Rabat, Morocco

Storks nesting on a minaret at Chellah

Doorway in the Kasbah of the Udayas

Rugs for sale in the Medina.

Two summers ago I was fortunate enough to take part in the study abroad program, Semester at Sea, and travel around the Mediterranean while taking classes on a ship. After returning to the states, everyone asked me which country was my favorite. Even though I loved different aspects of all the cities and areas I visited, Morocco undoubtedly tops the list and will always hold a cherished place in my heart. 

The people of Morocco have such joy and appreciation for life it cannot help but rub off on you. Talking with the locals (in my mixture of English, limited French and hand gestures) was an enjoyable and amusing challenge for both parties involved.  

Wandering through the narrow streets of the Kasbah feels like being in a maze with surprises at every turn. There is so much beauty around every corner, these pictures hardly do it justice. 

Swamp Cocktail

Cheers!

This morning I made a "Swamp Cocktail." Despite it's unattractive, brownish coloring, it really is quite tasty! 

To make simply add a handful of strawberries (about 7-8, stems cut off), the acai unsweetened smoothie pack, a handful of your favorite leafy greens (I use a power green blend of red and green swiss chard, spinach and arugula), a spoonful of hemp seeds, and enough water to cover the strawberries into the blender. Mix it until smooth and then toss a few ice cubes into the mix and blend again. (This makes enough for two glasses.)

I love this smoothie because it nice and simple yet still provides lots of nutrients and vitamins. You can also easily modify the sweetness to your fancy by adding more or less strawberries and greens.

Benefit highlights: omega 3, 6, 9s in the acai; potassium, vitamin a, c, k in the greens; omegas, iron, protein in the hemp seed. 

Bermuda

Palm trees are my favorite

Here are some pictures I took in Bermuda about four years ago. I vividly remember the 2010 World Cup taking place while I was there. After watching the match this evening I felt a bit nostalgic and was inspired to post these pictures.

I had such a wonderful time exploring the beaches, snorkeling and kayaking and would go back in a heart beat! I love being in touch with nature and the outdoors and Bermuda is the perfect place to do all those things; we were even able to eat our meals outside on a patio. Not to mention, I got a great tan!

Spot of Tea

Care for a cuppa?

wellness teas: sweet love, algotea, boost, detox

I love starting the morning with a cup of tea. When I have time, it is a wonderful way to take a moment to myself, relax and prepare for the day. In addition to hydration, there are numerous health and medicinal benefits to drinking different types of tea. 

The Kusmi BB Detox is a lovely blend of mate, green tea and rooibos with subtle notes of grapefruit. Rooibos and green tea are high in antioxidants, helping to both protect skin from harmful pollutants and to slow signs of aging. According to Kusmi, "the combination of mate and green tea, recognized for its effectiveness in eliminating excess fluid from the body, also improves your skin's appearance by boosting toxin removal." 

You can explore more Kusmi teas on their website. They have an amazing selection of herbal, green and black teas. I have yet to try one I did not find absolutely delicious!