DAY 6 - SUMMER SERIES - Summer is for relaxing - SO DO IT! My 5 Top Tips On How To Relieve Stress For Summer.

As a single working mom I feel the pressure daily. Now that school is out I am already getting uptight. WAIT! I am an adult  I know how to combat more wrinkles on my face, sore muscles from being uptight, road rage - you name it all comes from worrying about work, bills, where you kids are this summer, family vacations.  Here are the best tips on how to relax and take some time for yourself and let your brain and body calm down. It really does work but you actually have to do these things for it to work.


TIP #1 - SLEEP-SLEEP-SLEEP - Get the sleep your body demands. Mine is 8 hours, why I don't know. I have friend that only need 5. I know your asking yourself how in the heck does she get 8 hours of sleep. Well sleep is my priority. Let me say it again. Sleep is my priority. I know what time I need to go to sleep so my body gets that 8 hours. At that time I shut down and the is over. NO MATTER WHAT. Sleep in my fuel, sleep is what nourishes my brain, my body and helps me function during the day. I NEED SLEEP. I crave sleep. For me to rise and shine in the early hours I know that need to do as much as possible during those few hours after work so I can crawl into my fabulous bed and say goodbye world. At least for 8 hours. I may get by with 6 or 7 hours but it will catch up with me in the next couple days. What I'm saying is sleep makes you feel better and look better. So get the sleep you need, tell your kids, your husband your room mates, "Ok y'all I'm going to bed.' End of story.


TIP #2 - WATER - WATER - WATER - Yes staying hydrated with water will make you feel healthier. It will help you sleep better and make you look younger. We all need this during the summer. Water will help shed off dry skin and refill, reduce calorie intake, energizes muscles, and refills the body while we sweat in this heat and humidity of Texas - OH MY! Yes drinking lots of water is a good things. It makes repairs to the body that stress creates.
Watch your caffeine intake and carbonated sodas these 2 things will deplete your body of hydration and hinder your ability to sleep. Excess caffeine or nicotine can make individuals feel anxious or on-edge, and watch excess alcohol intake it's a sure fire way to dehydrate your body and make your skin look tired.


TIP #3 - POSITIVE THINKING - You know how we all have those friends that the first words in the morning are all cheerful and sunshine and happy happy happy? We say we hate them but I secretly love them
and their ability to have a positive attitude so early in the morning. To keep that positive thinking and good attitude do not dwell on failures and reward yourself for your successes.  Accept that everyone has limits and cannot succeed at everything.  Reflect on what you have achieved. Reduce the demands on yourself and don't over-commit yourself and be prepared to say ‘No’ if the load is too great. It is common for people to overestimate how much can be achieved in a particular space of time, so leave free time to cope with the unexpected.Asserting yourself in a positive, non-threatening way can help to combat stress. Accept the demands placed on you only as a matter of choice.


TIP #4 - LEARN TO RELAX - This is a tough one. Many people do not include relaxation time in their schedules. Conscious relaxation is important for your body and mind and can help you deal with the negatives of stress. I think many of us were never really taught just how to relax - What is relax - how do you do it? I have had to teach myself several techniques on relaxation even if it's just for a few minutes. It does make me feel better. Rubbing lotion on arms and hands - yes this is good one even at my desk, in the plane, in the car - where ever you are. I use an aromatherapy lotion and just rub it in. it relaxes my muscles, moisturizes my skin and after I do really feel better and tightness in my muscles has relaxed. some other things I've learned is Have Achievable and Realistic Expectations of Yourself, and I don't live in the past I have learned to let it go. There are several relaxation listening tapes that you can purchase that will teach you exercises on how to relax. I think they are worth it.  


TIP #5 - KNOW WHEN YOU ARE STRESSED - Knowing what is likely to cause stress can
help avoid such things in the future.  Keep a record of what situations make you stressful and see how you might deal with them in other ways in the future. Stress can be the result caused from our friends, family, kids, work colleagues, traffic, rally anything that causes us anxiety or those things that cause tension. Stress can arise as the result of factors including:

In addition to feeling uneasy, tense and worried, physical sensations of continued stress can include:

• Palpitations
• Dizziness
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Tension headaches
• Aching muscles
• Trembling or eye twitches
• Diarrhea
• Frequent urination
• Insomnia
• Tiredness
• Impotence

Really!  This is why stress is considered a killer. take the time to relax, take the time to laugh and enjoy this summer. Stop and smell the flowers. Manage your time and remember sleep is the most important - well to me anyway.  Have a great summer and relax you can only do as much as you can do, everything else will be fine.


Don't let your self get bombarded with the feeling that there is never enough time in a day.

Too much to do, too little time. Any of you feel that way much of the time? The to-do list seems to grow longer, not shorter, as the expectations to work, care for family, be involved in your community, plus care for yourself, can easily overwhelm both men and women (and children too). Even managing the to-do list can be too much! In the summer months there is often a plethora of things to do — from fun in the sun to balancing work and family. Choose wisely and don’t over commit. Your health depends on it.  You can only do what you can do. The rest is not important.

Take care of yourself and relax. Have a great Summer '16.

DAY 5 - SUMMER SERIES - How To Make The Best Ever Salmon

I am going to share with you the best Salmon recipe ever. I have always been intimidated by fish, except for tuna, which I love. But venturing out of the can to Salmon was a little bit scary. I know there are those of you that think I am silly and are saying, "Really, Salmon, it's so easy". Well I can say that now. This is a great recipe for a summer evening and it's quick too. The recipe takes only a few ingredients and I have served it for a simple dinner for 2 and a pool party of eight.

Here are the ingredients:

• 4-5 Fish Fillet
• 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/4lb Shredded Parmesan Cheese
• 4 Tbsp Italian Seasoning
• 2 Cups Bread Crumbs
• 1 1/2 Cup Mayonnaise (real)
• Baking Tray

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line the baking tray with foil. Coat with oil. Meanwhile mix Parmesan, Spice and bread crumbs in a bowl. In a separate bowl coat the fish with mayo then roll in bread crumb mixture.

Coated with bread crumbs and ready for baking.

2. Lay on baking tray. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

After baking 18 minutes

3. Remove from baking tray and serve.

I usually serve the fish with spinach salad, grilled vegetables or pasta. There is so many things to do with this fish. Also serve with a wedge of lemon. You won't need tartar sauce. the fish is so moist and flavorful you will see clean plates and will be asked for the recipe. And yes only 15 to 20 minutes makes this a quick meal for the summer.

The recipe can also be used with different proteins such chicken or veal. I used seasoned bread crumbs tonight but you can used plain bread crumbs and season them with your favorite seasonings. This meal is flavorful and healthy. Try it this summer and sit and relax with a mice glass of wine.

Thanks for reading today's post I'm interested in hearing about your recipes for fish. I love fish and try to get my daughter to eat more of it. It's so healthy and yummy.

DAY 4 - SUMMER SERIES - Summer Drugstore Beauty Essentials

Oh how our skin and hair take a beating in the summer. Here I have listed a few items I make my summer essentials to combat the heat, chlorine and humidity. With the heat and sand of the beach, chlorine from the pool, frizzes from the humidity, and sweat melting our makeup off, these items help me maintain a fresh sun glow look and keep my hair from being destroyed from the heat. Working in the Middle East where temperatures can reach over 140 F degrees with blowing sand and dust, 14 to 16 hour long haul flight with inner cabin air sucking out all moisture from my skin I use these product religiously to keep my skin and hair hydrated. First things first take along a good hat to shield you from UV rays and a good pair of sunglasses to protect those peepers.

1. Neutrogena - Rapid Tone Repair Moisturizer. Most important to keep your skin moisturized and hydrated is always have a good moisturizer. I have a normal to dry skin so this moisturizer works great for me. Also this moisturizer has a SPF 30 which I find mandatory for a moisturizer in the summer. Also this one has vitamin C and retinol to brighten skin and boost skin renewal. I love this product not just in the summer but all year around.

2. Ganier Skin Active Micellar Cleansing Water. I really like using a micellar water. First thing that comes out when I sit down in y chair for a long haul flight is this water. I refresh my face then moisturize. This water is refreshing, removes makeup and does not leave any oil residue. Must have a micellar water in your essentials. Actually Bioderma is one of my favorites when I am working overseas but is difficult to find here in the states but this Garnier water is a very close second and easily assessable. Your skin will thank you for this refreshment.

3. Bag Balm. Oh yes most the time you see this in the feed supply stores but this product is a dream. It is a miracle cure for dried elbows, heels and basically all over your body. It contains lanolin and moisturizes dried skin areas and make them smooth and nourished. The hidden secret product that has great benefits.

4. Neutogena Pore Refining Toner. I use this product daily to reduce the appearance of pores. It acts as an exfoliate of dead skin. During the summer with being outside with the sun and dirt, sweat melting makeup into our pores, along with other pollutants, they need a cleaning and exfoliating at the end of a day. Without the cleaning of our pores they become clogged and enlarged. Using this toner makes my face feel cleaner and lessens the appearance of pores while exfoliating the dead dry skins. A definite must during the summer.

5. Maybelline BB Fresh. Again with the SPF 30, I use this a quickie. Well maybe not what your thinking but when I have to go out during the day or getting ready for work I use this BB cream because it is light feeling but has a good cover-up. It covers up as good as a foundation but doesn't have that heavy feeling. It makes your skin look like you have makeup on but it gives that fresh summer look and its great for enlightening, brightening and adjusting skin tones. I really like this products when I'm spending the day outside and traveling. It's light and easy to pack in your bag to go. And with a SPF 30, it adds additional protection from the sun.

6. L'Oréal Voluminous Million Lashes. I am addicted to this mascara. I use this mascara daily to moisturize my lashes and to add a little volume. It makes my eyes look awake and just like the way it feels. It is not drying or clumpy. It's just a good everyday mascara.

7. Maybelline New York Under Eye Concelaer. Oh joy yes this is a must. For those late nights put this is a great cover-up for those dark circles. This is great for the summer to give a light coverage. Rub this concealer in under your eyes after a long haul flight and look rested like you were flying in first class even to those areas with high humidity this product stays in place and can be refreshed during th day to keep you from looking tired at the end of the day. From morning to drinks at happy hour this concealer helps under eye dark circles and blemishes stay out of sight. This is a good drug store concealer to carry with you where ever you go.

8. Paul Mitchell Smoothing Serum. On to our hair. While we always think of our skin our hair takes on major damage during the summer. I put this product on my hair after a shower. I just towel dry and use about a dime size amount and run my fingers through my hair. It helps give back moisture and hydrare my hair. I leave it in over night and may use a little more on the ends. It's great for those little frizzies that may show up after a workout or maybe sweating while out in the garden. The night before a long flight I'll put this in my hair and let it stay in until I reach my destination, its great for shine and keeping my hair hydrated.

9. L'Oréal Extraordinary Oil Transforming Oil-In-Cream Hair Treatment. This is a lightweight, non-greasy hair rejuvenator. It's great to run through your hair anytime. Again when I sit down in that seat for a flight this goes in my hair. AWWW my hair thanks me every time. I may even do a second dose mid flight. Many of yall may think what? Yes who care who sees you on a 16 hour flight. Put this in your hair get a bottle of water and make that flight a spa treatment for your skin and hair. You can thank me later. It works.

10. Batiste Dry Shampoo. Ok for those times your traveling and need a quick refreshing for your hair or maybe some volume this is the best dry shampoo. I love this shampoo when camping when showers are not available. If you have hair that gets oily quick this shampoo removes the oil and adds body and texture. This is an essential for the summer if your in a hurry to go out or refresh your hair.

I will be packing these items up for travel this summer especially when we go camping and sitting in that car for hours. Watch your SPF and protect yourself and keep your hair and skin hydrated. To use these products for flying I usually put them in travel size container to make it easier to pass through security. I will do a blog on passing security fast and easy later but for this summer keep these products available and come next winter you'll be glad you did.

Thanks for reading this blog and these products are all available in your local drug store.

Happy summer y'all and keep your inside hydrated with plenty of water and keep lips moisturized with a good chapstick with a SPF. I'd love to hear your favorite summer products in the comments below.

DAY 3 - SUMMER SERIES - Apartment BBQ

It's only Day 3 and I am already to start perfecting my BBQ skills. I admit I am probably not so proficient as the great chefs but I don't do to bad. The other day I was at my grocery store and they had these little cute bbq grills on sale. Yes key word - ON SALE! Besides it was so little and so cute and in my mind I was trying to justify purchasing this little cutie. Humm! I came up with many viable reasons to have this in my life. It would be great to just pull out and have a quick bbq, I could take it camping, to the beach, on a picnic - wait---picnic when do I ever have time for a picnic. I will make time. OK to be honest I really liked it because the lid is high enough to do 1 drunken chicken -this is what caught my interest in the store. Also it came in several different colors, I choose red, even though the purple one was super cute. The legs fold under for storage - Bravo. And, it was cheap - Jackpot! Cheap as in $14 - I think I made a good purchase. Next month I plan on taking my daughter camping and this will be perfect. It took me about 30 minutes to assemble it but it may have taken less because I kept taking a break to drink my ice cold Corona.

After assembling it and sitting and staring at it for another 30 minutes, I was feeling pretty accomplished and decided to go ahead and fire it up.  I was going to bake some chicken but had to use this grill.  I had the chicken marinating in the refrigerator over night. I added my recipe so if you would like to try it. The recipe makes the chicken tender and not all dried out - you know what I mean.

Chicken Marinate Recipe

• 1 Ziploc bag
• 1 bottle Italian dressing
• Pinch of Cayenne pepper
• Pinch of red pepper
• Yellow Mustard
• Salt
• Pepper
• 5 Chicken legs

Mix all together and let the chicken sit in the refrigerator over night. You could let it sit for a couple hours also if you are in a hurry. I grilled the chicken for about 45 minutes or until I saw a nice golden brown skin. I cut into it to make sure it done and of course cut me off a little piece and it was delicious. If there are any left overs I will cut it up and make chicken salad. YUMM!

I put about 20 briquettes on the grill, which lasted just long enough to cook the chicken I had on the grill. If I wanted to cook anything else I would have had to add more charcoal but it was already getting late and I didn't want to push my luck. The little grill worked great it is nothing fancy but it did serve it purpose spot on.

You can see that grill folds under and with the lid upside down I think we can get this in the car with all the other camping gear. Living in an apartment doesn't allow for much but I will be using this grill a lot this summer. I will be searching for creative recipes for bbq'ing this summer just so I get my full $14 worth. Next time I will put more charcoal on and do some veggies but I was happy with the chicken. 

I hope you have a great and safe bbq'ing summer. I will post more recipes that I do on the grill. Why pay an electric bill and heat up your house when you have grill?

Go Grill Everyone!

Now onto to Cocktails!

DAY 2 - SUMMER SERIES - Outdoor Patio Brought To Life

       Summer has begun. maybe not in the calendar world but it has in my world.  Oh MY! Houston we have a problem. The temperature and humidity are climbing and  making it miserable. But for those tolerable evenings I have decided to redo my patio. So my first project for the summer is redoing my patio.  Living in an apartment doesn't give many options but I will do my best. Here is what our patio looked like before. I guess most people living in an apartment don't give this extra space consideration, but I do like to enjoy those breezy evenings outside with a glass of wine and listen to relaxing music.  My patio isn't very big measuring 7ft x 4ft and with a weird corner at one end. So small I wasn't sure anything would fit outside that would be comfortable but with the help of my daughter we shopped until we were finally satisfied with the look we have achieved - in the store - now it was getting it home.

Out shopping began at Pier 1 - beautiful patio furniture but a little out of my budget for apartment living. Some other options we looked at were Walmart, Home Depot, Target and Lowe's, but we decided for another cheaper solution and came up with At Home.  This place is huge. It is like a warehouse for home decorating.  We did find exactly what we wanted and affordable. I think we hit this store on a perfect day, there was a great sale going on plus I had a 20% off coupon - JACKPOT! I admit there are even cheaper options such as DIY's but storing tools in an apartment just didn't seem feasible.

If your looking for patio furniture check out your local resale shops and grocery stores especially this time of year when stores are putting everything out for 40% to 50% off sales, you might find a really good deal.

Here is a little look at my patio and the key word is "little".

BEFORE:  

Yes as you can see it was pretty dirty but I wasn't going to  give up that additional sqft. So we decorate. I spent approximately $250 except for the plants and the lanterns, which were purchased from Pier1. If you hang out long enough you will see I love Pier1.

So here goes - this is the final look; with the little rug, furniture and lanterns all in place I really like it. Forget about it being an apartment it was really quite nice. It is very relaxing at the end of the day somewhere peaceful - except when the kids are yelling around the pool. Oh my! But all in all I really enjoy this little piece of sanctuary. 

AFTER:

 



NICE! I just love the designs on the ceiling when the candles are lit. Of course they are not real candles. I am to lazy for that - they are LED battery operated and yes with a remote.  How easy can it get? All I need now is someone to rub my feet and bring me cold drinks. I can hope! But I sat out the other night at about 83 degrees, low humidity and a slight breeze and just thought - "YES this was worth it."

Enjoy the space around you. Light candles, run fountains, have fluffy furniture if you like, just make it comfortable for you. When you are comfortable, everyone around you will be also. Take the time to create a space that welcomes you at the end of a hard day and all you want to do is get there and relax. A little resort atmosphere at your own home.  There are many ways to accomplish this. Traveling the world and staying in many fabulous resorts, it just takes a couple items to make you feel you are in luxury.

Here is my list of things that make me thing I am in a 5 Star resort:

• Nice bed with fabulous sheets and soft pillows
• Nice bathroom with tub and shower with great water pressure.
• Quiet with wonderful air conditioning.
• Fabulous spa treatments and let's not forget about the most important------ROOM SERVICE! 

OK, OK I could go on and on but you get the point if it is comfortable for you it is a great place.  Make it your own! All in all I didn't really do much, but the difference in the little things made it a place I will sit and enjoy and relax.

Enjoy your space!

Oh and before you go and do any major remodeling find out what rules and regulations your apartment complex has so you don't get in any trouble.

DAY 1 – SUMMER SERIES – Congratulations to the Class of 2016 !

I wanted to start my Summer Series off with big Congratulations to the Class of 2016. You deserve applause for your dedication and perseverance. GOOD JOB! I am also one of those graduates from the Class of 2016. Although I am an unconventional graduate - WHAT? Yes that is what I am called. Because of my age -So be it. I still graduated and now have a diploma. I was one of those young ambitious over achievers in my 20's and I did go to college, for many years it seemed like. I changed my major several times and finally achieved an Bachelor's of Science for Agribusiness with a minor in Animal Science. Well 20 some years later that was not good enough so I made the decision to return to school to get my Bachelor’s Degree. I admit I was a bit nervous. I didn’t realize that I was part of a trend at the time of older students returning to college. The justification for going back to college was to be more employable. Well it is now 2 years later I am now the recipient of a BBA - Bachelors of Business Administration with emphasis in Management. I was very proud of myself and I think it is probably the best investment I have made in years - we shall see how this investment works out. I'm not bragging on myself - well maybe a little - but my goal here is to motivate anybody that wants to continue their education to just do it. Age is never an obstacle to finishing your education or going after an additional degree, or basically going after anything you want in life. Even with the things that has happened in the past couple years that would make many throw their hands up and quit, I kept going because I kept hearing those words from my dad saying, "No matter what you have including all materials items, people can take everything away from you, but they will never take away your knowledge". Well it's all mine and I'll have it forever.

If you’re thinking about continuing your education, DO IT! Just take the leap and keep learning, you are a valuable investment - Invest In Yourself! Even if you decide not to go to a University, you could also consider cooking classes, book clubs, or crafting at the local craft shop as long as it is enjoyable for you and you are able to get out and stay active and meet new people you never know where these experiences might take you.

So here I am at my graduation. Wow! I made it. Fortunately, while I did find myself in the minority, I did not find myself alone. At first, I thought that the high numbers of returning older students was just a panicked reaction to job loss due to the Great Recession. I’m sure in many instances that this is absolutely the case. But it turns out that the phenomenon of returning older students is a trend that has been going on for a while, including retirement age college students and graduates in their 70’s. This is due partly to a shift in the population where there are more older people than younger college-age people and possibly due to a weak economy.

Anyhow my story is long and pretty boring so I will just leave the post as thank you for joining me with DAY 1 of my Summer series and another Congratulations to all graduates!

Me at my Graduation May 2016

What is graduation without a Selfie? (Me and my daughter Bailey) 'Never forget your dreams, always strive for greatness and do things that bring you happiness daily."

Slovenia

 

"Travelers should definitely put Slovenia on their Bucket list for future travel."

 

 

 map supplied by www.operationworld.org

 

Many people may not know exactly what Slovenia has to offer as a tourist destination.  Slovenia with it's natural beauty, history, Lake Bled, Julian Alps, coastal seaside beaches, and business opportunities allows for a wonderful vacation.  To get more information and statistics on Slovenia please visit http://www.slovenia.info/

 

 

On my 28 day journey Slovenia was the 7th country I visited.  Leaving Hungary I purchased a train ticket and traveled 10 hours from Budapest to Ljubljana.  I have to say going by train was the best decision I made.  As an American I was unfamiliar with train travel but got the hang of it easily.  The hardest thing is getting to the right gate- but found they are all marked for anyone to follow easily.  Prior to getting on the train I supplied myself with water, drinks and snacks for the 10 hour train ride.  I had no idea the world I was about to see, it was breathtaking with beautiful postcard scenes. I ended up having a first class car all by myself which made me even more comfortable.  30 minutes into the ride the Ticketmaster came through and told me that since I was alone in the car I would be allowed to smoke with the window open.  I love him! 

 

 

This is a perfect way to say the name of Ljubljana.  

 

 

 

Train travel through Europe is easy and extremely affordable with priceless views.  My best advice for people that are unfamiliar with traveling by train in Europe would be to wait until you reach your departure designation.  I thought of purchasing my ticket before I started my trip but found it cheaper and more convenient to purchase my ticket to Slovenia while I was in Budapest.  It was also easy to purchase my ticket to Vienna from Prague and my ticket to Budapest from Vienna.  This also gave me the chance to spend the afternoon in Bratislava, Slovakia, again it was cheaper this way,  most any hotel concierge will purchase the ticket for you on request.  I tipped my concierge for eliminating any stress I might have had.  If you prefer to purchase tickets or view schedule prior to your trip to anywhere in Europe please visit Rail Europe 

 

Ljubljana is the capital and is the largest city in Slovenia.  Ljubljana is very easy to navigate and explore.  The city has a relaxed feeling and people are friendly.  Although Slovenia is an European city and use the Euro currency it is relatively cheap to visit, and they have services to help you through all situations.  Medical, money exchange, and transportation through rail, rental cars, and air. 

 

 

There are farmers markets and local street vendors selling handmade goods, flowers and food items, and they do not harass you to buy. 
 

 

There are outside cafes to sit and enjoy listening to local musicians playing while you people watch and have a cool cocktail of the local drink.

And they have a McDonalds. 

 

 

Nightlife in Ljubljana can be very romantic or you can dance and party the night away until morning.  It is a great place for couples and families to enjoy fun events and beautiful views.

 

 

While in Ljubljana I stayed at the Best Western Premiere.  It is in the center of the city with all conveniences and services any tourist might need.  With my experience of traveling through Europe I have found that hotel rooms can be very small, almost claustrophobic, so when I made my reservations here I reserved a suite, just for the extra room.  Well this hotel has American size rooms, a bar, restaurant, business center and spa.  It is in walking distance to anywhere in the city.  It was perfect. But if you are a woman traveling alone, be cautious of being quickly approached by men.  Just sayin'.  A woman traveling alone can have an awesome time here and make great friends, but should always be aware of the surroundings and take appropriate measures to not get into situations that may lead to trouble.
Oh and across the street from the hotel is a H&M - I was in Heaven--major shopping! 

 

 Prior to getting to Ljubljana I had reserved a car rental.  Sometimes it can be difficult for Americans to rent a car in Europe, and where do you start and who do you trust?  With a current valid drivers license it is easy to rent a car anywhere in Europe. Well I rented a car through Auto Europe  I rented the car for 10 days for a total of 486 Euros.  What a deal.  It was an easy process with prepayment and they delivered the car to me at the hotel. The car was perfect, it was new and properly maintained. 
For more information on navigating through the city visit the following link http://www.visitljubljana.com/  this link allows you to review all of what Ljubljana has to offer.

  

 

My next stop in Slovenia was Lake Bled, a major tourist destination.  I jumped in my new rental car and took off.  I left my hotel about 9:00am and went to the nearest McDonald's to get a coffee and ask directions.  Well that didn't work out as well as I would have hoped, I forget not everyone speaks English, but thank goodness he understood the word coffee. I showed him a map and through hand gestures and a lot of pointing I basically figured out which way to go.  I did get a highway number and a direction so I was on my way.  Easy enough, not enough to stress me.

Lake Bled - Here I come!

Driving from Ljubljana to Lake Bled took between 2 and 3 hours.  A new highway and an excellent road.  Once I drove through the mountains I arrived at Lake Bled.  Pictures do not do justice to the beauty of this place.  The picture above is the view I had from my hotel room. 

I stayed at a smaller hotel located right on the lake.  The hotel was very modern, excellent service, beautiful views and wonderful food and wine.  I would certainly stay here again.  The hotel was the Triglav Bled

While checking in I walked out on to the balcony for the view and a welcome drink and to just soak it in- pure beauty.

My first activity was to walk down to the lake and walk around.  You can actually walk all the way around the lake.  To walk the circumference of the lake takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes depending on how many stops you make for drinks and photos.  Trust me it will take you longer, there are several little lake side bars and restaurants and 100s of perfects stops to take photos.  Traveling by myself I didn't have a problem getting someone to take my picture. 

I was lucky on this day that the sun was shining.  During the day the weather is constantly changing. 

20 minutes later.  When the weather started to turn I returned to the hotel for happy hour. 

Slovenia is famous for their wine and it was wonderful, and what a perfect view to chill and relax.  The waiters here were very congenial and gave me great information about the lake.  I enjoy talking to the local people, they always have great ideas and tell you more about things that are not in tours or available online.

One of the waiters gave me a tour of their cellar and even allowed me to have my dinner delivered there.  Wow what a treat.  They piped in good music and the atmosphere was so enjoyable.  I would have sat outside but it had begun to rain. They cook a lot of duck in Slovenia, so of course I tried it--- I am not a fan of duck but it was actually quite good.

This was the view I woke up to the next morning....Wow can I just stay here?

After Lake Bled I traveled to Croatia to explore Dubrovnik.  I left early in the morning from Lake Bled and prepared for a 6 hour drive to Split and another 2 hours to Dubrovnik.  Along the way to Croatia I took a detour exit.  I had no idea where the road would take me but I went anyway.  Along the way I stopped several times to take pictures--I love having my own car on this trip.  I wasn't always sure if I was heading in the right direction but thank goodness for a smartphone to keep me in the east and south directions.  About 4 hours later I came around a bend and there it was - Border Crossing.  Hooray!  I pulled up to the Slovenia check point and gave the young lady my rental car details and passport and she let me go.  About 150 feet away was the Croatia border, a pretty young blonde girl came out and welcomed me with a smile, checked my passport and told me, "Welcome to Croatia".

Click here to get more information on activities and information about Lake Bled

 

Traveling through Europe is easier than you think.  Americans have no worries about traveling to this country.  While in Ljubljana I rented a car, sometimes it is difficult to rent cars in countries we are not familiar with, but Slovenia is very easy to travel through on your own, and what a wonderful experience it can be to see things that are not available on a tour bus and  when you take the road less traveled.  

TIPS:
1.  Please contact the car rental company and confirm what countries you can go into with the rental car.  Many companies don't allow crossing borders or traveling into several countries.
2.  Please research your destination country on entrance requirements or if a visa is required.
3.  While traveling to another country please respect that country's customs and cultures.

Other websites that offer information for travelers:
Lonely Planet
Trip Advisor
Expedia