has taken us several years to accomplish. We are now at our end goal and love spending money on experiences rather than stuff. I would encourage you to do the same! 

​​Is there an experience that you recall that brought you great joy? 
We would love to hear about it!  ​

​With Love and Blessings,
Robin and David
​

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​‘Tis the season — and your stomach felt it. After all, in the last days, perhaps weeks you’ve stuffed it with about 5,000 calories, because of holiday parties, cookie exchanges, and oversized slices of pumpkin pie. If you've been overdoing it throughout the holidays you may be tempted to go to extreme measures to undo the damage, but the truth is a few smart, simple adjustments you can actually stick to can loosen up those jeans within days.

​Before we get started I just want to make clear what my definition of diet is. Diet for me is not some kind of fad where you give up carbs or eat cabbage soup at every meal. I view it as healthy, balanced eating of low fat, little or no processed sugar and definitely not skipping meals on an everyday basis. The first definition on Dictionary.com is: food and drink considered in terms of its qualities, composition, and its effects on health.

Here's how you get started...
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​Despite your best intentions or not, you strayed from your diet plan.  You need to let go of any guilt you feel and stop beating yourself up over it. What's done is done and feeling guilty about overindulging is wasted energy. Instead, why not spend that energy doing something productive?
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​Chances are, you’ve got extra food laying around the house from the holidays. Don't keep it in your house! Dispose of it immediately! Why keep unhealthy, calorie rich food around to tempt you? (Tip: Pack up some cookies and sweets up in a cookie tin and give it as a gift to someone that was missed on your list, hopefully they're not on a diet as well!) Better that the food is in someone else's hands than on your hips or belly, right?
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​Overindulging or straying from your diet sometimes takes place because you either lost sight of your goals or you set unreasonable goals. The goal of “I’m never going to eat chocolate again” may be too tough for you and cause you to overindulge, using the holidays as an excuse to stray from your diet plan. Whatever the reason may be, after the holidays is a good time to review what your goals are and get back to them. 

​As good as that turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie tasted, you must have a favorite healthy meal (mine is vegetarian Thai curry). So why not cook it? After that first bite, you will quickly remember how delicious that dish full of veggies and healthy ingredients tastes and how it feels in your stomach. This will encourage you to retreat back to those great guilt free meals!

​Doing your favorite workout will motivate you! According to WebMD, "There’s a whole series of things that happen when we begin to exercise. As we get up and begin to move and exercise, there’s a general bodily arousal state that occurs. It includes many different systems of the body -- everything from metabolism to cardiovascular activation, various kinds of endocrine changes in the brain, various kinds of hormonal changes and shifts." So a workout is an excellent way to steer away from stress and depression and get your mind, body and thoughts moving in the right direction!
P.S. Don't forget to turn up your favorite tunes during your workout!

​If you overindulged or strayed from your diet over the long holiday season chances are the “damage” is not as bad as you think. Use these five tips to get back on track and you’ll be
​back to your diet before you know it!

If you need help setting diet goal CLICK here for more encouragement! 

​With Love and Blessings,
Robin and David

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Are you determined to reinvent yourself in 2017? Are you ready to rid yourself of bad habits or achieve something you've long desired? But you've made that commitment year after year and somehow it never sticks!


Yep, it’s that time of year again! The time of year when we feel as if we have to turn over a new leaf. The time when we believe that the arrival of a new year will magically provide the catalyst, motivation and persistence needed to reinvent ourselves.


Traditionally, New Year’s Day is viewed as the ideal time to kick start a new phase in our lives and the time that we must begin all important new year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, the beginning of the year is also one of the worst times to make a major change in your habits because it’s often a rather stressful time, right in the middle of the party and holiday season.

​So instead of making the same mistakes like every previous year, my recommendation is not to set yourself up yet again for failure in 2017, by pledging to make huge changes that might be hard and sometimes impossible to keep. Instead follow these seven steps to accomplish the new year’s resolutions you can achieve this time for good.

​If you want to change your life or your lifestyle don’t try to change the whole thing at once. It won’t work. Instead pick one area of your life to start with.

​Make the goal concrete so you know exactly what change you’re planning to make. If you’re successful with the first change then after a month or so you can add the second goal. As you accomplish small goals, one after the other, the chance to revamp yourself by the end of 2017 is much more realistic and can be fully attainable!

Whatever you start with, don’t pick a New Year’s resolution that’s destined to fail, like running a marathon if you’re 60lbs overweight and get out of breath when walking upstairs. Instead, resolve to walk every day. When you’ve got that habit down, you can begin running in short bursts, constant running by March or April and a marathon at the end of the year. What’s the one habit you most want to change the most?

​To make sure of success you need to research the change you’ve decided on and plan ahead so you have the resources available when you need them. Here's a few things you could do to prepare and set the ground work to begin making your change...

Research it – Go to the library and read about the subject. Whether it’s quitting smoking, taking up running or becoming vegan there are books to help you prepare for it. Or use the Internet. As you do your research your motivation will also increase to succeed at the goal set before you!

​Plan for success – Get everything ready. If you’re taking up running make sure you have the trainers, clothes, hat, glasses, ipod loaded with energetic or motivational sounds at the get go. Then you'll have no excuse to hold you back.
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​There will be problems so make a list of what they could be. If you think about it, you’ll be able to anticipate problems at certain times of the day, with specific people or in special situations. Once you’ve identified the times that will probably be hard, you can work out ways to deal with them once they rear their ugly heads.
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​You DO NOT have to make these changes on New Year’s Day! That’s the traditional but unfortunately also the most impractical day. If you truly want to make changes then pick a day when you know you’ll be well-rested, enthusiastic and surrounded by positive people. For instance, once your kids return to school after the Christmas holidays might be beneficial.

​However, sometimes picking a date doesn’t work. It’s better to wait until your whole mind and body are fully ready to take on the challenge. And usually, you’ll know when the time is right and you're ready to take on the battle.
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​On the big day go for it 150%. Make a vision card. Write your vision on a small card and keep it handy. You just need one short phrase you can carry in your wallet or handbag. Or you could keep it in your car, by your bed and on your bathroom mirror too for extra doses of positive reinforcement.
Your vision card will say something like...

• I enjoy a clean, smoke-free environment.
• I will stay calm and in control at all times.
• I will pray for my weaknesses.
• I will meditate on the positives of (your goal).​

​If you do backslide and smoke a cigarette, miss a walk or yell at the kids one morning don’t hate yourself for it. Make a note of what triggered the set back, chalk it up as a lesson learned, and charge forward.

​If you know that coffee makes you crave cigarettes then cut back or don't drink it at all. If you know the morning rush before school makes you agitated, then get up earlier or prepare things the night before to relieve the morning stress.

​Perseverance is the key to success. Try again and try again... But DO NOT give up!
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​​Small rewards are great encouragement to keep you going during the most difficult first days. But after that you can probably prolong the reward to once a week... it could be an afternoon nap, a small piece of chocolate, a manicure, or a trip to the cinema, whatever it is you love doing!

As time goes by you should be able to reward yourself monthly and then at the end of the year choose an anniversary reward. Something that you’ll really look forward to. You deserve it and yes, you've earned it!

​Whatever your plans and goals are for 2017 I wish you all the best! But do remember, it's your life, your decisions and your goals that you set! Bad habits are hard but not impossible to break. It takes work and determination but you can do it! I believe in you!

​Are you planning to make a New Year’s resolution in 2017?
What is it and is it something you’ve tried to do before or something new?
​I'd love to hear about it!
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P.S. If one of your goals is to travel to a dream destination, I have 50 great ways make that dream come true! Sign up below for your FREE guide...
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With Love and Blessings,
Robin and David
​

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Remember what is was like to be a kid? Or when your kids were little? The gifts that cost the least or nothing at all were the most treasured! They were usually homemade and came from directly from the heart!

If you're like me, you have a husband that has everything! And if he doesn't have everything it's usually because that one thing that he doesn't have is outrageously expensive! So, if you still can't figure out what to buy your husband for Christmas, save your money! I have listed 20 PRICELESS Christmas gift ideas that will blow his mind and have him eating out of your hand without you having to spend anything! And let's face it, the gifts that mean the most are the ones that don't have a price tag attached.
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Even if you don’t have a artsy bone in your body (hand raised here), you can do this!
Free sites like Animoto.com and Slide give you all the tools you need. The only thing you have to do is take the time to pull together some of his favorite photos and select the right music.
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Spend an entire day anticipating his wants. This will blow his mind! What is his favorite breakfast? What would he love to see when he comes home? If he wrote down his perfect day for you, what would be on that list? Think about that and then do as many things on that list as possible.
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Sync up your lunch time with your hubby’s and make him (or pick up) his favorite lunch and take it to his office. If you’re not able to stay to enjoy it with him, leave it with a sweet note that makes him smile from ear to ear.

Men love those soft, special quality moments just as much as we do. It seems like those moments come fewer and farther between in today’s busy world. Take a couple of hours, turn off the television, have your guy lay his head in your lap, and read a good book to him. He’ll love the soothing sound of your voice, and you’ll both love the intimacy of the gesture.
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I can’t stress this enough, the way to a man’s heart is really through his stomach. If you want to show off your romantic skills while simultaneously showing off your cooking skills, all you have to do is turn off the lights, put on some soft jazz, and serve him a romantic candlelight dinner. There are very few things more romantic than that.
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Mailing letters is becoming a dying art. Most people send quick texts, or even quick emails. Do the romantic thing this time and write him an actual love letter. Make it as honest and passionate as you’d like. Write it on pretty paper and give it a quick spray of perfume, then take it to the post office to be delivered straight to the mailbox.
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This may take some time and being a bit sneaky but it's so worth it!
Step one: Find out the favorite written passage of your loved one. Is it a scripture? A sonnet? A monologue? Or a paragraph from a beloved book? Got it? Good.
Step two: Memorize!
Step three: Deliver!

Tip: Gift wrap the paper with a reference on it in a and let him open it right before you recite it. He will be so impressed that the paper will remain his keepsake! ​
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Does your spouse have a household chore that they just hate to do? Taking out the garbage? Scrubbing toilets? Dishes? If so, this is a great gift. Give them a card, letter, or note explaining that you will take over that job for them for a certain period of time.

WARNING: Be specific about this gift... If you say you are going to do their chore, then you really need to do it, so let them know exactly what you are going to do and how long you are prepared to do it. For a day? A week? A month? Let them know what to expect from you and then don’t offer more than you can deliver.
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What is your speciality? Bread? Cookies? Casseroles? Whatever it is, you should share it with someone who appreciates it! And that someone is usually your husband! He knows what your good at cooking and trust me, if he gets to delight in it once a month, his heart is yours!
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All you need to include in this kit is a bundle of letters or images that you put together into different envelopes. What kind of letters and images? Use your imagination... maybe a funny “remember when” story... or an “I love you because” letter... or a “10 Reasons Why You Are Awesome” note. Other things you can include in the envelopes are quotes or thought about how you feel about your spouse. Put something different in each envelope.
Try to gather together a small bundle (10-15 envelopes) and then tie them up with a bow. It’s surprising how something as simple as an “I’m lucky to have you in my life because...” can brighten your loved one's day.
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This gift may have to be given before Christmas... because for this gift you will need to have access to your husband's vehicle. You could do this when your husband is at work. You drive over, take his car, zoom over to the gas station and give it the once-over, quickly cleaning it inside and out, and then return it to its space before he even knows it was gone. When he leaves work, he finds a clean vehicle and a sweet note on the dashboard. ​
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This is a gift that gives back to you once complete! All you need is a simple notebook. And of course you don’t just give someone an empty notebook... you need to fill the book with questions (I did one every three pages so there was plenty of room to write if necessary).
You could ask question such as, “Tell me about your first house.” “Tell me about something you are proud of.” “What do you remember most about your mother?” “Tell me about three memorable friends.”

​Think about what you want to know about your spouse that you don't already know and then be prepared for some really great conversations!
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Sometimes all we really need is just some quiet time alone. We all love our children and our homes, but sometimes we need a break with time to ourselves to regroup and recharge. And with that being the case, then one of the best gifts you can give is to take his or her responsibilities away for a few hours and let them recharge their batteries.

​Do this by giving a card, letter, or note tied up with a bow. Then, once the gift has been given, decide right then and there when the gift will be redeemed... pick a day and a time right away and write it on your calendar!
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For this gift, you will be writing a number of short letters, putting them in separate envelopes and then labeling the envelopes with when they should be read. As an Example... Read this when: you feel sad, you have a fight with your colleague, you’ve had a rotten day, you feel homesick, you're feeling alone, etc. Seal each letter and tie the bundle up with a bow. This is a great gift for anyone that works away from home. Or you could just hold onto them and do like I do...I sneak these notes in my husband's work attache along with a small piece of chocolate or cookie. It's a sure fire way to brighten someone's day!
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Think back to junior high, when we made those awesome mixtapes for each other... you know, on cassettes... it was pretty cool. And you knew that your friend chose those songs because she knows you so well or that guy chose those songs because he was secretly trying to let you know how much he was madly in love with you? Well... how great would it be to get one of those tapes again?
Nowadays we can either burn a CD or download a personalized playlist for that special someone. You could make a list of songs from when they were growing up, when you dated or their favorite songs of today. You can be funny and creative making a list to remember for all times!

Simply take two pieces of paper and two envelopes, then write two letters about why you love your spouse. Write one for them to read now, and then write one to be read later on a date you determine... in a year... five years... Just be sure to write “Do not open until____” on the front of the letter to be opened later! ​
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I’m not sure an explanation is needed here... and my husband has already asked for another one of these this year. ​
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Make a personalized screen saver for your significant other. It will take being sneaky. Take a photo of yourself or of a memorable time together. Head over to Canva, a free tool to edit and or add text to any photo, edit away and then load onto their computer. Every time they sign on to their computer there you are! It's nerdy but sweet!
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You can fill out any blank book with short written memories of things you and your spouse have done together. It mustn't be fancy, or have photos, only short stories, jokes, and song lyrics will do the trick. It will be a great timeline of memories that should give a lot of joy when read. And you can always add to it for the years to come.
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Most of us have made time capsules with school classes many times throughout of childhood, but this year I want to do it with my husband and kids. What they will get is an empty box with a sheet of paper explaining what a time capsule is. Then, on New Year’s Day, we will fill the box together, with things like predictions, favorite candy wrappers, newspaper clippings, photos, notes, and whatever else the family wants to include. When it's filled, we will wrap it in duct tape and write on the outside the date it can be opened again. Maybe in 10 years, perhaps 20!

So there you have it! 20 priceless gift ideas! Be creative and have a blast!
They are guaranteed to please! Trust me, I've used most of them myself!
Do you have any special gift ideas you'd like to share? We'd love to hear from you!

​With Love and Blessings,
Robin
​

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Moving to a foreign country might sound like a fairy tale story. But the reality of it could be quite the opposite. ​It was 14 years ago this year when we spent our first Christmas together away from home, in a foreign land, Germany. We moved to Germany as newlyweds of 7 months, with a newborn of 3 weeks, brought 2 of my 3 kids from my previous marriage, just buried my mother the year before, the only thing I could say in German was “I love you” and my new in-laws were opposed to their son's new life choices. We had nothing in the bank and several months of intense flight training still ahead for David. And with the weather being about 75F degrees colder than what we were used to from our homelands and no sunlight in sight we only had each other to stay warm, happy and content.

You might be asking, “How did we do it?” We've decided to give you 12 Christmas days of what helped and encouraged us in a place that seemed impossible and hopeless. We went through tough times that unfortunately didn't only last for 12 days but rather years. However, we want to share with you as living testimonies that with love EVERYTHING is possible!

So, if you're an expat, a divorcee, a blended family, a step-parent, lost a parent, have an unaccepting family, been broke, depressed, hopeless or alone, then keep reading!

There IS hope and there IS light at the end of the tunnel! We made it and so can you!

1st Day of Christmas- The first Christmas spent in Germany was the hardest because we spent it alone. However we were so blessed to have had my Bridget daughter come over from the states to be with us. And when there's beautiful Christmas decorations throughout the city, it can definitely help bring cheer to an aching heart! 

2nd Day of Christmas- Exploring your new environment is so important when you move to a new place or country. Everything about Germany was so new to us. So walking as we explored the main city was something we frequently did as a family.

​3rd Day of Christmas- We both came from big concrete cities where we never seen snow. Driving along the countryside was important family time for us. Especially seeing the white powdery snow covering the landscape, it was so magnificent!

4th Day of Christmas-There were no trains to ride in my hometown of Phoenix. Venturing out into the main train station was something so new. We even made sure every-so-often to hop on a train to travel, even if it was just a short ride!

​5th Day of Christmas- You won't find windmills in Phoenix or Malaysia! And just next to the main shopping area in the center of Bremen sits this beautiful windmill! It's also a restaurant with great food!  Eating together as a family is something that we treasure!

​6th Day of Christmas- Growing up in a new country, I somehow never felt an excitement for history. But while living in an old country like Germany, history became a passion not only for me but also for the entire family. There's so much to see and learn just in Bremen alone. We make it a point to learn as a family!

7th Day of Christmas- Spending time together as a couple does wonders for your marriage! Especially when you really only have each other! I remember well, the first time we walked down the Weser river in Bremen, (it wasn't warm like in this photo), and I said to David, “As beautiful as it is here, I'm not too sure that I can handle the cold!” Fourteen years later, I still can't handle the cold. But if you're with the love of your life, you can endure anything!

8th Day of Christmas- There is nothing more lovely in Northern Germany than the Weihnachtsmarkt or Christmas Market in Bremen. Here you can see, experience and taste traditional German crafts and food. Getting to know and experience the traditions of your new home makes life much happier.

9th Day of Christmas- If you need some joy in your heart, eat chocolate! It works every time for every person in our family! And lucky us, we are blessed enough to have the actual Hachez chocolate factory and shop in Bremen! So, if you haven't had a piece of Hachez chocolate, I recommend to do so now! Joy overload guaranteed!

10th Day of Christmas- There's just something about Christmas lights! As kids, my parents would pack us in the car and drive us through neighborhoods to look at Christmas lights! The brighter, the better! Well, Germans don't really follow the same tradition of decorating their homes the way Americans do, BUT if you go into the main cities or malls, you are bound to find elaborate and colorful lights that are sure to light up your soul!  

11th Day of Christmas- Being away from family during Christmas time is hard. Especially if you come from big families and big celebrations that took place every year. And being alone in a land far away, it was important to us that we found a way to celebrate Christmas in a special way. In a way that we could create our own family tradition that we could pass down to our kids. So, each year, each of us receives a special ornament with our name and year inscribed.  

12 Day of Christmas- We found that the most important and special way to celebrate Christmas so far away from home is to stick together and to never forget why we celebrate. And even though the lights, the city, the snow, the history, and the food helps to ease the discomfort, no one and nothing will ever come close to the comfort that our Savior Jesus can give to us. Jesus is the reason for the season! Celebrate him!

​I pray that if you are feeling lonely or you are going through something difficult in your life, you will find happiness and peace this Christmas season! If you need help or encouragement, please don't hesitate to reach out! Just send me a short note and let me know what I can do or if you need prayer. Everything told to me is confidential.

With Love and Blessings,
Robin and David
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“Please don't do it! Just go and see the world,” begged my Mother as I was getting ready to make one of the worst decisions of my life. I grew up in the small town of Goodyear, Arizona. Well, back then it was a small town! My parents were not young when they adopted me. And along with the age came illness that often limited what they could do as we were growing up. We did travel as a family but the family vacations were usually the same trips and always by car. We would drive each summer from Arizona to Idaho to be with family. And usually for the shorter vacation times, San Diego was the other destination where there was also family. I have wonderful memories of the time spent with my family including my brother, sister, aunts, uncles and cousins usually fishing, hanging out at the beach, shopping, playing cards or simply just sitting and chatting for hours on end. I have to say, life was pretty good. I had a normal small town kind of life full of great moments. However, it lacked adventure.


Needless, to say I did not listen to my mother on that day that she begged me to travel and to see the world. Instead I stuck to my guns and said “I do” which led into many years of very trying times. And as much as I know now, that those experiences I went through molded and shaped me into who I am today, I never dreamed that those words that she spoke when I was 18 years old would actually begin to become reality 15 years later! I often wonder if there was a reason for saying what she said. Was it just a ploy to prevent me from doing what she knew was going to be a disaster? Or did she have a vision? Perhaps it was just her wanting me to get out of that small town to experience more in life, more than she was able to experience. I really don't know why she said it, but she obviously knew what she was saying!


I have been blessed with a wonderful husband and family and have had the opportunity to travel for the past 14 years as I have also been living outside of my home country. My marriage was what brought me to Europe where I have been living, but it has also opened the doors to wonderful Southeast Asia! Being that my husband David is an airline pilot enables the idea of travel while offering discount airfare to the family. And the fact that he grew up in Malaysia gives cause to travel to Asia to visit his family along with my cause to be with my family in the states. And over the years, travel to Asia and America with a few mini European trips in between has increased our desire for travel immensely. The more we travel, see, touch, hear, smell and taste the more we are given a new perspective on life and the world! It has opened our minds and hearts more than ever before to people, cultures, ways and beliefs. And as we continue to connect with various people around the world our hearts' desire is not only to broaden our thinking but also to spread the message of love and hope! So, why would you just read about the world in books if you were granted the possibility to experience it in real life along with the opportunity to be a change?  

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​More often than not, when we are young we refuse the advice of a parent or elder. And unfortunately it usually leads to disaster. But as we look back the picture is suddenly clearer, it makes more sense. I'm so thankful for the words my mother spoke into my life that day and everything worked out just the way it was supposed to! And I am quite sure that my Mother is looking down at me from heaven with a smile on her face, nodding her head and saying, “I told you so Robin!”

Has there ever been a time that you refused someone's advice about something but it eventually happened just like they said it would?

​Tell us about it! We would LOVE to hear from you!

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​With Love and Blessings,
Robin and David

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