Month: June 2020

Classic California Road Trips

California is, hands down, one of the best places in the world for a road trip. It’s the third largest state in the nation, and its 164,000 square miles are absolutely packed with glorious, varied terrain highlighted by some 66 scenic byways. The 865 miles of coast are strewn with pockets of beach and stretches of sheer cliff. Rocky desert landscapes give way to rolling farmlands, and two-lane highways carve through quiet groves of towering sequoias before climbing into the high, rugged peaks of the 352 mountain ranges. With all that, it’s no wonder you simply cannot get to know the Golden State unless you hit the road. We’ve gathered together seven essential California road trips to get you started. 

1. California’s Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)

Distance: 656 miles

Start: Dana Point (Orange County)

End: Leggett (Mendocino County)

Following the California coastline, iconic State Route 1—or Highway 1—is one of the best road trips in the world. It is sometimes referred to as the Pacific Coast Highway (or “PCH”), though technically, the PCH is only a southern part of the route; other sections of Highway 1 are known as Cabrillo Highway, Coast Highway, or Shoreline Highway. Think of Highway 1 as a collection of the state’s greatest hits. You could drive the route in about five days, but there’s so much to do and see, we’d recommend getting out of the fast lane and giving yourself a week and a half or two weeks to really enjoy it all.

Start off with your toes in the Pacific at Huntington Beach, or Laguna Beach, or any one of the other scenic beaches of sunny southern California, then head north. Catch Spanish colonial architecture and sip local Santa Ynez valley wines in Santa Barbara; as you pass San Simeon, keep an ear out for elephant seals and an eye out for zebras and Hearst Castle. Then follow the forested road through Big Sur, stopping often to marvel at mountains that end abruptly in sea cliffs.

Be sure to pay homage to John Steinbeck at Cannery Row in Monterey, then bundle up to cut through the fog in San Francisco. Don’t worry, it tends to clear just after you cross the Golden Gate Bridge. From there, the road gets narrower and feels more remote as it winds through the hills of Marin County. Grab some oysters in Tomales Bay and picnic along the Point Reyes National Seashore. 

Finish up your trip walking driftwood beaches and tree-lined trails in the sleepy coastal town of Mendocino, or if you’re feeling really intrepid, keep following the coast north. Highway 1 officially ends in Leggett, where it turns to Highway 101, but that route continues more or less along the Pacific all the way into Oregon.

Read more California Road trips, including Northern California, by clicking the link below.

10 Classic California Road Trips to Take – AFAR

Article by Maggie Fuller for Afar©

Photo by Chris LaBasco/Shutterstock

Honey Perfume Roses Have Wonderfully Fragrant, Long-Lasting Blooms

a close up of a flower: Their pretty apricot-hued blossoms will brighten up your garden.
© Southern Living Their pretty apricot-hued blossoms will brighten up your garden.

Rosa ‘Honey Perfume’ brings bright color and inviting fragrance to Southern gardens. These cultivars are Floribunda roses, deciduous shrubs in the family Rosaceae, and their showy blooms appear in eye-catching peach, apricot, and yellow hues. The blossoms are deeply fragrant, which is where they get the apt name “Honey Perfume.” While we love red and pink roses, peachy flowers will always have a place in our gardens, and with a fragrance this memorable, we look forward to these blooms season after season.

As they grow, ‘Honey Perfume’ roses form a compact shrub that grows to 4 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. Their full, frilly blooms appear in summer—usually in May—and continue until frost. They bloom in abundant clusters and can be counted on to rebloom throughout the year. They’re grown for their attractive appearance as well as their strong fragrance. The foliage is deciduous and dark green.

According to the Missouri Botanical Garden, these roses are “best grown in medium moisture, slightly acidic, well-drained garden loams in full sun. Tolerates some light shade, but best flowering and disease resistance generally occur in full sun.” They thrive in full sun with regular water and maintenance. The Missouri Botanical Garden recommends that gardeners “water deeply and regularly (mornings are best). Avoid overhead watering. Good air circulation promotes vigorous and healthy growth and helps control foliar diseases. Summer mulch helps retain moisture, keeps roots cool and discourages weeds. Remove spent flowers to encourage rebloom.”

‘Honey Perfume’ roses were hybridized by Dr. Keith W. Zary in 1993 and have become garden favorites in the decades since they appeared. Plant your own, and you’ll soon see why so many Southern gardeners covet their fragrant blooms.

From the editors of Southern Living©

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/home-and-garden/honey-perfume-roses-have-wonderfully-fragrant-long-lasting-blooms/ar-BB167bOj?ocid=msedgntp

6 for Sunday

I confess to being an extremely amateur gardener. My efforts are to attract hummingbirds and butterflies to my backyard. This year I have failed miserably. Few hummers (all male), no butterflies. By now, the yard should be a dangerous place to walk, dodging hummers thinking my red shirt is a flower, and curious Monarchs looking to find the perfect nectar plant. The weather, fierce storms and wind, the rain in deluges then nothing for 10 days ? God, please not the virus! Or maybe they have sense to stay away from us humans. Anyway, here’s hoping that July will bring a host of fluttering to everyone’s yard. Until then, this is today’s lineup:

Salvia Black and Bloom just waiting for the hummers
That’s about 2 1/4″ of rain on Friday. More tonight, tomorrow…Oh, hello Yarrow!
The last of the Buttercups. Goodbye til next year.
I first planted Kniphofia (Red Hot Poker) 10 years ago. Due to my shady conditions, this is all I can hope for.
Daisies
Hummer chocolate cake, Bee Balm Jacob Kline. Where are the hummers?

Until next time, flower power to you all!

Siya Kakkar, TikTok Star, Dead at 17

Nia Ramadhani smiling for the camera
© You Tube

TikTok star Siya Kakkar has died at 17 years old. Her manager, Arjun Sarin, confirmed to ET that Kakkar died by suicide at her home in New Delhi, India, on Wednesday, June 24, around the hours of  9-10 p.m.

Sarin told ET he had talked to Kakkar earlier in the day, noting, “She sounded very normal, just like we talk every day.”

“I can just say she was one of the finest artists and her focus was not money,” he added. “Her focus was to work for her happiness.”

Kakkar, who lived in India, was known for her dancing and has more than 1.9 million followers on TikTok. On Thursday, Delhi Police told local news outlet India Today that Kakkar died at her residence on Wednesday night and had been battling depression in the four days prior to her death. Sarin told ET that he was not aware of the Tik Tok star receiving any online threats.

The manager also spoke about Kakkar’s death to India Today on Thursday, saying, “I had a word with her last night for a new project and she sounded normal… This must be due to something personal…work wise she was doing well.”

“Me and my company Fame Experts manage lots of artists and Siya was a bright talent,” he continued. “I am heading to her home in Preet Vihar.”

Sarin’s management company posted a smiling picture of Kakkar on Thursday on Instagram and mourned her death.

“Rest in peace @siya_kakkar 💔,” the post reads. “We will always miss an artist like you. May God give all the strength to her family.”

‘Sleep Divorces’ Are on the Rise—Could They Actually Save Your Marriage?

What happens when the reason you’re not getting your zzz’s is because of your partner? Maybe they snore, roll around too much or blast the AC. This might just call for a “sleep divorce.” With the help of matrimonial attorney and author of The New Rules of Divorce: 12 Secrets to Protecting Your Wealth, Health, and Happiness, Jacqueline Newman, let us explain.

JGI/JAMIE GRILL/GETTY IMAGES

What’s a “sleep divorce”? Simple: A sleep divorce is when a couple makes the mutual decision that they’re not going to sleep in the same bed for the sake of wellness. For instance, if the bed is too soft for one person, maybe they sleep on the couch, pull-out, guest room or perhaps even purchase a new bed. If snoring is the issue, the couple may decide to sleep on different floors of the house.

But isn’t sleeping separately bad for marriage? Au contraire! The word “divorce” probably makes you think it’s a bad thing, but according to Newman, a sleep divorce actually restores a lot of marriages and relationships. In fact, the whole point of a sleep divorce is to salvage or at least improve the relationship. If sleeping together means one or both partners is losing sleep, then sharing a bed might actually be bad for the marriage.

How is sleeping in separate beds good for a relationship? If your partner is the reason you’re not getting a solid eight hours, your anger and contempt could escalate to a whole new level. A sleep divorce could prevent these negative emotions from simmering to a boil. When we’re better rested, we’re healthier and happier, making us better partners because we’re able to show up.

But what about sex? If you like your sex with a side of sleep, get it done and then retreat to your preferred sleeping arrangements. Keep in mind, this doesn’t mean your relationship has failed; you’re just at a new stage.

Sold. So, how do I ask for sleep divorce? A healthy sleep divorce means the decision is mutual. Newman advises that the couple has to be on same page. “If one person derives huge amount of comfort from snuggling and connection, weigh your needs. Make the decision together.” And if you’re the partner who isn’t so into a sleep divorce, don’t just dismiss the idea, especially if your partner will experience this as rejection. Instead, like every other aspect of your marriage, make sure to communicate, be vocal, address needs and make compromises. Divorce granted.

Source: Dara Katz for purewow.com©

Republished from an earlier edition.

What a difference a new hair style can make!

A hairstylist with 24 years experience has shared before and after photos to reveal just how much the right hairstyle can transform a person’s face shape and highlight their best features.

Slide 1 of 16: A hairstylist with 24 years experience has shared before and after photos to reveal just how much the right hairstyle can transform a person's face shape and highlight their best features. Jurgita Malakauskaitė, from Lithuania, posted the images on Bored Panda. Scroll through to see the incredible transformations...
© Daily Mail

Cutting this woman’s long locks to just below the shoulder helped to accentuate her neck and cheekbones. The hairdresser said she also took into consideration her complexion and the proportions of her client’s body.

Slide 2 of 16: From unruly mane to gorgeous curls! Jurgita said she considers not only a person's hair colour, but their eye colour, hair texture and face shape when cutting a client's hair - and the results can take years off.
© Bored Panda / SelfStation

From unruly mane to gorgeous curls! Jurgita said she considers not only a person’s hair colour, but their eye colour, hair texture and face shape when cutting a client’s hair – and the results can take years off.

Slide 3 of 16: Jurgita also divides her clients into four categories - named after the four seasons: winter, spring, summer and autumn. Winter people have dark hair colour but light eyes, while a summer person has light eyes and ashy tones in their hair, like the woman pictured here who updated her look with a new colour and shorter crop.
© Bored Panda / SelfStation

Jurgita also divides her clients into four categories – named after the four seasons: winter, spring, summer and autumn. Winter people have dark hair colour but light eyes, while a summer person has light eyes and ashy tones in their hair, like the woman pictured here who updated her look with a new colour and shorter crop.

Slide 4 of 16: From honey blond to platinum: Jurgita said she pays particular attention to a person's eye colour to make sure their hair pops. This lady's shorter, slicked back look shaved years off her.

From honey blond to platinum: Jurgita said she pays particular attention to a person’s eye colour to make sure their hair pops. This lady’s shorter, slicked back look shaved years off her.

Slide 5 of 16: This client went from straight and tired to shorter, wavy and chic. Jurgita, who said she thinks of herself as a kind of hair architect, explained: 'It's like creating a painting. You first analyse what colours you'll "paint" with. And only after you have all of your colours ready, after you know your client's type and look at the shape of their face and hair texture, only then do you start "painting".'

This client went from straight and tired to shorter, wavy and chic. Jurgita, who said she thinks of herself as a kind of hair architect, explained: ‘It’s like creating a painting. You first analyse what colours you’ll “paint” with. And only after you have all of your colours ready, after you know your client’s type and look at the shape of their face and hair texture, only then do you start “painting”.’

Slide 6 of 16: Jurgita said cutting hair was not just about trimming, but bringing her client's personality to the forefront. She transformed this client's hair from mousy brown to pale pink, and gave her a much shorter crop.

Jurgita said cutting hair was not just about trimming, but bringing her client’s personality to the forefront. She transformed this client’s hair from mousy brown to pale pink, and gave her a much shorter crop.

Slide 8 of 16: Jurgita said cutting and colouring a person's hair is like choosing the right colours for a canvas. This woman's jawline appears sharper following her chic bob cut.

Jurgita said cutting and colouring a person’s hair is like choosing the right colours for a canvas. This woman’s jawline appears sharper following her chic bob cut.

Slide 9 of 16: The hairdresser said she believes it's her calling to bring out people's inner beauty and help them feel confident enough to experiment with their looks, enabling them to find what works best for them. This woman's new ash blonde style accentuates her hazelnut eyes.

The hairdresser said she believes it’s her calling to bring out people’s inner beauty and help them feel confident enough to experiment with their looks, enabling them to find what works best for them. This woman’s new ash blonde style accentuates her hazelnut eyes.

Slide 10 of 16: Making women happy and connect with their femininity is at the core of what Jurgita does. This woman's new style and highlights give her a younger, more edgy look.

Making women happy and connect with their femininity is at the core of what Jurgita does. This woman’s new style and highlights give her a younger, more edgy look.

Slide 11 of 16: While every person's hair is different, Jurgita said she always had a knack at seeing which cut would best suit a client. She mellowed this woman's blonde hue with honey highlights and gave her a chic bob.

While every person’s hair is different, Jurgita said she always had a knack at seeing which cut would best suit a client. She mellowed this woman’s blonde hue with honey highlights and gave her a chic bob.

Slide 12 of 16: Jurgita said she likes to see her clients make-up free to see their natural features, so that she knows how best to accentuate them. This woman looks younger thanks to a darker shade of strawberry blonde.

Jurgita said she likes to see her clients make-up free to see their natural features, so that she knows how best to accentuate them. This woman looks younger thanks to a darker shade of strawberry blonde.

Slide 13 of 16: Jurgita is not afraid of trying bold styles, like adding these purple highlights for a more fun, individual look.

Jurgita is not afraid of trying bold styles, like adding these purple highlights for a more fun, individual look.

Slide 14 of 16: Her haircuts bring structure to the face by faming her client's features. This woman's jawline and cheekbones are more accentuated after cutting her hair at the shoulders.

Her haircuts bring structure to the face by faming her client’s features. This woman’s jawline and cheekbones are more accentuated after cutting her hair at the shoulders.

Slide 15 of 16: Jurgita said she wanted to help women find confidence in their own femininity by picking the right colour for them. She opted for a platinum blonde and a bob for this client which suits her chic look.

Jurgita said she wanted to help women find confidence in their own femininity by picking the right colour for them. She opted for a platinum blonde and a bob for this client which suits her chic look.

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/beauty/what-a-difference-hairdresser-shares-before-and-after-photos-to-show-how-a-new-style-can-transform-people-s-face-shape-and-highlight-their-features/ss-BB15XogW?ocid=msedgntp

ESL Fourth of July Lesson

Fourth of July Fireworks for Independence Day

by http://www.elcivics.com

The Fourth of July is also called Independence Day. It is a federal holiday. Schools, banks, post offices, and government offices are closed on the Fourth of July. The Fourth of July is our most important national holiday because it celebrates the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence announced America’s independence from Britain. It was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Thomas Jefferson was the main writer of the Declaration of Independence. (3 pages)

Fourth of July CalendarWhen is Independence Day?
It is on July 4th.It is also called the Fourth of July.
Declaration of IndependenceWhy is it an important day?
It is an important day because it is the day the American colonies declared their independence from Britain.
Thomas Jefferson Statue, WilliamsburgWho wrote the Declaration of Independence?
It was written by a committee headed by Thomas Jefferson.Thomas Jefferson became the third president of the United States.
Boy Watching a ParadeAre there parades on the Fourth of July?
Yes, there are.Many cities have parades.
Hot Dog, Hamburger, and Chips on Red, White, and Blue PlatesWhat foods are popular on the Fourth of July?
Hot dogs and hamburgers are popular foods.Many people barbecue hot dogs and hamburgers in their backyards.
Watermelon Eating ContestWhat are these men doing?
They are having a watermelon eating contest.Watermelon is popular on the Fourth of July.
Fireworks StandWhat is this?
It is a fireworks stand.People buy fireworks for the Fourth of July.In some cities it is illegal to use fireworks.
Kids Watching Fireworks on the StreetWhat are the children in this picture doing?
They are watching fireworks.Be careful with fireworks.

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Source: https://www.elcivics.com/esl_fourth_of_july.html

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