tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-350872212024-03-17T21:01:25.395-06:00Fantastic FeathersA blog about Travelogues, Book Reviews and, Parenting Articles.Mahathi Ramyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573960801443027067noreply@blogger.comBlogger1216125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35087221.post-464175126123082552024-03-14T15:27:00.003-06:002024-03-14T15:27:22.436-06:005 Reasons to visit Daingerfield State Park in Texas<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">Daingerfield State Park</span></h2><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">This 501-acre park in East Texas has clear water from spring-fed lake. The location seems to be remote but more than 75,000 people visit this park every year. This is located near Texarkhana in Morris county, Texas.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">If you love a quiet place beside the lake, hiking trails, clear water, wild life and bird watching, you will love this place.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">We have covered this park as part of our trip to <a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2024/02/a-quick-guide-to-visit-caddo-lake-state.html" target="_blank">Caddo Lake state park</a> and <a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2024/02/the-perfect-day-trip-to-talimena-scenic.html" target="_blank">Talimena Scenic drive</a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Park Address:</span></h3><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">455 Park Road 17 Daingerfield, TX 75638<br /><br /><br /><a href="tel:+1-903-645-2921">(903) 645-2921</a></span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Hours:</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Open 7 days a week year-around</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Admission:</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">$4 daily</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Children 14 and under free<br /></span><div class="detail__overview text--content" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #414042; font-family: pulpo, serif; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.45; margin: 0.25rem 0px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBqsrz5PgjjyZObFAvbz_yt9xlQoh6nbg2LDTilZ6JfcSPimEHLnYoOjYGJaogXIMx7Tdz7oxGfvr5mXb76OZ9cWAkPlEKfCpiTBGNUk0mTJIMXvFXqjQR7kjnoPa8hzc-R_iNSlij6FK5OSlcEg68IsWtaLsqeWi5UioDyHmHHBNN6XGWvrT/s800/25049645188_3793774234_c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="800" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBqsrz5PgjjyZObFAvbz_yt9xlQoh6nbg2LDTilZ6JfcSPimEHLnYoOjYGJaogXIMx7Tdz7oxGfvr5mXb76OZ9cWAkPlEKfCpiTBGNUk0mTJIMXvFXqjQR7kjnoPa8hzc-R_iNSlij6FK5OSlcEg68IsWtaLsqeWi5UioDyHmHHBNN6XGWvrT/w640-h432/25049645188_3793774234_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanzim/25049645188</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">Here are 6 wonderful reasons to visit Daingerfield State Park:</span></h2><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">1. Cabins</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Who doesn't love to stay in historic cabins by the lake and enjoy fishing on a weekend?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">These historic cabins even have AC, fridge, bathroom and kitchen. So, just remember this place if you want to lose yourself in pine wood forest for a weekend.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">There are also campsites, and picnic tables.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">2. Hiking</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">With 2 kids we always look for options to hike and get some family time on vacations. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The hiking trails can take us through pinewoods, and dogwoods. There are 2 trails - 2.4 miles Rustling leaves trail is moderate and the most popular. It might take around 2 hrs to complete the hike. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_r-TVJzDxcfaYBhVA7z6css8OVPwLrLJ1jtB7G501XXCiLGaKLgvle6rbWxScSAbLKkEdkDL2b7COpHxjQx-uOcIW5A5QXMp4OwA6iihP7IP5SX8s8tlof-XRPV3XrtcsncdNx04RyTqTycZWxjneu5idf5Li0rz2ywZpGg8OxidaBqwO4Xjk/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-03-14T153225.528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_r-TVJzDxcfaYBhVA7z6css8OVPwLrLJ1jtB7G501XXCiLGaKLgvle6rbWxScSAbLKkEdkDL2b7COpHxjQx-uOcIW5A5QXMp4OwA6iihP7IP5SX8s8tlof-XRPV3XrtcsncdNx04RyTqTycZWxjneu5idf5Li0rz2ywZpGg8OxidaBqwO4Xjk/w640-h360/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-03-14T153225.528.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDelMTbSFW4Dq2wzsH3k0d3TVpOesF9Ymrvu2-JQMX9GCxo2IfO1iX09S4drKnP8-jSFLoPAAxZuNzNFOBi-qpOmOWUB7AAsyPnkuZv76Y3Wh_is3N4SfEVC6hedNie6re7oTk-xEQScYUDz9DGNYcJgSlNhMcJGPwngQk1lrBEs4AnLzdGtMX/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-03-14T153256.074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDelMTbSFW4Dq2wzsH3k0d3TVpOesF9Ymrvu2-JQMX9GCxo2IfO1iX09S4drKnP8-jSFLoPAAxZuNzNFOBi-qpOmOWUB7AAsyPnkuZv76Y3Wh_is3N4SfEVC6hedNie6re7oTk-xEQScYUDz9DGNYcJgSlNhMcJGPwngQk1lrBEs4AnLzdGtMX/w360-h640/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-03-14T153256.074.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">1.2 miles Mountain view trail is challenging and take you to the highest spot in the area with a good view of pine covered bluffs.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Little Pine interpretive center, Scenic view , Bridge and CCC dam are some of the interesting spots on trails.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">3. Boating, Paddling</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">There are many paddle boats, paddle boards, canoes, kayaks and flat-bottom boats for rent on the lake. Paddles and lifejackets included. Rentals are available whole year around.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The water is very clear and boating on the lake is wonderful.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRfULw84mATQWhhEFxE4WvVP3Uz4K_reoOLQucGHNobJYrscshL_-9TX5ca52pWbhmL-kIXyA6BKiWqLrYDVv5CEw9SrXa5Xgl9Zb7LCKjHGv55QHn8JAC7U6HEFgy0fw8nkgDp4_EwHA1FkQq0EpU9vlJkoS0ir3Y8rViMFF7BY23HgvO1hR/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-03-14T153325.937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRfULw84mATQWhhEFxE4WvVP3Uz4K_reoOLQucGHNobJYrscshL_-9TX5ca52pWbhmL-kIXyA6BKiWqLrYDVv5CEw9SrXa5Xgl9Zb7LCKjHGv55QHn8JAC7U6HEFgy0fw8nkgDp4_EwHA1FkQq0EpU9vlJkoS0ir3Y8rViMFF7BY23HgvO1hR/w360-h640/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-03-14T153325.937.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAhMYCt2zZNxkNaBM_Rwl3G_ItAuzyWfKyCqOCEdisYy_SDsTPvYB88-w7F_XtZotelkHnKUIho1PIGNpgMlm5skaLb6UGHEwpL8pd_iqhyphenhyphenbPu8cvN3BwNAwDnEhasSPLBGM_tNacqzOsvbQl1W9kImwPp12kotTW9BZ0pGCfwT957ND_HjjF/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-03-14T153511.021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAhMYCt2zZNxkNaBM_Rwl3G_ItAuzyWfKyCqOCEdisYy_SDsTPvYB88-w7F_XtZotelkHnKUIho1PIGNpgMlm5skaLb6UGHEwpL8pd_iqhyphenhyphenbPu8cvN3BwNAwDnEhasSPLBGM_tNacqzOsvbQl1W9kImwPp12kotTW9BZ0pGCfwT957ND_HjjF/w640-h360/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-03-14T153511.021.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">4. Fishing</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">We haven't learned to fish yet, but this park is a great place for fishing. You can fish crappie, bass, catfish, perch or chain pickerel. The park has a fishing pier.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">No fishing license needed to fish here!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">5. Area Attractions</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2024/02/a-quick-guide-to-visit-caddo-lake-state.html" target="_blank">Caddo Lake state park</a> is around 50 mins and is an interesting place to watch bald cypress trees and trees adorned with Spanish moss which add to the mystic beauty. Jefferson is a historic town also popular for their haunted tours.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Tyler state park is around 1 hr 15 mins and the drive is scenic with shaded 100 foot pine trees. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">We spent around 3 hrs in the park. We loved the lake, the water was clear and the fall colors were amazing. We visited the park around second week of November, still a few fall colors retained.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">We hiked the rustling leaves trail, walked near the fishing pier and spent some time watching the fall colors and the scenic lake.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">So, that's it about our trip to Daingerfield State Park. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1VKUpzZxQEcUNxS8HvCkEhViuHr4jvtIw_ZparDgDj0FOZGu5vHD8RPtkPHhwONGhoyYlI_wP9ULpXcpI5rvrHBUMwPN7Jgx2IB86rIx6yxNnrPdg8MLokc01ARy5sP45ASK-S_fb-s6bYRqUlcsLGkflPDJXi_FpcgbsfsL5hCyfzxwvEE7/s228/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="228" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1VKUpzZxQEcUNxS8HvCkEhViuHr4jvtIw_ZparDgDj0FOZGu5vHD8RPtkPHhwONGhoyYlI_wP9ULpXcpI5rvrHBUMwPN7Jgx2IB86rIx6yxNnrPdg8MLokc01ARy5sP45ASK-S_fb-s6bYRqUlcsLGkflPDJXi_FpcgbsfsL5hCyfzxwvEE7/s1600/signature.png" width="228" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Pin it for later!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEePE4ZbJ2fwKcFC8M0Rz5Xp4QKXkmzfRri6jhsY2W7u2tvqmBnIGegE-NCpo7MBp9xwsi7_eEYxlEfc9hntHkvnv4jE-Ce5NwbROn-bskqKX_xxyqnx5KXCSyE8qWwWjwjNgBgy8vKAsyOGMOYOYFp7ExqKVVK_YQTn8J5lcX2u1A4nqJACA9/s1500/White%20Travel%20Eats%20Pinterest%20Video%20Pin%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEePE4ZbJ2fwKcFC8M0Rz5Xp4QKXkmzfRri6jhsY2W7u2tvqmBnIGegE-NCpo7MBp9xwsi7_eEYxlEfc9hntHkvnv4jE-Ce5NwbROn-bskqKX_xxyqnx5KXCSyE8qWwWjwjNgBgy8vKAsyOGMOYOYFp7ExqKVVK_YQTn8J5lcX2u1A4nqJACA9/w426-h640/White%20Travel%20Eats%20Pinterest%20Video%20Pin%20(2).jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Mahathi Ramyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573960801443027067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35087221.post-85952484155894029622024-03-08T09:19:00.000-07:002024-03-08T09:19:50.546-07:00Travel the Continents and Be Back Before Bed by Robert McFadden III - Book Blitz<p> </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/rabtbooktoursandpr.com/2024blitzes/robert-mcfadden-iii-travel-the-continents-and-be-back-before-bed-blitz"><img height="200" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/84e23b906c1346adb9fc74d2814a0f98" width="500" /></a></div><p> </p><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a 1="" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/a30cb1476a3740a8aebca0a53ade0c81" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="579" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/a30cb1476a3740a8aebca0a53ade0c81" width="565" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><b>Children’s Book</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><b>Date Published: </b></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">February 2021</span>
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span>
</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/207983072-travel-the-continents-and-be-back-before-bed"><img height="75" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/26885701adea4bb791503c2c1651b879" width="200" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Are you looking for the best read-aloud book for early readers or
just an adventurous bedtime story to inspire and help the young,
inquisitive minds of kids develop their knowledge and
imagination?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Get ready for an exciting journey with this brightly illustrated and
artistic adventure for readers. The author takes the kids on a
fantastic journey across continents with this soothing bedtime
narrative.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">In this insightful children's book, rendered in basic vocabulary for
easy reading, kids will learn about fascinating wild animals from
different parts of the world. From the giant elephants of Africa to
the playful pandas of Asia- you’ve got a relaxing sleep aid for
those fun-seeking kids.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">With colorful illustrations and interesting facts, “Travel the
Continents and Be Back Before Bed" is the perfect children's book
for bedtime reading.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Join us on a fantastic adventure as we travel the continents and meet
fascinating animals. From the giant Elephants of Africa to the playful</span>
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">pandas of Asia, this book will take you on a journey like no other.
Packed with colorful illustrations and fun facts, it's the perfect
bedtime read for young explorers. So grab your passport and get ready
to go on a wild adventure - and be back before bed!</span>
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span>
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>About the Author</b></span></span></p><a 1="" href="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/08226669419e4357bb9006943ceca03f" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/08226669419e4357bb9006943ceca03f" width="232" /></a>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Robert McFadden III discovered his passion for writing for kids when his
first son was born. As he began sharing joyful stories with his kid to make
his growing family happy, little did Robert know that a journey into writing
delightful children's books had started.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Simultaneously managing the tasking reality of parenthood and being in
graduate school, Robert suddenly found solace in crafting imaginative tales
instead of tackling homework.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The desire to make Children happy is his newfound joy, and he cherishes
every opportunity to create heartwarming adventures that will inspire kids
and bring smiles to their faces.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">A loving husband and father of two fantastic boys, what Robert started as a
pastime soon blossomed into a fulfilling creative adventure.</span>
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><b>Purchase Link</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3TiqDlw">Amazon</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rabtbooktoursandpr.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="RABT Book Tours & PR" height="400" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/wzukusers/user-32179697/images/0ef1e26fd5f04c99b11731d6d17c8a41/RABT-Tour-Host.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Until next time,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHsnS7KAZLX6s13PZr5iHWLNMpAeQVFPCIZc_zEJFhHuTSRHb4big_EUchP6l_MfgvZcngD-vtU3xHEP7yLQQ_ImLlcU2pKjb7c-yjzDzQNyF-Mk4xrzG2zWptgTCg5tecfMS5uT-0mhGhB5aK51As4znW26jVHhWcbIcWWBwbLyzQ-i42kfR/s228/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="228" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHsnS7KAZLX6s13PZr5iHWLNMpAeQVFPCIZc_zEJFhHuTSRHb4big_EUchP6l_MfgvZcngD-vtU3xHEP7yLQQ_ImLlcU2pKjb7c-yjzDzQNyF-Mk4xrzG2zWptgTCg5tecfMS5uT-0mhGhB5aK51As4znW26jVHhWcbIcWWBwbLyzQ-i42kfR/s1600/signature.png" width="228" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<p></p>Mahathi Ramyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573960801443027067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35087221.post-26771589359133938552024-02-27T10:09:00.004-07:002024-02-27T10:12:36.848-07:00Enchanted rock state natural area - Hill country, Texas<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is 20 mins away from a town inspired by German heritage - Fredericksburg. This large granite dome is challenging to hike, but this hike gives beautiful 360 degree views of Texas hill country.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FwT88MxFu_o-TJp5upHYP-H1VVGcrZJhO7XnowOyOCkUGyIyPm2hUmiGnH1v0Hi7pGjDMhR_YZ7-4CmXR4d43N3SW0aUyTzJsobItyysWzSObkW0MAyjTFhr7EbaKCF0IEiKjvcqv3EjFbLChkJROQixRFp8DfHRwfYfW1bppOyIZlAMhQ7H/s2000/9566091370_ec3da1f10d_k.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1269" data-original-width="2000" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FwT88MxFu_o-TJp5upHYP-H1VVGcrZJhO7XnowOyOCkUGyIyPm2hUmiGnH1v0Hi7pGjDMhR_YZ7-4CmXR4d43N3SW0aUyTzJsobItyysWzSObkW0MAyjTFhr7EbaKCF0IEiKjvcqv3EjFbLChkJROQixRFp8DfHRwfYfW1bppOyIZlAMhQ7H/w640-h406/9566091370_ec3da1f10d_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">https://www.flickr.com/photos/brianmrussell/9566091370</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Enchanted Rock is 425 foot pink granite dome , also known as Batholith rock. Batholith means, a large mass of rock that forms when magma rises and solidifies. </span></p><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Address:</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></h3><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">16710 Ranch Rd. 965Fredericksburg, TX 78624</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>Hours:</b> 10 am to 10 pm (please check website for the latest hours)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Reservations are recommended </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">through their </span><a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/enchanted-rock" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">site</a> <span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">while visiting the park</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">. Entrance fee is $8 per adults and children under 12 years are free to enter.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVj6dLJLBbqSFF7EuH97wn23G__fYotTWMsVPoJ8MBLhHUuoa6EsejH6GCZxsZpKgt6dsLcu7E7rPBtA01t0f16_LOU2t3EwhPsLhWMPqSwbMranSNCi_sVBtHCn5Spnbc_XZczAkUfLf6jQBzkT9vW1WJWXkLTwoabbxowXzG1Xii1HvQZI3/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-27T105809.097.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVj6dLJLBbqSFF7EuH97wn23G__fYotTWMsVPoJ8MBLhHUuoa6EsejH6GCZxsZpKgt6dsLcu7E7rPBtA01t0f16_LOU2t3EwhPsLhWMPqSwbMranSNCi_sVBtHCn5Spnbc_XZczAkUfLf6jQBzkT9vW1WJWXkLTwoabbxowXzG1Xii1HvQZI3/w640-h360/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-27T105809.097.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Legends about Enchanted Rock:</span></h2><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Tonkawa tribes used to be scared that some ghost fires flicker at the top of the dome and there are some frightening sounds coming from the stone.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Scientists later confirmed that dome glitters on clear nights after rain due to the reflection from collected water. The dome also groans and creaks as temperature changes.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLeaYGxaxkcX2Zy6yvSsNwgiQTcuhzybY8SG2krqRPyg24_DZ1MZ_P-XFeJc-7OAx5s8rdbvHGb5wVfr7nHzP3mrbdYgZbl8UK3piJUI-KeWl8keHeqmAOqWmQ7wEFrgxUMCNIgZ3LCz_Vsk36_-Dn8VI0Uj2ryB1zksNjAMP4jfUNTjDDj83/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-27T105822.901.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLeaYGxaxkcX2Zy6yvSsNwgiQTcuhzybY8SG2krqRPyg24_DZ1MZ_P-XFeJc-7OAx5s8rdbvHGb5wVfr7nHzP3mrbdYgZbl8UK3piJUI-KeWl8keHeqmAOqWmQ7wEFrgxUMCNIgZ3LCz_Vsk36_-Dn8VI0Uj2ryB1zksNjAMP4jfUNTjDDj83/w640-h360/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-27T105822.901.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Activities in Enchanted Rock State Park:</span></h2><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Hiking:</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">There are 11 miles of hiking trails here. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Summit trail climbing to the top of the rock is the most popular one. This 0.8 mile challenging trail might take 45 mins to 1 hr. Take your time climbing and stopping in the middle to enjoy the 360 degree views. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Please don't under estimate this trail. Carry enough water and any snacks. Plan to hike on a cloudy day or when it is not too hot. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Echo canyon trail is 0.7 mile moderate to challenging trail where you can checkout the giant boulders and other exfoliation features of little rock. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFeaBaWTUxsnNf3-AHZ-B-qV2Hl66k7kDvuxpgUaqHw6_zy32SANwoPEjRMAnKKmWjvqyZI2e17zruLaoojgWFwxC6C5-h-7WqoaZBwZ34AluT06DTOotrEYDhzCBzKlfxxky5nJVPGnQ3l7auXc3atPWBY8tcb11bLDlA-Dc9Nb-BIABBlKL/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-27T105953.398.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFeaBaWTUxsnNf3-AHZ-B-qV2Hl66k7kDvuxpgUaqHw6_zy32SANwoPEjRMAnKKmWjvqyZI2e17zruLaoojgWFwxC6C5-h-7WqoaZBwZ34AluT06DTOotrEYDhzCBzKlfxxky5nJVPGnQ3l7auXc3atPWBY8tcb11bLDlA-Dc9Nb-BIABBlKL/w360-h640/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-27T105953.398.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Rock Climbing:</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This park offers rock climbing for enthusiasts. The rock climbers should check at park headquarters to get the park map and understand climbing rules. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPz0L2y2j4SPqoXz9CrlEfLA_xNBNhaSghgpVhdILgwFJ9ao7vff6dhlBLE5Ygf810hcrs9Vv2a7eKIZeh6xNJdq86mXlKTASjMHDGivN6p6c_AzoQUT0dcaBNuLXDncP0PRCSmFIv2Uk4Clf64yD51SUJzNy5_NFbTT_lLxbNgBDNU6Zu9r7_/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-27T110017.528.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPz0L2y2j4SPqoXz9CrlEfLA_xNBNhaSghgpVhdILgwFJ9ao7vff6dhlBLE5Ygf810hcrs9Vv2a7eKIZeh6xNJdq86mXlKTASjMHDGivN6p6c_AzoQUT0dcaBNuLXDncP0PRCSmFIv2Uk4Clf64yD51SUJzNy5_NFbTT_lLxbNgBDNU6Zu9r7_/w360-h640/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-27T110017.528.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Stargazing :</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Enchanted rock has many legends and mysteries. This is one of the best places for star gazing. This is designated as International Dark Sky park.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/enchanted-rock/more-info/dark-skies" target="_blank">This</a> page tracks real time sky darkness. This will help you to know the days with clear skies to observe. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This park also offers camping, picnicking, wild life watching, interpretive exhibits and a park store. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">So, that's a good place to visit in Spring break if it's not too hot. You can also spend some time in Fredericksburg. You can stop by Llano and visit museums. Also, if you have time, drive the <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wildlife/wildlife-trails/hotw/peach-loop" target="_blank">Peach loop</a> if you are interested to watch wild life. There are some observation points on the way. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Pin it for later!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFz0V1a2Pr_M9llZEvExRop3-rIjfO2o4ZTba-vkhzlnQXv9goDDfAtGB3sLVDo8tyyA56Zv5VeXWnKJSXxAupX11U_6z9aUR0PRQF86tg-7VEXyRrM9JOFAs6UQpjCIp06kp0KS1jcHLjC2AI8600qEzlPPd23t8Je61svTpFVVTw9_oiHkWT/s1920/Green%20Gold%20Simple%20New%20Years%20Resolution%202023%20Mobile%20Video.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFz0V1a2Pr_M9llZEvExRop3-rIjfO2o4ZTba-vkhzlnQXv9goDDfAtGB3sLVDo8tyyA56Zv5VeXWnKJSXxAupX11U_6z9aUR0PRQF86tg-7VEXyRrM9JOFAs6UQpjCIp06kp0KS1jcHLjC2AI8600qEzlPPd23t8Je61svTpFVVTw9_oiHkWT/w360-h640/Green%20Gold%20Simple%20New%20Years%20Resolution%202023%20Mobile%20Video.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9zMVodvJdNasKm9EAueHXICy2pbmP4WCIsCSWGz0YuH-Gzp3KoHYEJELNruLCypaAEXt4kUocpBnK8lYWqpJEwFVzjfk4HNL9htpoyboGQOOBm0OJHSJAcZO5DQpzjI9kDeAptqCziv-pq9NNj8421hspO20FCpdQTwKr0V5dyz1ZITDaSpZ/s228/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="228" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9zMVodvJdNasKm9EAueHXICy2pbmP4WCIsCSWGz0YuH-Gzp3KoHYEJELNruLCypaAEXt4kUocpBnK8lYWqpJEwFVzjfk4HNL9htpoyboGQOOBm0OJHSJAcZO5DQpzjI9kDeAptqCziv-pq9NNj8421hspO20FCpdQTwKr0V5dyz1ZITDaSpZ/s1600/signature.png" width="228" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Mahathi Ramyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573960801443027067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35087221.post-72588507531937732362024-02-21T15:17:00.009-07:002024-02-21T15:21:18.206-07:00A Quick Guide to visit Caddo Lake State Park in East Texas<p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"> </span><i style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Caddo Lake State Park is located near Karnack in east Texas. It is quite remote location, but this state park has one of the largest flooded Big cypress tree forest. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">This is one of the largest natural lakes and swamp land. The Gigantic Bald Cypress trees adorned with grey Spanish moss reflecting on the water is a beautiful scenery. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">If you search for photos of this state park in Google, you will be awed with the serene, mystic feeling you get watching them. The reflections of trees in water, the twisting lake in Bayou, and the Wild life around draws many tourists here.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"> But, to enjoy the beauty of the lake, you should rent a canoe/ Kayak or signup for the guided boat tours.</span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></h2><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Pin it for later!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZzyoNLOrVTrsTZrL0QxKMPmq6_RNf2VHLrboq6SPvO2cdVcaFXLdk-1h4UxgyRR6bfiShWRZPKeH-Po9jgUqLvLYMk1iQ_ZiNQt6yov5voVyDx0Vmem_ePhrax8NZUJCiG8MbXGm_UCeyxHcg4u8AaU875LrnwL34BAgg-Oj4LVNcCfezK3N/s1500/Brown%20Photo%20Grid%20Holiday%20Travel%20Recommendation%20Pinterest%20Pin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZzyoNLOrVTrsTZrL0QxKMPmq6_RNf2VHLrboq6SPvO2cdVcaFXLdk-1h4UxgyRR6bfiShWRZPKeH-Po9jgUqLvLYMk1iQ_ZiNQt6yov5voVyDx0Vmem_ePhrax8NZUJCiG8MbXGm_UCeyxHcg4u8AaU875LrnwL34BAgg-Oj4LVNcCfezK3N/w426-h640/Brown%20Photo%20Grid%20Holiday%20Travel%20Recommendation%20Pinterest%20Pin.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Here is a quick guide to Caddo Lake State Park</span></h2><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">How to Reach?</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Caddo Lake State park is 2.5 hrs drive from Dallas and 45 mins from Shrevport, Lousiana. </span></p>
<script async="" data-aff-code="a_aid" data-autocomplete="on" data-dev-env="com" data-lang="en" data-location="" data-style-form-bg-color="FAD130" data-style-form-font-color="333" data-style-submit-bg-color="00A200" data-style-submit-font-color="white" data-style-submit-text="Search now" data-utm-medium="widget" data-utm-source="fantasticfeathers" id="dchwidget" src="https://www.discovercars.com/wg.js"></script>
<p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Where to Stay?</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Marshall is a small town with many good options to stay. This is budget friendly. You can also rent cabins inside the state park which you have to reserve ahead or get campsites. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Jefferson, which is 45 mins from Caddo lake is popular as the most haunted town. There are many vintage and historic bed and breakfasts to stay here.</span></p><iframe frameborder="0" height="428" id="stay22-widget" src="https://www.stay22.com/embed/65cfc4bf09f57b04738add0e" width="100%"></iframe><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Boat Tours and Canoe/ Kayak Rentals:</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">If your accommodation has kayaks already, it's great. If not, checkout <a href="https://riverbendoutfitters.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Riverbend Outfitters</a> or <a href="https://jrmarina.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Johnsons Ranch Marina</a> for rentals. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">If you are like me, who is not good at kayaking, you can try booking a tour with <a href="https://www.caddolakebayoutours.com/" target="_blank">Richard</a>. We contacted Rich through email and blocked our tour ahead of time. It was around $40 per adult and $20 per kid in 2023. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifELoCoeSNt-TaP8huSM7hVTOBso9-VnIQ64k7LrwDWvubjchyphenhypheno376Pn2BctSBvEMBBHE7opcuFP2SR_T7O1a89tt3zkqwsxLINfIjc68SxxnL43NjUQezJ7g2ZT9xqTIBzeoV9HrlWRe94YgX9AS8ykuSmXLcNaI5vK87-tAsha9_8XAhXWp8/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-21T155746.546.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifELoCoeSNt-TaP8huSM7hVTOBso9-VnIQ64k7LrwDWvubjchyphenhypheno376Pn2BctSBvEMBBHE7opcuFP2SR_T7O1a89tt3zkqwsxLINfIjc68SxxnL43NjUQezJ7g2ZT9xqTIBzeoV9HrlWRe94YgX9AS8ykuSmXLcNaI5vK87-tAsha9_8XAhXWp8/w360-h640/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-21T155746.546.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">The tour was amazing. We stayed in marshall and reached the Shady Glade Marina by 10am. The tour is 1.5 hours. Rich explained about the geography of land, how the swamp was formed, how this part was covered in water and used for cargo transport, the trees, the wild life, movies that were filmed there and so many interesting facts.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6z09PO10sNDS_mJNMVA8sElTgcAjO2SLN0o_kFfr-mCc79J2glbKRR0ijRCKqWOnw1inwO7XG4MAn54EPpk1lWPbi6mZT5gG8dCDBMxpRDe2WMRh1MEN0afm5RgmIPRoNi_KgutyPc6Ioo7Jjt3yp30_EFEZXEYrFz3KAJAh09GQLT11JrtV/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-21T155513.387.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6z09PO10sNDS_mJNMVA8sElTgcAjO2SLN0o_kFfr-mCc79J2glbKRR0ijRCKqWOnw1inwO7XG4MAn54EPpk1lWPbi6mZT5gG8dCDBMxpRDe2WMRh1MEN0afm5RgmIPRoNi_KgutyPc6Ioo7Jjt3yp30_EFEZXEYrFz3KAJAh09GQLT11JrtV/w640-h360/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-21T155513.387.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-foYF7OeT0PmCQezfUx1B_UIIw8K2Gi2TLtTjL3oOoLIYlv8Sw-eYf7wUgugcSohjgbpOlR2THKoGUWBRLSOFoTtLoqmbq-yR-xhCsTjmMoTXcLnpMBuXRb4uaoK-VIb5z9hyjUpFouljOQh6YtO_p94_7uDOSAo_nGXzlw2T0Hfow1CH0nl/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-21T155542.593.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-foYF7OeT0PmCQezfUx1B_UIIw8K2Gi2TLtTjL3oOoLIYlv8Sw-eYf7wUgugcSohjgbpOlR2THKoGUWBRLSOFoTtLoqmbq-yR-xhCsTjmMoTXcLnpMBuXRb4uaoK-VIb5z9hyjUpFouljOQh6YtO_p94_7uDOSAo_nGXzlw2T0Hfow1CH0nl/w360-h640/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-21T155542.593.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPm5FlXv68xR6f4-VDI9oR_wYrFVV22U6XU3FBAAoXTH4WTznhG6OZdg0Dp1Vkt6im3-gFjznf2a2WJJSTthCuJavwG29LP7qH1fD7itEfnEVRJQA0ZbSV4uEGd6Dwyr3pZQJfXcDVbhTqG1ov-nmiyE0mxpxPYdb_gOy4jEsNpMemwjQBSuC/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-21T155855.925.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPm5FlXv68xR6f4-VDI9oR_wYrFVV22U6XU3FBAAoXTH4WTznhG6OZdg0Dp1Vkt6im3-gFjznf2a2WJJSTthCuJavwG29LP7qH1fD7itEfnEVRJQA0ZbSV4uEGd6Dwyr3pZQJfXcDVbhTqG1ov-nmiyE0mxpxPYdb_gOy4jEsNpMemwjQBSuC/w360-h640/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-21T155855.925.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Rich also does photography tours. This lake changes a lot with seasons. We visited in the late fall, still there is little orange on many trees. The bald cypress trees look mystic with Spanish moss on them. We saw many birds as well on our tour, but no alligators (kids little disappointed).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">We would love to visit this place again in spring as we can see the whole lake filled with blooming lotuses everywhere. That would be a beautiful scene to watch.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUp6oHK70DUvLOUOzILPWFqejPOklwUW5Vd2EDu_nqE0qn_FAyO51jeHq0k5-9pCWepZaEEYF3aSHDA1FYjcSiu2ExZfIM4sQJ1GFnmbrGdHq9g-B2VTpvVt_LbqVJ1Ayk0KJEA7uR_KEuYfp8bp0bOAkvIbbK6HWaqMlre1ts8ZFUxzW4JZH/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-21T155701.539.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUp6oHK70DUvLOUOzILPWFqejPOklwUW5Vd2EDu_nqE0qn_FAyO51jeHq0k5-9pCWepZaEEYF3aSHDA1FYjcSiu2ExZfIM4sQJ1GFnmbrGdHq9g-B2VTpvVt_LbqVJ1Ayk0KJEA7uR_KEuYfp8bp0bOAkvIbbK6HWaqMlre1ts8ZFUxzW4JZH/w640-h360/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-21T155701.539.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">In summers, it will become hot and humid. This might not be the best time to visit. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">They provide map to the people who kayak/ canoe. But these trails or pathways on water are not easy to follow using map. Be extra careful so that you don't get lost.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Hiking:</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Caddo lake State Park has a few great trails along the lake and around. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvo6EfUKct1xx_G146X-BstweIJ6K0Ftd8u_dedBnsV5tJHmFktg_9SoS-tv8GHqE5i7DHGN4J_ucoUrrrA1pBsy1NVG_xR2RK0O3hpDoJC7kbitiIZwBKj-RdcqK3OxZKExDzNthW323VCC3GeLPXjKU0Z6VShtTdwgry5CpyJDT5HHLLa2oB/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-21T155156.895.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvo6EfUKct1xx_G146X-BstweIJ6K0Ftd8u_dedBnsV5tJHmFktg_9SoS-tv8GHqE5i7DHGN4J_ucoUrrrA1pBsy1NVG_xR2RK0O3hpDoJC7kbitiIZwBKj-RdcqK3OxZKExDzNthW323VCC3GeLPXjKU0Z6VShtTdwgry5CpyJDT5HHLLa2oB/w360-h640/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-21T155156.895.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwz15ckG6YbWc5TkXxDOb5ZDz-S1vtPxvbXpmGVM8zPMEiSM2L9ljyvqdMMMwBlotnHcqBueGSIifq76i20uaA8hfGG42nO5SpYVah30mRB9OcQrloRIL1RAyoDMXxDJyHIlKiuU4DhXV6ViM8hlVQUnUbuKzH8xJlApGhhj27JF61opznZVI/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-21T155432.659.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwz15ckG6YbWc5TkXxDOb5ZDz-S1vtPxvbXpmGVM8zPMEiSM2L9ljyvqdMMMwBlotnHcqBueGSIifq76i20uaA8hfGG42nO5SpYVah30mRB9OcQrloRIL1RAyoDMXxDJyHIlKiuU4DhXV6ViM8hlVQUnUbuKzH8xJlApGhhj27JF61opznZVI/w360-h640/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-21T155432.659.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Caddo Forest trail is 0.7 mile moderate trail that goes through the woods. Don't forget to carry bug spray.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Pine ridge loop is 0.7 mile moderate hike on the hills. </span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Saw mill pond:</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">One of the must see locations in Caddo lake state park is Saw mill pond. You can walk along the wooden broadwalk to view the lake, and wild life like turtles and birds from here. This is a good location for pictures. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpxfyZgY1Nk-iqHiyLnNspXY5evJHhnNSrL4tq3V6PcPDNF2Znz6b6iYmpIgRPSQZLs02HbsA3JmST6pTh-tTc9ckeJd8tMCAPk2oHi1mpkVg5yO-Jr1OSdoP7tM6O-IZ8wXBkeXf3imEdB9R-y8lJE6oA1XBH_lSTh044cYE8kvCwhQ40USQ/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-21T155044.859.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpxfyZgY1Nk-iqHiyLnNspXY5evJHhnNSrL4tq3V6PcPDNF2Znz6b6iYmpIgRPSQZLs02HbsA3JmST6pTh-tTc9ckeJd8tMCAPk2oHi1mpkVg5yO-Jr1OSdoP7tM6O-IZ8wXBkeXf3imEdB9R-y8lJE6oA1XBH_lSTh044cYE8kvCwhQ40USQ/w640-h360/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-21T155044.859.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpx5HO2srmOFXMkKvqqvONbzXu01Nc-d9uEJxMWPyQVXkPImlcsB8VAGnBRxbI776axZBL3sXjtdfRjk__XEGZ2TpFGFaCo3O_s1ADImC2P3B5Jq8MC4Z7_c6ef7_BPy9HBnwzw4pkl6sUR6XeidoSx6J0Dy5u8bLbkPnREVfH7y0ocX_94UJ/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-21T155259.567.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpx5HO2srmOFXMkKvqqvONbzXu01Nc-d9uEJxMWPyQVXkPImlcsB8VAGnBRxbI776axZBL3sXjtdfRjk__XEGZ2TpFGFaCo3O_s1ADImC2P3B5Jq8MC4Z7_c6ef7_BPy9HBnwzw4pkl6sUR6XeidoSx6J0Dy5u8bLbkPnREVfH7y0ocX_94UJ/w360-h640/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-21T155259.567.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Activities around Caddo Lake:</span></h3><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Caddo lake national wildlife refuge is home to 400 yr old bald cypress trees, many bird, mammal and reptile species. They have hiking trails as well with 9 mile hike to Wildlife observation point. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">You can try ghost tours at Jefferson, which is around 30 mins from Caddo Lake. Enoch's stomp Vineyard and Winery is just 20 mins away from Jefferson downtown.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Broken bow is a nice tourist town with a lake, fishing and unique stores and homemade ice cream. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Daingerfield State park is 1 hr away. It's beautiful to hike during the fall season. The fall foliage around the lake is great.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Tyler state park is also famous for fall season, which is around 2 hrs from Caddo lake.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Food near Caddo Lake state Park:</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Shady Galde marina has a basic restaurant overslooking the lake, which is great. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Big Pines lodge in Karnack is famous for cat fish and Jalapeno hushpuppies. Bayou landing serves cajun fare. Riverbend Restaurant on Caddo is great place to dine with lake views. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">McGarity's Restaurant and Saloon is a bar with lunch and dinner options at Jefferson, known for excellent service. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">So, that's about Caddo lake. See you in my next travelogue about Daingerfield State park.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERgs3LsA-ToDQARVsngv_lM2_9DFcku6ewDnAs2BHl5vBPxg08ur-L8cEPDq4wyvEOMEdXs5KX3DyGZ8ZUvNUR-WLeXQSHhVLHQX7_ZLObTZbIJ-HA6VKhcZqYmOfDcBkWXB5oe-BEmKZKQdWULHzFrOpQo6cYwLVVvYUryqNL3ZRGFCBK1zs/s228/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="228" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERgs3LsA-ToDQARVsngv_lM2_9DFcku6ewDnAs2BHl5vBPxg08ur-L8cEPDq4wyvEOMEdXs5KX3DyGZ8ZUvNUR-WLeXQSHhVLHQX7_ZLObTZbIJ-HA6VKhcZqYmOfDcBkWXB5oe-BEmKZKQdWULHzFrOpQo6cYwLVVvYUryqNL3ZRGFCBK1zs/s1600/signature.png" width="228" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>Mahathi Ramyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573960801443027067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35087221.post-49074929296512407522024-02-12T10:02:00.000-07:002024-02-12T10:02:15.231-07:00Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus - [Book Review]<p> <i style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.</i></p><h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Book Details:</span></h2><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Title: Lessons in Chemistry</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Author: Bonnie Garmus</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Genre: Women Fiction, Literary fiction</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Publisher: Doubleday</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Print length: 400 pages</span></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">Source: A copy from local library<br /></span><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN29CumEeDqRBU5bO9aul6DfPDbJqddLuEwjMub45ed9Yx_ksluLJVFrPat83Z8zuBZ86TuO_7_PdrBC8iunmAtWJky66TLxb_gzIB6F6mQlC3caxLrixwcTBxLaaVr2y549T4y2TbOrLAwQ149cCMFGOx_O1BJ1YP-Jh3fIv05KiDSBvS3f-D/s1000/71dQACXhz6L._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="671" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN29CumEeDqRBU5bO9aul6DfPDbJqddLuEwjMub45ed9Yx_ksluLJVFrPat83Z8zuBZ86TuO_7_PdrBC8iunmAtWJky66TLxb_gzIB6F6mQlC3caxLrixwcTBxLaaVr2y549T4y2TbOrLAwQ149cCMFGOx_O1BJ1YP-Jh3fIv05KiDSBvS3f-D/w430-h640/71dQACXhz6L._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_.jpg" width="430" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Blurb:</span></h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • GMA BOOK CLUB PICK • Meet Elizabeth Zott: “a gifted research chemist, absurdly self-assured and immune to social convention” (The Washington Post) in 1960s California whose career takes a detour when she becomes the unlikely star of a beloved TV cooking show. • STREAM ON APPLE TV+<br /><br /><br />This novel is “irresistible, satisfying and full of fuel” (The New York Times Book Review) and “witty, sometimes hilarious...the Catch-22 of early feminism” (Stephen King, via Twitter).<br /><br />A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, Oprah Daily, Entertainment Weekly, Newsweek<br /><br />Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results. <br /><br />But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking (“combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”) proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook. She’s daring them to change the status quo. <br /><br />Laugh-out-loud funny, shrewdly observant, and studded with a dazzling cast of supporting characters, Lessons in Chemistry is as original and vibrant as its protagonist.</span><br /><h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Purchase Link:</span></h2><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3OIEiQq" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span><br /><br /><br /></span><h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">My Review:</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This is the story of Ms. Elizabeth Zott, one of the very few women scientists / chemists in 1960s in California. It is interesting to read about women in that time period, their challenges to raise above patriarchy.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Ms. Zott revolts against all the societal norms of those days. While women studying and researching is rare in those days, they were not given importance in research field even though they prove to be worthy. It is like struggle at each step of her life. She overcomes it with a big of arrogance and sometimes, ignorance.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">When Calvin Evans, a bright scientist becomes her partner, she sees the bright side of her life. She feels happy to having been considered as an equal to a man for the first time. But, Calvin dies leaving her pregnant. With just dog as her companion and with the help of her good neighbor Mrs.Harriet, she manages to raise her child Madeline.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">After Calvin dies, she is fired from her job and she had to work in a TV cooking show to make ends meet. Her attitude, her knowledge in Chemistry make the show 'Supper at Six' unique and a hit. Will she get back to her research? Will her daughter Madeline dig about her father's past? What are those important things in Calvin's past that made him a great scientist? The details are in the climax.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><b>What is great?</b></span></h3><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The freedom of expression and being highly opinionated for women in 1960s is not much heard of. So, when Ms. Zott expresses her opinions about being atheist, her feminist ideas, her passion for chemistry, it is unbelievable and admirable. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">It takes courage to express yourselves when the whole world thinks you are wrong. I like that part in this book.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I like how a simple cooking show can inspire a lot of women. This book seems like written in 1960s with the thoughts of current generation. This might be one of the reasons why it became popular.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The narrative is good, and relatable. I loved the book cover and the title is very apt indeed.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">What might have been great?</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I couldn't understand Ms.Zott's ignorance or lack of awareness about pregnancy. Especially being a scientist, she should have known about this more than anyone. Those times during her pregnancy, doctor checkups and her labor - I cannot believe the way she takes it all easy.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I understand that Ms.Zott is straight forward and highly opinionated, which is fine. But, I couldn't imagine how she would have lived in such a society with that kind of attitude. I couldn't relate to such character really.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This is a great women's fiction and feminist novel. I would recommend this to all book lovers who love such fiction.</span></div><div><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>My Rating: 5/5</b></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br /><br /></span><h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">About the Author:</span></h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Bonnie Garmus is a copywriter and creative director who has worked for a wide range of clients, in the US and abroad, focusing primarily on technology, medicine, and education. She’s an open water swimmer, a rower, and mother to two pretty amazing daughters. Most recently from Seattle, she currently lives in London with her husband and her dog, 99.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WB18_mL6-SXWyQf1_qdfcrQFvjuB3xAHLhnQFfr1c4XaTsBRM0e6cyxA7k0b5QbEh2wNycJWZAFZvMPSdjVp3kziaaiJ_3_0OjHtqsFMnZg6f0JAGGFiyCAWUBxxIA9FtjtikEm2liz1mQ_ODOQgPtg5BaFVFzKtqBjx6VO_6C5_6KLcxW6p/s228/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="228" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WB18_mL6-SXWyQf1_qdfcrQFvjuB3xAHLhnQFfr1c4XaTsBRM0e6cyxA7k0b5QbEh2wNycJWZAFZvMPSdjVp3kziaaiJ_3_0OjHtqsFMnZg6f0JAGGFiyCAWUBxxIA9FtjtikEm2liz1mQ_ODOQgPtg5BaFVFzKtqBjx6VO_6C5_6KLcxW6p/s1600/signature.png" width="228" /></a><div><br /></div></div></span></div></div>Mahathi Ramyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573960801443027067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35087221.post-4159444159683761662024-02-05T13:02:00.005-07:002024-02-05T13:02:39.762-07:00Homecoming by Kate Morton - [Book review]<p> <i style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.</i></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here comes the first review of the year 2024. Happy new Year!</span><br /></span><h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Book Details:</span></h2><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Title: Homecoming</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Author: Kate Morton</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Genre: Mystery, thriller, fiction</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Publisher: Mariner Books</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Print length: 547 pages</span></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">Source: A copy from local library<br /></span><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKxRMVKAq-M5ziM5nhFbYz6adA6YPbR2Gr4bNHSwnN057a7lXng5DgCiannLOX3pjnkFwI4nIIqVPVXsypI1YO-k4mfM0PX5d9uiMocWQAPesnyROYsh9fnXvctnNTjh1GH5bwBfEfeoC3AHti08CI0delyuiQiLRQLbVrDB5hhZ8knfHArcS/s1696/61683285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1696" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKxRMVKAq-M5ziM5nhFbYz6adA6YPbR2Gr4bNHSwnN057a7lXng5DgCiannLOX3pjnkFwI4nIIqVPVXsypI1YO-k4mfM0PX5d9uiMocWQAPesnyROYsh9fnXvctnNTjh1GH5bwBfEfeoC3AHti08CI0delyuiQiLRQLbVrDB5hhZ8knfHArcS/w424-h640/61683285.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Blurb:</span></h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Adelaide Hills, Christmas Eve, 1959: At the end of a scorching hot day, beside a creek on the grounds of the grand and mysterious mansion, a local delivery man makes a terrible discovery. A police investigation is called and the small town of Tambilla becomes embroiled in one of the most shocking and perplexing murder cases in the history of South Australia.<br /><br />Sixty years later, Jess is a journalist in search of a story. Having lived and worked in London for almost twenty years, she now finds herself laid off from her full-time job and struggling to make ends meet. A phone call out of nowhere summons her back to Sydney, where her beloved grandmother, Nora, who raised Jess when her mother could not, has suffered a fall and been raced to the hospital.<br /><br />Nora has always been a vibrant and strong presence: decisive, encouraging, young despite her years. When Jess visits her in the hospital, she is alarmed to find her grandmother frail and confused. It’s even more alarming to hear from Nora's housekeeper that Nora had been distracted in the weeks before her accident and had fallen on the steps to the attic—the one place Jess was forbidden from playing in when she was small.<br /><br />At loose ends in Nora's house, Jess does some digging of her own. In Nora's bedroom, she discovers a true crime book, chronicling the police investigation into a long-buried tragedy: the Turner Family Tragedy of Christmas Eve, 1959. It is only when Jess skims through the book that she finds a shocking connection between her own family and this once-infamous crime—a crime that has never been resolved satisfactorily. And for a journalist without a story, a cold case might be the best distraction she can find…<br /><br />An epic novel that spans generations, Homecoming asks what we would do for those we love, and how we protect the lies we tell. It explores the power of motherhood, the corrosive effects of tightly held secrets, and the healing nature of truth. Above all, it is a beguiling and immensely satisfying novel from one of the finest writers working today.</span><br /><h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Purchase Link:</span></h2><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3SKyGHK" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span><br /><br /><br /></span><h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">My Review:</span></h2><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This book starts with 2 parallel stories of different periods in Australia and then connects them cleverly. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Isabel Turner plans a picnic to celebrate Christmas eve with her kids John, Matilda, Evie and the new born baby Thea. Unfortunately, they all show up dead by the pond. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">While police investigate and interview multiple people, they realize it might be due to poisoning, but they cannot find even a single evidence for it. Baby Thea disappears and her remains are found after 1 yr. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Jess, a journalist in London, travels to her home town to visit her grandmother Nora after getting a phone call about her sickness. Jess tries to find out the reason which made Nora anxious before her fall. She gets to know from the housekeeper and others that she has been worried about something lately after receiving a letter from someone.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">How Nora and Isabel are connected? What did Jess find out about her family history and an incident that changed Nora's life is the remaining story.</span></div></div><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>What is great?</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The narrative is wonderful. It's immersive. The way the author reveals the secrets of each character is amazing. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">It's definitely a perfect thriller. Not like an on the edge thriller where incidents happen fast, but a slow burning thriller with unexpected events unfolding very nicely at the right time.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I enjoyed reading this book and it deserves all 5 stars.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>My Rating: 5/5</b></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br /><br /></span><h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">About the Author:</span></h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">KATE MORTON is an award-winning, New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author. Her seven novels - The House at Riverton, The Forgotten Garden, The Distant Hours, The Secret Keeper, The Lake House, The Clockmaker's Daughter, and Homecoming - are published in over 45 countries, in 38 languages, and have all been number one bestsellers around the world.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WB18_mL6-SXWyQf1_qdfcrQFvjuB3xAHLhnQFfr1c4XaTsBRM0e6cyxA7k0b5QbEh2wNycJWZAFZvMPSdjVp3kziaaiJ_3_0OjHtqsFMnZg6f0JAGGFiyCAWUBxxIA9FtjtikEm2liz1mQ_ODOQgPtg5BaFVFzKtqBjx6VO_6C5_6KLcxW6p/s228/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="228" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WB18_mL6-SXWyQf1_qdfcrQFvjuB3xAHLhnQFfr1c4XaTsBRM0e6cyxA7k0b5QbEh2wNycJWZAFZvMPSdjVp3kziaaiJ_3_0OjHtqsFMnZg6f0JAGGFiyCAWUBxxIA9FtjtikEm2liz1mQ_ODOQgPtg5BaFVFzKtqBjx6VO_6C5_6KLcxW6p/s1600/signature.png" width="228" /></a><div><br /></div></div></span></div></div>Mahathi Ramyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573960801443027067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35087221.post-34337059251342616562024-02-02T10:14:00.006-07:002024-02-04T06:42:18.750-07:00The Perfect Day trip to Talimena Scenic byway<p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">Talimena National Scenic Byway is a 54 mile mountain drive in Ouachita National Forest. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">Pin it for later!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9pQ3be-3CDOl8_pfi7QVZkCK24Jg7S9063yCTpujFaeO9bZa8pGrlWbw4isyg_iR8FehyphenhyphendL7DHJEB9VVNR5EGDGvkk8DrO-JTow6HmrEc7vTupLsIroE8cyF7dvVt_8BtSu4EPtooF1qOsZu5lqacYp_NxsHussujSi5BZ5219fibaRohEgD/s1500/White%20Clean%20Minimalist%20Easy%20Healthy%20Meal%20Recipe%20Pinterest%20Pin%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9pQ3be-3CDOl8_pfi7QVZkCK24Jg7S9063yCTpujFaeO9bZa8pGrlWbw4isyg_iR8FehyphenhyphendL7DHJEB9VVNR5EGDGvkk8DrO-JTow6HmrEc7vTupLsIroE8cyF7dvVt_8BtSu4EPtooF1qOsZu5lqacYp_NxsHussujSi5BZ5219fibaRohEgD/w426-h640/White%20Clean%20Minimalist%20Easy%20Healthy%20Meal%20Recipe%20Pinterest%20Pin%20(1).jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: x-large;">Our Love for Scenic Drives:</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">We love scenic drives and we have covered most of the scenic drives in Colorado a few years ago. While <a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2019/06/a-day-trip-to-idaho-springs-where-gold.html" target="_blank">Mt Evans Scenic Byway</a> is amazing as the North America's highest paved road, <a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2017/10/breathtaking-scenery-and-dangerous.html" target="_blank">Pikes Peak Scenic byway</a> makes you see jaw-dropping scenery on the drive. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIacQqufv7KL4zaiQTc_LUJD-JeJMnDVJ0_MTOsmtAfUDTTOTtDpc0DwXL9DLDvZhilgFANSMvBOxWBJKUqJ-CGFfe_Zk_SPijDisb72UOEKe0fxrRgIVafNbHV1Pf-U2kkRX-2-w_h77HJRpujOhyCJuecspA2YWMUzJdJ8fZX74BQVce1-e/s2048/20170910_120239.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIacQqufv7KL4zaiQTc_LUJD-JeJMnDVJ0_MTOsmtAfUDTTOTtDpc0DwXL9DLDvZhilgFANSMvBOxWBJKUqJ-CGFfe_Zk_SPijDisb72UOEKe0fxrRgIVafNbHV1Pf-U2kkRX-2-w_h77HJRpujOhyCJuecspA2YWMUzJdJ8fZX74BQVce1-e/w640-h360/20170910_120239.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">The <a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2021/01/million-dollar-highway-and-telluride.html" target="_blank">Million Dollar Highway</a> is spectacular to drive in between the red mountains and beautiful views. The <a href="https://youtu.be/6T2oJYfDy9U" target="_blank">Skyline Drive</a> in Canon City is the most underrated one. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">The <a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2017/08/a-2-day-trip-to-rocky-mountain-national.html" target="_blank">Trail Ridge</a> road in Rocky Mountains National park is really a pride of Colorado. Watching the mountain goats, and snow capped peaks on the way, it is quite dangerous as well at a few places without guard rails. These are other <a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2018/04/5-best-scenic-drives-in-colorado.html" target="_blank">scenic drives in Colorado</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2023/02/2-days-in-big-bend-national-park-day-1.html" target="_blank">Ross Maxwell Scenic drive</a> in BigBend makes you feel like you are driving through ancient untouched rough terrain. The <a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2023/08/5-fun-things-to-do-in-capitol-reef.html" target="_blank">Scenic drive in Capitol Reef</a> cannot be matched to any scenery we have seen so far and the dirt road scenic drives - Capital Gorge and Grand Wash are once in a life time experience to drive. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">The US route 89 between <a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2023/07/best-family-friendly-trails-in-zion-day.html" target="_blank">Zion</a> and <a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2023/07/the-ultimate-guide-to-bryce-canyon.html" target="_blank">Bryce Canyon</a> is the most amazing road to drive. The breathtaking scenery of the majestic red rocks, tunnels and mountains leave us astonished at the beauty of the mother Earth.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">The winding roads surrounded by mountains is always a treat to watch. Since we moved to Texas, Talimena scenic byway is nearer to us now. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-2hQtsW8f9LQJz1dy2pBNbQvYRMfr1Vxd275w0zpt6kAXbPyIXqUzPQiyjGbw3-ld5qL5N7xNK2cvp0wMgnfk-xIr76biICmjekF8RMRtAakT6DYtRBESjE2_wWupXiN0KsBIEj7ia9hdgTUgyMxpYwzc2ZCTXY440iEJSb8D4TAWNMl7tLe/s800/1378840422_1378840421-wallace6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="800" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-2hQtsW8f9LQJz1dy2pBNbQvYRMfr1Vxd275w0zpt6kAXbPyIXqUzPQiyjGbw3-ld5qL5N7xNK2cvp0wMgnfk-xIr76biICmjekF8RMRtAakT6DYtRBESjE2_wWupXiN0KsBIEj7ia9hdgTUgyMxpYwzc2ZCTXY440iEJSb8D4TAWNMl7tLe/w640-h424/1378840422_1378840421-wallace6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: x-large;">Talimena Scenic Byway:</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">Talimena Scenic byway got it's name by combining the starting and ending names of towns that it's connecting - Talihina, Oklahoma and Mena, Arkansas.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"> Fall is the most popular time to visit and fall foliage peaks around End of October or first week of November.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: x-large;">How to Reach?</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">It can be reached in 3.5 hrs from Dallas, Tx (200 miles) or 3 hrs from Oklahoma City (180 miles).</span></p><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://tp.media/content?currency=usd&trs=248178&shmarker=460373&lat=32.802955&lng=-96.769923&powered_by=true&search_host=www.aviasales.com%2Fsearch&locale=en&origin=DFW&value_min=0&value_max=250&only_direct=true&radius=1&draggable=true&disable_zoom=false&show_logo=false&scrollwheel=false&primary=%233FABDB&secondary=%233FABDB&light=%23ffffff&width=1500&height=500&zoom=2&promo_id=4054&campaign_id=100"></script><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">You can check <a href="https://www.discovercars.com/usa-texas/dallas?a_aid=fantasticfeathers&currency=usd" target="_blank">Rental Car options</a> here.</span></div><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><script async="async" data-aff-channel="" data-aff-code="a_aid" data-aff-data1="" data-aff-data2="" data-autocomplete="on" data-currency="usd" data-dev-env="com" data-iframe-height="360" data-iframe-width="400" data-lang="en" data-location="usa-texas/dallas" data-style-form-bg-color="FAD130" data-style-form-font-color="333333" data-style-submit-bg-color="00A200" data-style-submit-font-color="FFFFFF" data-style-submit-text="Search now" data-style-title-color="00A200" data-title-text="" data-utm-medium="widget" data-utm-source="fantasticfeathers" id="dchwidget" src="https://www.discovercars.com/widget.js"></script><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: x-large;">Accommodations:</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">We stayed in Mena, Arkansas as we couldn't get accommodation in Talihina, Oklahoma. </span></p><iframe frameborder="0" height="428" id="stay22-widget" src="https://www.stay22.com/embed/65b7e0be7ebffd94830f4a3d" width="100%"></iframe><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: x-large;">Best Time to Visit?</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">Late October to Early November is the popular time to drive this road. The fall foliage is wonderful during that time. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">We visited a week late, still fall colors are good, but it would have been good to drive in the first week of November / last week of October.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: x-large;">Scenic Drive:</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">We stayed in Mena, Arkansas. We started our drive from Mena to Talihina through Arkansas highway 88 and Oklahoma state highway 1.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wBqUxCXm7aAcGuY459FGbtJxT_-zSvU3teYGU0r_T1kp0x6T49cfwdupHfdw8Ngf9-oiIb1bSp6vJuq6fEhTdRxcMempoHaRbLnou0Fu9MzHRLo-x4ywh5zZftprKVfqMctapjjbBqe9TZlPKVY8xdXQHs1It7SJamwnNwEuhg_DCbtNFdHq/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-02T104258.385.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wBqUxCXm7aAcGuY459FGbtJxT_-zSvU3teYGU0r_T1kp0x6T49cfwdupHfdw8Ngf9-oiIb1bSp6vJuq6fEhTdRxcMempoHaRbLnou0Fu9MzHRLo-x4ywh5zZftprKVfqMctapjjbBqe9TZlPKVY8xdXQHs1It7SJamwnNwEuhg_DCbtNFdHq/w640-h360/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-02T104258.385.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6nIRODFtrai_uNl0oeUKQdnxlVe1fRWZV-3KEYAAGvTo7Cx80F-1BT22clhOdsYMUcQGQxct4vUhdXphGlJNeYYCbuxRtkJgVqwQfn-N2plyN0LKhUQAHs3SavLnxiaUi10kF1zva_GjtpyYtipQKPlko4t6tpIDNLsT35FTEHhnCa10qOkn/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-02T104315.634.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6nIRODFtrai_uNl0oeUKQdnxlVe1fRWZV-3KEYAAGvTo7Cx80F-1BT22clhOdsYMUcQGQxct4vUhdXphGlJNeYYCbuxRtkJgVqwQfn-N2plyN0LKhUQAHs3SavLnxiaUi10kF1zva_GjtpyYtipQKPlko4t6tpIDNLsT35FTEHhnCa10qOkn/w640-h360/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-02T104315.634.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-J6w9sHSGgl-RDGOFLQN4HJertwtj7JkFHPLSzZbpTpOhf5oaixs0aJ-q4PfQm3IFcb2zMgEIHSeA8c7Y0lO48woHms8RuqyKMGeRlr-ZMSuUsi0TrvrXQcl5BeaC0fN2ynVbvayF3U2-Gavk3hABxBwD4_kSoaL6hrF3gNMaiGgAvV66cg2Y/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-02T104346.889.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-J6w9sHSGgl-RDGOFLQN4HJertwtj7JkFHPLSzZbpTpOhf5oaixs0aJ-q4PfQm3IFcb2zMgEIHSeA8c7Y0lO48woHms8RuqyKMGeRlr-ZMSuUsi0TrvrXQcl5BeaC0fN2ynVbvayF3U2-Gavk3hABxBwD4_kSoaL6hrF3gNMaiGgAvV66cg2Y/w640-h360/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-02T104346.889.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">There are many scenic view points marked on the way to stop and enjoy the panoramic views. The drive is 54 miles long. Without stopping, It takes around 1hr 10 mins to drive.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">There are 22 scenic vista points, but these are the best.</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">Grand view vista</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville"; font-size: x-large;">Panorama Vista</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">Shawnee Vista</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">Sunset Point Vista</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">Queen Wilhelmina State Park</span></li></ul><p></p><div><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: x-large;">Rich Mountain Lookout tower:</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">It is not allowed to climb on the tower, but it's great to watch this fire tower (2681 ft) from nearer.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsr0CmFKFmoryfFldvGY1fnKm0lg0H8eTnqqbHC9hyjY-SZDKfV5e8N2PKtslp4zeNdYjPBGitBDv5qd7jvZPfWOh1myEWZwE5dxVhrEQQAgOeKhGMDLw_1fRZd4dWSd-NMog6AJ9VLroM1frQT4huKgkLYhIZK86n7RtBN-hfvTSYT3n8r_DW/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-02T105629.859.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsr0CmFKFmoryfFldvGY1fnKm0lg0H8eTnqqbHC9hyjY-SZDKfV5e8N2PKtslp4zeNdYjPBGitBDv5qd7jvZPfWOh1myEWZwE5dxVhrEQQAgOeKhGMDLw_1fRZd4dWSd-NMog6AJ9VLroM1frQT4huKgkLYhIZK86n7RtBN-hfvTSYT3n8r_DW/w360-h640/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-02T105629.859.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0iGExY9MUbNI7-b4Tgt3QjI8O9Z4-8M52UyVkhMGNrZC_GZ99tzJ2qP-qnMKNoOmm5684ROmUuWZqz9egxfD9Vint63PMrrbrZC8p5u1_ZyEBiOf5bkqfF9fyOU8StyQeKoYhcBCK-lBVuy5Nwoav-dQyaAVUXO_XoHzO3pU3srlk5UDnj3O/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-02T105659.563.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0iGExY9MUbNI7-b4Tgt3QjI8O9Z4-8M52UyVkhMGNrZC_GZ99tzJ2qP-qnMKNoOmm5684ROmUuWZqz9egxfD9Vint63PMrrbrZC8p5u1_ZyEBiOf5bkqfF9fyOU8StyQeKoYhcBCK-lBVuy5Nwoav-dQyaAVUXO_XoHzO3pU3srlk5UDnj3O/w360-h640/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-02T105659.563.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rich Mountain lookout tower</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville";"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Queen Wilhelmina State Park:</span></span></h3><div><span style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville"; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville"; font-size: x-large;">This is the top destination on Talimena Scenic drive. Once, it's known as 'Castle of the Sky', there is an old lodge built in 1898. The mountain views from the lodge are great and there are some hiking trails and the Lover's leap trail is one just mile long.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville"; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Np3KYDEFHpvbBlBvvtDqsRC0Pr_6BSwZzDDNTSXAx4NgHwUWTrQdJ4QBdXXQEBlCYES8th4dhq-OMFkRqv5_a-ovPr1JQq6PtkuC_PzD4034Un-wS5_CPcpgIcim2ZtC_1hIbuq2yz0PLsU064_b_4lE_D-OhP0qSwJeuREooSPUvlGr1-_U/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-02T104511.772.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Np3KYDEFHpvbBlBvvtDqsRC0Pr_6BSwZzDDNTSXAx4NgHwUWTrQdJ4QBdXXQEBlCYES8th4dhq-OMFkRqv5_a-ovPr1JQq6PtkuC_PzD4034Un-wS5_CPcpgIcim2ZtC_1hIbuq2yz0PLsU064_b_4lE_D-OhP0qSwJeuREooSPUvlGr1-_U/w640-h360/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-02T104511.772.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3Cx9dDBLMgVwY1PtYr5pLh5g1nOQed9YwiQ4D8F06GDY8QhX4JGCVpv2DkkP9f4zMDpRMcloY7GK4S-KuhrMsYPwPWLT-a-f89PFAA1M1yiLYosdmrhS06Ke8Eru9ev1IPhjmiFQLC7VHXbq5upLiF5Y2qpaM-Yet1PYQskFXDQLzFkgauYq/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-02T104526.795.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3Cx9dDBLMgVwY1PtYr5pLh5g1nOQed9YwiQ4D8F06GDY8QhX4JGCVpv2DkkP9f4zMDpRMcloY7GK4S-KuhrMsYPwPWLT-a-f89PFAA1M1yiLYosdmrhS06Ke8Eru9ev1IPhjmiFQLC7VHXbq5upLiF5Y2qpaM-Yet1PYQskFXDQLzFkgauYq/w640-h360/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-02T104526.795.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountains around Wilhelmina State park</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-j8DuRNj9j6guSeXjs9e_u63JAcUubVQL0lCfxcSjhwlU4jCTG5KZ2vF8Rn2BW9yPvufM753z2B21TlXSW7CduDIVGnsghMftcDQTy5ssvCACooSjx7-yRJaeXVEcQovivN1E8-jQoSiRzttfzim2HcuVDj_8NlN3Is-nIZiL0WdA6f2HjDc/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-02T104543.826.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-j8DuRNj9j6guSeXjs9e_u63JAcUubVQL0lCfxcSjhwlU4jCTG5KZ2vF8Rn2BW9yPvufM753z2B21TlXSW7CduDIVGnsghMftcDQTy5ssvCACooSjx7-yRJaeXVEcQovivN1E8-jQoSiRzttfzim2HcuVDj_8NlN3Is-nIZiL0WdA6f2HjDc/w640-h360/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-02T104543.826.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville"; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville"; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville"; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville"; font-size: x-large;">There is a 2 story rock building - Wonder house, which is interesting to watch.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville"; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7XVxqaUt-LBY5HmMmBpF769Zibnct1P7glP91jccrXy7o03PPLXMKNKvgLoJZt4DpWPpTn0hrBieWu6ZWjBEOq15gdrdBg6qmqhvM6dNscj2_sEhmE9qNks2QQue4uBg0ON5Iw3hbvGku59RF8q9hTz_I15oGu-e2os-Rm2_P1olU7OQ8gDQ/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-02T104856.314.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7XVxqaUt-LBY5HmMmBpF769Zibnct1P7glP91jccrXy7o03PPLXMKNKvgLoJZt4DpWPpTn0hrBieWu6ZWjBEOq15gdrdBg6qmqhvM6dNscj2_sEhmE9qNks2QQue4uBg0ON5Iw3hbvGku59RF8q9hTz_I15oGu-e2os-Rm2_P1olU7OQ8gDQ/w640-h360/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-02T104856.314.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonder House</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYqOBOlrWjqbR4OLRVN4h7A7EyD-dLxiIzqemkY296GDQFRN1zfveUyCDHE_1WsYiVcLgfodl743l_9YfTg6fxYs5d-MRDR9bdHUQY750Zl_jUKNFU0l6mslwJXQAOFKkPMhqJ9dpxuj3TexyMbDAlXG3MnlwjlRklRhzd72LwBU1Suphu91V/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-02T104910.826.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYqOBOlrWjqbR4OLRVN4h7A7EyD-dLxiIzqemkY296GDQFRN1zfveUyCDHE_1WsYiVcLgfodl743l_9YfTg6fxYs5d-MRDR9bdHUQY750Zl_jUKNFU0l6mslwJXQAOFKkPMhqJ9dpxuj3TexyMbDAlXG3MnlwjlRklRhzd72LwBU1Suphu91V/w640-h360/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-02T104910.826.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lodge</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville"; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville"; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville"; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville"; font-size: x-large;">There is an old locomotive near the parking area.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville"; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">The Heavener Runestone is located 30 mins north of scenic byway, where there are some mysterious characters carved by Viking Explorers. A fun side trip if you have time.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">If you are into history, visit Horse thief springs and Pioneer cemetery.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOqRy7dS7bqzVqAV74BTickVyhXr6biieK2rVbAuWuQKbbBCmCDBGhSkL6tgmXw4U-YUrbof_VhKNTk-H6sYBtDmgzQP0zpDFel8JeylMWSunXRWAy_r1dzkKrMO3nKzOGEMxFEY_llE4es-k7q3iYd1SZUnq9rbSm7VTrHDgQswrwNGfeOdY/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-02T105722.281.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOqRy7dS7bqzVqAV74BTickVyhXr6biieK2rVbAuWuQKbbBCmCDBGhSkL6tgmXw4U-YUrbof_VhKNTk-H6sYBtDmgzQP0zpDFel8JeylMWSunXRWAy_r1dzkKrMO3nKzOGEMxFEY_llE4es-k7q3iYd1SZUnq9rbSm7VTrHDgQswrwNGfeOdY/w360-h640/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-02T105722.281.jpg" width="360" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZN8gPR14HfYXtr9x2dgZHEFGaYBgZTDWAIjxKrkID3uPu03QeJrJwf9L5ekFh6tUIpqXweUoo3N_OAByFyX_4v_kHQ-Raf_odAp_E9jU4FmdEp0bXnXWxnv88Q6VBr_nuTblVlL0x0ZgQbnskd7jNWRpKjjamm9F863i8sPPNSRUCKzdBzA4r/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-02T105738.121.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZN8gPR14HfYXtr9x2dgZHEFGaYBgZTDWAIjxKrkID3uPu03QeJrJwf9L5ekFh6tUIpqXweUoo3N_OAByFyX_4v_kHQ-Raf_odAp_E9jU4FmdEp0bXnXWxnv88Q6VBr_nuTblVlL0x0ZgQbnskd7jNWRpKjjamm9F863i8sPPNSRUCKzdBzA4r/w360-h640/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202024-02-02T105738.121.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">The scenic drive ended at Talihina, OK. Here are some good restaurants near Talimena Scenic drive :</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">The Queens Restaurant inside the lodge at </span><span style="font-family: Libre Baskerville; font-size: large;">Queen Wilhelmina State Park</span></li><li><span style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville";"><span style="font-size: large;">The Ouachitas</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville";"><span style="font-size: large;">The Skyline Cafe</span></span></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville";"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville";"><span style="font-size: large;">We drove to Caddo Lake State park after this scenic drive and visited Beavers bend state park on the way. Broken Bow is a beautiful bustling town on the way. Broken Bow lake and Beavers Bend state park near Broken Bow are a nice stop.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville";"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville";"><span style="font-size: large;">Will see you on my next travelogues covering Caddo Lake state park, Beavers Bend state park and Daingerfield State park.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville";"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville";"><span style="font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville";"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSOM3XqchHW_KHXcmWIfOjlUWNBW21KyXvmsjmtGfKOxrLqksA3sMEKUZyRbuaWFtafBoo43ENsg5WZby9oCk-Q2JTIZgCUO7wC0xKxfgc4ZoMcI7fLQAbkguGUBAnqQ-MKjUVHtzyotKBVPTwd9zs09o26KjLh-k4yUsBDjwhspzIWTE65w2/s228/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="228" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSOM3XqchHW_KHXcmWIfOjlUWNBW21KyXvmsjmtGfKOxrLqksA3sMEKUZyRbuaWFtafBoo43ENsg5WZby9oCk-Q2JTIZgCUO7wC0xKxfgc4ZoMcI7fLQAbkguGUBAnqQ-MKjUVHtzyotKBVPTwd9zs09o26KjLh-k4yUsBDjwhspzIWTE65w2/s1600/signature.png" width="228" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville"; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville"; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>Mahathi Ramyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573960801443027067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35087221.post-2619847907464691892024-01-23T13:29:00.003-07:002024-01-24T10:03:48.667-07:00The Villa by Rachel Hawkins - [Book Review]<p> <i style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.</i></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here comes the first review of the year 2024. Happy new Year!</span><br /></span><h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Book Details:</span></h2><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Title: The Villa</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Author: Rachel Hawkins</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Genre: Mystery, thriller, fiction</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Publisher: St Martin's Press</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Print length: 279 pages</span></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">Source: A copy from local library<br /></span><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEslq4cFDNstdftlyruhZsAfki_Mh0KsewCo3OK3pfa0b6VqBHzXWgW3sVCG01fUfqYntWXVr0k-fmb8XsR7e0c1hEjdLWrMwxuaoPxmiPg3SNHpda-BevYEVPIPuK7buJLaed2hIUJYFUq3uubdS8PRuQ01n_EZQmHHLTfd96zojUu7GEUgyy/s1000/91uMK0jqvPL._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="655" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEslq4cFDNstdftlyruhZsAfki_Mh0KsewCo3OK3pfa0b6VqBHzXWgW3sVCG01fUfqYntWXVr0k-fmb8XsR7e0c1hEjdLWrMwxuaoPxmiPg3SNHpda-BevYEVPIPuK7buJLaed2hIUJYFUq3uubdS8PRuQ01n_EZQmHHLTfd96zojUu7GEUgyy/w420-h640/91uMK0jqvPL._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_.jpg" width="420" /></a></div><br /><h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Blurb:</span></h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>From New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hawkins</b> comes a deliciously wicked gothic suspense, set at an Italian villa with a dark history, for fans of Lucy Foley and Ruth Ware.<br /><br />As kids, Emily and Chess were inseparable. But by their 30s, their bond has been strained by the demands of their adult lives. So when Chess suggests a girls trip to Italy, Emily jumps at the chance to reconnect with her best friend.<br /><br />Villa Aestas in Orvieto is a high-end holiday home now, but in 1974, it was known as Villa Rosato, and rented for the summer by a notorious rock star, Noel Gordon. In an attempt to reignite his creative spark, Noel invites up-and-coming musician, Pierce Sheldon to join him, as well as Pierce’s girlfriend, Mari, and her stepsister, Lara. But he also sets in motion a chain of events that leads to Mari writing one of the greatest horror novels of all time, Lara composing a platinum album––and ends in Pierce’s brutal murder.<br /><br />As Emily digs into the villa’s complicated history, she begins to think there might be more to the story of that fateful summer in 1974. That perhaps Pierce’s murder wasn’t just a tale of sex, drugs, and rock & roll gone wrong, but that something more sinister might have occurred––and that there might be clues hidden in the now-iconic works that Mari and Lara left behind.<br /><br />Yet the closer that Emily gets to the truth, the more tension she feels developing between her and Chess. As secrets from the past come to light, equally dangerous betrayals from the present also emerge––and it begins to look like the villa will claim another victim before the summer ends.</span><h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Purchase Link:</span></h2><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/47I9C8l" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span><br /><br /><br /></span><h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">My Review:</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I picked this book from the suggestion of other book bloggers and reviewers.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The Villa Aestas in Italy is a high-end holiday home. In 1974, a famous rock star Noel invites upcoming singer Pierce, his wife Mary and Mary's step sister Lara. A holiday where Noel and Pierce decide to compose songs and create something together turns into a murder house. This story is about the turn of events that take place there. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Coming to the present, 2 friends Emily and Chess plan to have a fun and relaxing month at the Villa to focus on their writing careers. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">While chess is a successful writer, Emily is struggling to get back to writing after her divorce to Matt. While Emily slowly tries to dig more about the murder that happened in the villa Aestas in 1974, more secrets about her personal life get revealed. What does Emily do? and how this vacation impacted their lives is the remaining story.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This story covers 2 stories in parallel - one about Pierce, and Mary , another about Chess and Emily.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Both stories are completely different. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>What I liked?</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">2 stories in different generations connected by same place. The twists in the story. The complexity of characters.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The book cover and title are apt. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>What might have been better?</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Characters are little complex , especially Lara, Paul, Johnie, Matt etc., I wondered many times why they behaved such way. Why they took those kind of decisions? I think, It might have been good if the book revealed more about them. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">There are good twists for sure but this is not a thriller. I missed suspense and at a few places, I felt the narrative boring.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>My Rating: 3/5</b></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br /><br /></span><h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">About the Author:</span></h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #373e3e; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Rachel Hawkins (www.rachel-hawkins.com) was a high school English teacher before becoming a full-time writer. She lives with her family in Alabama, and is currently at work on the third book in the Hex Hall series. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WB18_mL6-SXWyQf1_qdfcrQFvjuB3xAHLhnQFfr1c4XaTsBRM0e6cyxA7k0b5QbEh2wNycJWZAFZvMPSdjVp3kziaaiJ_3_0OjHtqsFMnZg6f0JAGGFiyCAWUBxxIA9FtjtikEm2liz1mQ_ODOQgPtg5BaFVFzKtqBjx6VO_6C5_6KLcxW6p/s228/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="228" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WB18_mL6-SXWyQf1_qdfcrQFvjuB3xAHLhnQFfr1c4XaTsBRM0e6cyxA7k0b5QbEh2wNycJWZAFZvMPSdjVp3kziaaiJ_3_0OjHtqsFMnZg6f0JAGGFiyCAWUBxxIA9FtjtikEm2liz1mQ_ODOQgPtg5BaFVFzKtqBjx6VO_6C5_6KLcxW6p/s1600/signature.png" width="228" /></a></div><br /></span></div></div>Mahathi Ramyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573960801443027067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35087221.post-81791731410703913882023-12-20T12:14:00.005-07:002023-12-20T12:57:52.930-07:00The Ultimate Texas Holiday Gift Guide<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><i style="color: #424242; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: large;">This post may contain affiliate links, clicking on those links may earn some commission to us without any additional cost to you.</i></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Holiday season is here. It's time to choose best gifts to our loved ones, right? </span></p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">If you are looking for gifting option for kids, check <a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2016/12/5-simple-holiday-gift-ideas-to-kids.html">this gift guide</a>. If you are looking for non conventional gift ideas, check <a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2019/12/5-unconventional-gift-ideas-for-this.html">these ideas</a>. Check these ideas for <a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2023/11/budget-friendly-holiday-gift-ideas-top.html" target="_blank">Top rated gifts for $20 or less</a>.</span><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Isn't it a great experience to choose a local Austin / Texas gift?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"></span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Here is the Ultimate Texas Gift guide featuring some hand-picked unique local Austin / Texas gifts. </span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"></span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Pin it for later!</span></span><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oCH86Og20oNGaDhxp0sR1rBb49-stP8rYWGGEjKJYDdCZoqdDym20ZrCjPaYD1V3C0k3BbxjrWDykT4Mhw4oClLbjTdr46Xw3trFmhkChfC88y7aR4L9VJUetx158ysLu1MOreCCtgArI6A96pZ2Yln3bs1jfs9_ZOEwCYIfmXF-zLH7Pvlp/s1500/Red%20and%20White%20Gift%20Wrapping%20Pinterest%20Pin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oCH86Og20oNGaDhxp0sR1rBb49-stP8rYWGGEjKJYDdCZoqdDym20ZrCjPaYD1V3C0k3BbxjrWDykT4Mhw4oClLbjTdr46Xw3trFmhkChfC88y7aR4L9VJUetx158ysLu1MOreCCtgArI6A96pZ2Yln3bs1jfs9_ZOEwCYIfmXF-zLH7Pvlp/w426-h640/Red%20and%20White%20Gift%20Wrapping%20Pinterest%20Pin.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Organic Skin products:</span></h2><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Do you have a friend who loves organic and takes care of her / his skin seriously? Then, this might be a good gift option.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Jeevanadi Handmade is skin care company founded by mother & daughter duo - Padma and Chandrika. They </span><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">make handmade soaps, body butters, sugar scrubs, powdered clay masks, face & body oils, and sometimes deodorants.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">All their products </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">are intentionally crafted without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, detergents, synthetic dyes, or synthetic fragrances.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Check out their Instagram page and direct message them to place orders:</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jeevanadi_by_padma/">https://www.instagram.com/jeevanadi_by_padma/</a></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Kuchipudi Dance lessons:</span></h2><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Any friends / family would love to join a dance class and hesitant to take the first step? Then, you can think of gifting them a free trial class.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRNp17omjzqIltL7NQI2Bm_79RpdVCbKEMDIE_PiYYvW40j2Fm2zZUuTZzvVAGJEr8E9Yam1mqv53ADjW3oj9ubg0cROj5jDQyU0jS1lLwUSpHh6nePMsasOZVmqqIQnyq-55a2Fy-fjvLDV6ziNzbICNkAFVUc0j2o_PNV3Wm6Eb0_u_6oSd/s2000/Bold%20Geometric%20National%20Teacher's%20Day%20Personal%20Card%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1429" data-original-width="2000" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRNp17omjzqIltL7NQI2Bm_79RpdVCbKEMDIE_PiYYvW40j2Fm2zZUuTZzvVAGJEr8E9Yam1mqv53ADjW3oj9ubg0cROj5jDQyU0jS1lLwUSpHh6nePMsasOZVmqqIQnyq-55a2Fy-fjvLDV6ziNzbICNkAFVUc0j2o_PNV3Wm6Eb0_u_6oSd/w640-h458/Bold%20Geometric%20National%20Teacher's%20Day%20Personal%20Card%20(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Kala Deepika Dance Academy is founded by Mahati, who is a professional classical dancer trained for more than 15 years in Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam in India. She started her dance school in USA and now, is taking classes in Leander, TX.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Reach out to her to enroll for a free trial class and gift it to your friends/ family encouraging them to take their first step.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Website: <a href="http://www.kaladeepika.com">www.kaladeepika.com</a><br />YouTube channel : <a href="https://youtube.com/@Kaladeepika">https://youtube.com/@Kaladeepika</a><br />Facebook page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Kaladeepikadanceschool">https://www.facebook.com/Kaladeepikadanceschool</a><br />Instagram : <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kaladeepikadanceacademy">https://www.instagram.com/kaladeepikadanceacademy</a></span><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Indian Traditional and Modern Jewelry:</span></h2><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Who doesn't love jewelry? Either vintage/ traditional/ modern, Raas jewelry has beautiful collections for all occasions and styles.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Raas Jewelry embodies elegance and individuality, offering a beautiful range of Indian jewelry crafted to complement every style and occasion. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnX-Zex-x_PbpU3T4_2iVBvCZlgBBDhL9PB8zZi4-VCil3m7PscpedliwdD9sTiq2IVbWVZvazpXD0L9NbumzQ1kLBpBqsrotA06ITU8GC9spyPBFRntx5ejarVlmtBS25XEMH2phsFNm8J7xD8XRzWydxObISs0R_kneue1kRapyxF3m6MkR/s403/406181391_370082478883090_8985802046469591211_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="403" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnX-Zex-x_PbpU3T4_2iVBvCZlgBBDhL9PB8zZi4-VCil3m7PscpedliwdD9sTiq2IVbWVZvazpXD0L9NbumzQ1kLBpBqsrotA06ITU8GC9spyPBFRntx5ejarVlmtBS25XEMH2phsFNm8J7xD8XRzWydxObISs0R_kneue1kRapyxF3m6MkR/w640-h640/406181391_370082478883090_8985802046469591211_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">From German silver to American diamond, Kundan to Polki, their pieces are not just accessories; they are reflections of style with soul, artistry, and timeless beauty. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Raas Jewelry is designed to resonate with the essence of every woman, providing affordable luxury without compromising on quality or sophistication. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Checkout their collection and direct message through Instagram to order: </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"> <a href="https://instagram.com/raas.jewelry?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM%3D">https://instagram.com/raas.jewelry?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM=</a></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Texas Travel Experiences:</span></h2><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">How about gifting a travel experience? A boat tour/ heritage / historic tour?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">I suggest reaching out to Rich for Caddo lake tours. This tour is the best in spring and fall seasons. The bald cypress trees, the lotus flowers and the narrow waterways give a feeling of mystery and intrigue. Tours are 1.5 hrs in duration.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">CADDO Lake Bayou tours</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">rich@caddolakebayoutours.com</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSy9z_nnTZffaUPqJxJGlgZR57L1Akg82rz6Qq0wuL3L5rDQQ6LBzB28liwjU_bw4IsiyydrCPAmK5YJoA6Z7OhjbQNCXEkxL83Gvur0XyzJ3fdsBtu6mUan-eXf2FGEsagMaMsHl3fJPipm06QfCIS7Eq409zGFP2BiH_gSJ0f-fG0U5Gs4GG/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202023-12-20T131036.364.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSy9z_nnTZffaUPqJxJGlgZR57L1Akg82rz6Qq0wuL3L5rDQQ6LBzB28liwjU_bw4IsiyydrCPAmK5YJoA6Z7OhjbQNCXEkxL83Gvur0XyzJ3fdsBtu6mUan-eXf2FGEsagMaMsHl3fJPipm06QfCIS7Eq409zGFP2BiH_gSJ0f-fG0U5Gs4GG/w640-h360/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202023-12-20T131036.364.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTIxUb__eAs6vopr2mrUVD7vbW_k5-o8URHphNZFSsV-zdKNPBqRMjOklg_Bgnmt4nuXJehdFfmSAiPJ6HAi5ac0nJp514OOBcTGf24BIOSme4vmAsBiWpS4KV2aTk75wcc9VBFs72YCOG_rGr7kIjd8ZoATVAv-nctL94XunTWqMkj1cEJpG/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202023-12-20T130905.346.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTIxUb__eAs6vopr2mrUVD7vbW_k5-o8URHphNZFSsV-zdKNPBqRMjOklg_Bgnmt4nuXJehdFfmSAiPJ6HAi5ac0nJp514OOBcTGf24BIOSme4vmAsBiWpS4KV2aTk75wcc9VBFs72YCOG_rGr7kIjd8ZoATVAv-nctL94XunTWqMkj1cEJpG/w360-h640/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202023-12-20T130905.346.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">A groupon gift for <a href="https://www.groupon.com/deals/go-city-pass-san-antonio-explorer-pass-2" target="_blank">San Antonio Explorer Pass</a>? This covers one premium attraction like Six flags / Sea world and choose to visit 2, 3, 4 or 5 other attractions like Natural Bridge Caverns, Tower of the Americas, San Antonio zoo etc.,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">How about gifting a <a href="https://www.myscenicdrives.com/store/item/america-the-beautiful-national-park-pass?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAvoqsBhB9EiwA9XTWGV7YtWKoPn6T6BIBoZRmQ8aXFn0RtMssGFaQ2pMjGHhuxrl1oZ_oWBoClOYQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Annual National Park pass</a> which covers a family of 4 for the whole year at $80? This is perfect for giving as they don't associate name when they ship the pass. The pass can have 2 owners as well when they sign on the back of the pass. We can also include a free personal greeting card.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtlbjAke5jgBSVfwOSqKSSUQWTD2AwW2qnmvk0iEky0_A1TegJofZIllBLz7t03NGPh06ar4tGsCYl-buahPI1XHnJrsqHHN7HbZ4eUmR0VtRUTbyiOCu_VrNszmqvPSZK2H0zKsDnJx0DtBW4fWGuwbfUjfck7HJPfD1EQcnzuI5FemYRZ5y/s675/2023AnnualPass_front_675x.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="675" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtlbjAke5jgBSVfwOSqKSSUQWTD2AwW2qnmvk0iEky0_A1TegJofZIllBLz7t03NGPh06ar4tGsCYl-buahPI1XHnJrsqHHN7HbZ4eUmR0VtRUTbyiOCu_VrNszmqvPSZK2H0zKsDnJx0DtBW4fWGuwbfUjfck7HJPfD1EQcnzuI5FemYRZ5y/w640-h402/2023AnnualPass_front_675x.webp" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Kalahari resort is an indoor waterpark in Austin and a fun place to enjoy holidays. <a href="https://www.kalahariresorts.com/shop/gift-cards/" target="_blank">Here</a> are some gift card options for Kalahari. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Kathak Dance lessons:</span></h2><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Any friends/ family are interested to try a new dance form? You can gift them a trial Kathak class.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Prabha Aditya is a talented Indian Classical dancer based in Austin , Texas. She began her training in India, under her teacher Guru Santha Sampath initially learning Bharatanatyam and then started learning Mohiniyattam from Smt .Valsala Sasikumar . </span><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Prabha started her journey in Kathak in 2010 with Guru Pandit Rajendra Gangani and then she continued to fine tune and refine her skills with Guru Pali Chandra and Guru Sudeshna Maulik, a direct disciple of Pt Birju Maharajji. </span><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /><br />She continues to teach in Leander , Austin as her hometown and looks forward to establishing an Indian dance ensemble, a collective of talented dancers who are passionate to support this beautiful art form.</span><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: black; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1545" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYYj6phMQ8zh-NySAD4A83lPW7XeayWPXz0wvTjMbcOgtUu_v1KG-ULFqjna_Y1B__-Ah7WbNXPBMPIbVYlkchjMK1k8WH5LycleEKMdw6G8Wk49jOP9k0nZr3QHXI7chXX_6tDmfQ76EWCHykFwiAmpoYTo8T6hoRbJ9_b2eOPsnUr7DnkWk/w494-h640/motheranddaughter.png" width="494" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><b>Reach out for a trial class:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br />Prabha Aditya <br /><br />Rhythm Performing Arts , Austin <br /><br />FB Page</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/RhythmDanceAcademyNC/">https://www.facebook.com/RhythmDanceAcademyNC/</a><br /><br />Website : <a href="https://www.prabhaaditya.dance/contact/">https://www.prabhaaditya.dance/contact/</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYYj6phMQ8zh-NySAD4A83lPW7XeayWPXz0wvTjMbcOgtUu_v1KG-ULFqjna_Y1B__-Ah7WbNXPBMPIbVYlkchjMK1k8WH5LycleEKMdw6G8Wk49jOP9k0nZr3QHXI7chXX_6tDmfQ76EWCHykFwiAmpoYTo8T6hoRbJ9_b2eOPsnUr7DnkWk/s2000/motheranddaughter.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Books by Texas Authors:</span></h2><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">The best gifts are books if you want to please a book lover. Do you have book worms in your circle? Then, here are some book recommendations.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1400096200&asins=1400096200&linkId=f52ddcbdeaabde12cc35fef1911e911e&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1501110365&asins=1501110365&linkId=d69874eba7ad07d82cfb1b19b7a18a55&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Mean Streak by Sanda Brown</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1455581151&asins=1455581151&linkId=9422197ce9272ea4b46ced73ea70cea2&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">The Darkest Hour by Maya Banks</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0425227944&asins=0425227944&linkId=99e86b7b3529d2c63be46a16d493bb28&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Unique Stays in Texas:</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">There are so many unique destinations in Texas which offer the best stays for a weekend. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiky3pciH0vyOAxXwDfyQTv2XL8cmPbl5u-bPOwKb3WxWjMouWqgMosDDCDC84EU-Ph7nwiCAlxDwbQTU7QgUkxEtXtpDH3oWZu4kdNy4AvafFGOFPNKT3dhuxeS2br9OhgQ7qp17MDnJoytnpwzQ-0b5CpCLolAT1d1SySr-OhfHbk1rqq5vza/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202023-12-20T130547.498.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiky3pciH0vyOAxXwDfyQTv2XL8cmPbl5u-bPOwKb3WxWjMouWqgMosDDCDC84EU-Ph7nwiCAlxDwbQTU7QgUkxEtXtpDH3oWZu4kdNy4AvafFGOFPNKT3dhuxeS2br9OhgQ7qp17MDnJoytnpwzQ-0b5CpCLolAT1d1SySr-OhfHbk1rqq5vza/w640-h360/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202023-12-20T130547.498.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Summit at BigBend</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">A few nestled in the forests, A few giving a best experience of glamping around mountains, A few good as a romantic gateway for couples, A few cabin stays for families including activities from Texas hill country. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">How about gifting some unique stays like these?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><a href="https://summitbigbend.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Summit at BigBend</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><a href="https://stayonera.com/lodging/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Onera in Fredericksburg</a></span></div><div> </div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><a href="https://getaway.house/austin/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAvoqsBhB9EiwA9XTWGb7IXzeK2LarYSY1hJHKLrwjPJk0TD4zWrfZGXvgGOG_V9M1NApqmRoCBgIQAvD_BwE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Getaway Hill country</a> in Austin, San Antonio</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><a href="https://sonsriverranch.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Son's River Ranch</a> at kingsbury<br /></span><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><a href="https://theyurtopian.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Yurtopian</a> in Wimberley</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.cypressvalley.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cypress Valley Treehouses</a> in Spicewood </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Do you have any other good suggestions of local businesses in this holiday season? Please do let me know in comments. I will try to add them to this guide if you think they should be here.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoFO2qMeJUyWpIlAcblug-16kCrs-1OfxwbFxFTH5L9mUxk187DuLxfeApIiML7B1Kxb0OyKmLnU7yR0tIgAwojeQsW16bt7fvjwEZOWpijzrD0syr8v6tIYHTkEAdtqw-xWRnYF1oWlAbhOGau23zEfMGnRP9cC1m8zuKH1rm7lvtM00EGer/s228/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="228" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoFO2qMeJUyWpIlAcblug-16kCrs-1OfxwbFxFTH5L9mUxk187DuLxfeApIiML7B1Kxb0OyKmLnU7yR0tIgAwojeQsW16bt7fvjwEZOWpijzrD0syr8v6tIYHTkEAdtqw-xWRnYF1oWlAbhOGau23zEfMGnRP9cC1m8zuKH1rm7lvtM00EGer/s1600/signature.png" width="228" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div></div>Mahathi Ramyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573960801443027067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35087221.post-52390939392190168372023-12-19T15:43:00.003-07:002023-12-19T15:43:52.020-07:00The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis - [Book Review]<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.</i></span><br /><br /></span><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Book Details:</span></h2><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Title: The Magnolia Palace</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Author: Fiona Davis</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Genre: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Publisher: Dutton</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Print length: 368 pages</span><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Blurb: </span></h2><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue, returns with a tantalizing novel about the secrets, betrayal, and murder within one of New York City’s most impressive Gilded Age mansions.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Eight months since losing her mother in the Spanish flu outbreak of 1919, twenty-one-year-old Lillian Carter’s life has completely fallen apart. For the past six years, under the moniker Angelica, Lillian was one of the most sought-after artists’ models in New York City, with statues based on her figure gracing landmarks from the Plaza Hotel to the Brooklyn Bridge. But with her mother gone, a grieving Lillian is rudderless and desperate—the work has dried up and a looming scandal has left her entirely without a safe haven. So when she stumbles upon an employment opportunity at the Frick mansion—a building that, ironically, bears her own visage—Lillian jumps at the chance. But the longer she works as a private secretary to the imperious and demanding Helen Frick, the daughter and heiress of industrialist and art patron Henry Clay Frick, the more deeply her life gets intertwined with that of the family—pulling her into a tangled web of romantic trysts, stolen jewels, and family drama that runs so deep, the stakes just may be life or death.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Nearly fifty years later, mod English model Veronica Weber has her own chance to make her career—and with it, earn the money she needs to support her family back home—within the walls of the former Frick residence, now converted into one of New York City’s most impressive museums. But when she—along with a charming intern/budding art curator named Joshua—is dismissed from the Vogue shoot taking place at the Frick Collection, she chances upon a series of hidden messages in the museum: messages that will lead her and Joshua on a hunt that could not only solve Veronica’s financial woes, but could finally reveal the truth behind a decades-old murder in the infamous Frick family.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-D4BxJtpbLrlRXCNtIysAK_Bib_QYAB03qnBxc5VEk0UUbdLuYGOD-d7HMJXiTS9o3UoxBVxYfrrCzlxU5VrzVZM7wsaQWBglJJF0BWU4sRky2IpkldAHkQy02h5dIBykGRPukKnHtr9bzHxIg6wI3uhmWBWXzqB2nMyXDswIolH0nNzBz8IP/s500/57891877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="331" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-D4BxJtpbLrlRXCNtIysAK_Bib_QYAB03qnBxc5VEk0UUbdLuYGOD-d7HMJXiTS9o3UoxBVxYfrrCzlxU5VrzVZM7wsaQWBglJJF0BWU4sRky2IpkldAHkQy02h5dIBykGRPukKnHtr9bzHxIg6wI3uhmWBWXzqB2nMyXDswIolH0nNzBz8IP/w424-h640/57891877.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></span><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Purchase Link:</span></h2><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/489OusL" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span><br /><br /><br /></span><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">My Review:</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Loved the story. From author's note, I see that the story is not complete fiction.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"> All the art references and Frick family collection are real. The characters make this story wonderful. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">It's interesting to see how Fricks family navigates through tough times and how each family member responds to the grief. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Lillian obviously is one amazing character. She adjusts to the roles and adapts quickly. She always does what's right. It's good that it ends well for her. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The book cover and title are apt.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I hated Helen's character at many points but she does good for all at the end. I would love to know about RJD and why he has to turn against Lillian.</span><br /><br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">My Rating: 5/5</span></span></h3><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">About the Author:</span></h2><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Fiona Davis is the New York Times bestselling author of seven historical fiction novels set in iconic New York City buildings, including The Spectacular, The Magnolia Palace, The Address, and The Lions of Fifth Avenue, which was a Good Morning America book club pick. Her novels have been chosen as “One Book, One Community” reads and her articles have appeared in publications like The Wall Street Journal and O the Oprah magazine.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">She first came to New York as an actress, but fell in love with writing after getting a master's degree at Columbia Journalism School. Her books have been translated into over twenty languages and she's based in New York City.</span></span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WB18_mL6-SXWyQf1_qdfcrQFvjuB3xAHLhnQFfr1c4XaTsBRM0e6cyxA7k0b5QbEh2wNycJWZAFZvMPSdjVp3kziaaiJ_3_0OjHtqsFMnZg6f0JAGGFiyCAWUBxxIA9FtjtikEm2liz1mQ_ODOQgPtg5BaFVFzKtqBjx6VO_6C5_6KLcxW6p/s228/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="228" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WB18_mL6-SXWyQf1_qdfcrQFvjuB3xAHLhnQFfr1c4XaTsBRM0e6cyxA7k0b5QbEh2wNycJWZAFZvMPSdjVp3kziaaiJ_3_0OjHtqsFMnZg6f0JAGGFiyCAWUBxxIA9FtjtikEm2liz1mQ_ODOQgPtg5BaFVFzKtqBjx6VO_6C5_6KLcxW6p/s1600/signature.png" width="228" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>Mahathi Ramyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573960801443027067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35087221.post-61349497154126447072023-12-19T15:26:00.001-07:002023-12-19T15:26:08.410-07:00The Night she disappeared by Lisa Jewell - [Book Review]<p><i style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.</i></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">Book Details:</span></h2><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Title: The Night she disappeared</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Author: Lisa jewell</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Genre: thriller, mystery, fiction</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Publisher: Atria Books</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Print length: 368 pages</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYf5WnKWoOkbxfnccgH4olDyR1WxBOEleIZmSngDewroMK7BQOPMrb0jpq1fOBVd3k3f3iCLg1GURbwdnog5quNMck97vdqcOo0AFOXz7PsrbCmkf1UuTtr7RA2eycHXjs9lE3-wqHd51Cpaqa5PO3QxTnp_SidczuCDY8ojkuSotkvgKW7QJ/s500/55934177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="331" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYf5WnKWoOkbxfnccgH4olDyR1WxBOEleIZmSngDewroMK7BQOPMrb0jpq1fOBVd3k3f3iCLg1GURbwdnog5quNMck97vdqcOo0AFOXz7PsrbCmkf1UuTtr7RA2eycHXjs9lE3-wqHd51Cpaqa5PO3QxTnp_SidczuCDY8ojkuSotkvgKW7QJ/w424-h640/55934177.jpg" width="424" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">Blurb:</span></h2><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Then She Was Gone and The Family Upstairs comes another riveting work of “gloriously twisted” (Marie Claire) psychological suspense.<br /><br />On a beautiful summer night in a charming English suburb, a young woman and her boyfriend disappear after partying at the massive country estate of a new college friend.<br /><br />One year later, a writer moves into a cottage on the edge of the woods that border the same estate. Known locally as the Dark Place, the dense forest is the writer’s favorite area for long walks and it’s on one such walk that she stumbles upon a mysterious note that simply reads, “DIG HERE.”<br /><br />Could this be a clue towards what has happened to the missing young couple? And what exactly is buried in this haunted ground?<br /><br />With her signature “rich, dark, and intricately twisted” (Ruth Ware, New York Times bestselling author) prose, Lisa Jewell has crafted a dazzling work of suspense that will keep on the edge of your seat until the final page.</span><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">Purchase Link:</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/48s78vx" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">My Review:</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Loved this. A perfect thriller I would say. Till the last few pages, it's impossible for us to predict the storyline. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">The story narrated by different people makes it still enjoyable. How the stories of 2 other people intersect at one point is interesting - Tellulah, a teenage girl who disappears, and Sophie, the girl friend of the new school headteacher. There are many other exciting characters with mystery around them.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">My Rating: 5/5</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">About the Author:</span></h2><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /><br />LISA JEWELL was born in London in 1968.<br /><br />Her first novel, Ralph's Party, was the best- selling debut novel of 1999. Since then she has written another twenty novels, most recently a number of dark psychological thrillers, including The Girls, Then She Was Gone, The Family Upstairs and The Night She Disappeared.<br /><br />Lisa is a New York Times and Sunday Times number one bestselling author who has been published worldwide in over twenty-five languages. She lives in north London with her husband, two teenage daughters and the best dog in the world.</span><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WB18_mL6-SXWyQf1_qdfcrQFvjuB3xAHLhnQFfr1c4XaTsBRM0e6cyxA7k0b5QbEh2wNycJWZAFZvMPSdjVp3kziaaiJ_3_0OjHtqsFMnZg6f0JAGGFiyCAWUBxxIA9FtjtikEm2liz1mQ_ODOQgPtg5BaFVFzKtqBjx6VO_6C5_6KLcxW6p/s228/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="228" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WB18_mL6-SXWyQf1_qdfcrQFvjuB3xAHLhnQFfr1c4XaTsBRM0e6cyxA7k0b5QbEh2wNycJWZAFZvMPSdjVp3kziaaiJ_3_0OjHtqsFMnZg6f0JAGGFiyCAWUBxxIA9FtjtikEm2liz1mQ_ODOQgPtg5BaFVFzKtqBjx6VO_6C5_6KLcxW6p/s1600/signature.png" width="228" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Mahathi Ramyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573960801443027067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35087221.post-13585476836933685552023-12-19T14:35:00.007-07:002023-12-19T14:35:54.808-07:00The Maid by Nita Prose - [Book review]<i style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.</i><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;"> Book Details:</span></h2><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br />Title: The Maid<br /><br />Author: Nita Prose<br /><br />Genre: Mystery, fiction, Contemporary<br /><br />Publisher: Ballantine Books<br /><br />Print length: 304 pages<br /><br />Source: A copy from local library<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Blurb:</span></h2><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br />Molly Gray is not like everyone else. She struggles with social skills and misreads the intentions of others. Her gran used to interpret the world for her, codifying it into simple rules that Molly could live by.<br /><br />Since Gran died a few months ago, twenty-five-year-old Molly has been navigating life’s complexities all by herself. No matter—she throws herself with gusto into her work as a hotel maid. Her unique character, along with her obsessive love of cleaning and proper etiquette, make her an ideal fit for the job. She delights in donning her crisp uniform each morning, stocking her cart with miniature soaps and bottles, and returning guest rooms at the Regency Grand Hotel to a state of perfection.<br /><br />But Molly’s orderly life is upended the day she enters the suite of the infamous and wealthy Charles Black, only to find it in a state of disarray and Mr. Black himself dead in his bed. Before she knows what’s happening, Molly’s unusual demeanor has the police targeting her as their lead suspect. She quickly finds herself caught in a web of deception, one she has no idea how to untangle. Fortunately for Molly, friends she never knew she had unite with her in a search for clues to what really happened to Mr. Black—but will they be able to find the real killer before it’s too late?<br /><br />A Clue-like, locked-room mystery and a heartwarming journey of the spirit, The Maid explores what it means to be the same as everyone else and yet entirely different—and reveals that all mysteries can be solved through connection to the human heart.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhV0M8yX-7973Y9_PC5sOdGli-xvyb-np2Ac7kox9MGrIMIFaBl-Q5PIrzuK5rLR-3RXIPWjxPTwoFnEVuAN5rEt4dlIwyx5NpopLds0yKoO1BafX-0Hjsh-Q73NSqF2B5Yv-J_Rb9SJCFDJCRhoERDr74KO8Pgq6PfH1xkbFJIER4v-TYs-m/s441/55196813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="290" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhV0M8yX-7973Y9_PC5sOdGli-xvyb-np2Ac7kox9MGrIMIFaBl-Q5PIrzuK5rLR-3RXIPWjxPTwoFnEVuAN5rEt4dlIwyx5NpopLds0yKoO1BafX-0Hjsh-Q73NSqF2B5Yv-J_Rb9SJCFDJCRhoERDr74KO8Pgq6PfH1xkbFJIER4v-TYs-m/w420-h640/55196813.jpg" width="420" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Purchase Link:</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3TqCej8" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">My Review:</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">The story seems simple and straightforward at first. An innocent and honest maid is setup as a murderer and a few friends helping her to come out of that situation.<br /><br />This story says one thing loud - our kindness and honesty always help in someway.<br /><br />The twist at the end is mind blowing. The characters are well etched and feel real.<br /><br />Loved the book like many blogger friends who referred it.<br />It felt little boring in the middle but everything makes sense at the end. The title and book cover are apt.</span><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">My Rating: </span><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">4.5/5</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">About the Author:</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Nita Prose is the author of THE MAID, a #1 New York Times bestseller and a Good Morning America Book Club Pick. Nominated for an Edgar Award and winner of the Ned Kelly Award for International Crime Fiction and a Goodreads Choice Award, THE MAID has been published in more than forty countries and has sold over a million copies worldwide. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Her next book starring Molly is THE MYSTERY GUEST. It publishes in November in the US and Canada (January in the UK).<br /><br />Visit Nita at nitaprose.com, on Instagram @nitaprose or on Twitter @NitaProse.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WB18_mL6-SXWyQf1_qdfcrQFvjuB3xAHLhnQFfr1c4XaTsBRM0e6cyxA7k0b5QbEh2wNycJWZAFZvMPSdjVp3kziaaiJ_3_0OjHtqsFMnZg6f0JAGGFiyCAWUBxxIA9FtjtikEm2liz1mQ_ODOQgPtg5BaFVFzKtqBjx6VO_6C5_6KLcxW6p/s228/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="228" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WB18_mL6-SXWyQf1_qdfcrQFvjuB3xAHLhnQFfr1c4XaTsBRM0e6cyxA7k0b5QbEh2wNycJWZAFZvMPSdjVp3kziaaiJ_3_0OjHtqsFMnZg6f0JAGGFiyCAWUBxxIA9FtjtikEm2liz1mQ_ODOQgPtg5BaFVFzKtqBjx6VO_6C5_6KLcxW6p/s1600/signature.png" width="228" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Mahathi Ramyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573960801443027067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35087221.post-61021765008693908662023-12-15T13:13:00.002-07:002023-12-15T13:14:41.804-07:00Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews - [Book Review]<span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: verdana;">This post may contain affiliate links, clicking on those links may earn some commission to us without any additional cost to you.</i><br /><br /></span><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;"> Book Details:</span></h2><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br />Title: Bright Lights, Big Christmas<br /><br />Author : Mary Kay Andrews<br /><br />Genre: Holiday Fiction, Christmas, Romance<br /><br />Publisher: St.Martin's Press<br /><br />Print Length: 288 pages<br /><br />Source: A copy borrowed from a friend<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCAGBzac6kaXjuamBygIuXryO5SuwoIZsHVlWvAhsVP6_NPgDxXRYODvOVwDyXEQ2DSvQhhgisf6OcIj-cR7ldPJkUV7cgdXn5v1yBSGjrGJQhUjdrFripcm61rXlo7cFNkazDraCVr651e31AEBiE2NNDAxc9FvYpvjtZDV8IehuTx1qMp-B/s400/65214218.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="259" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCAGBzac6kaXjuamBygIuXryO5SuwoIZsHVlWvAhsVP6_NPgDxXRYODvOVwDyXEQ2DSvQhhgisf6OcIj-cR7ldPJkUV7cgdXn5v1yBSGjrGJQhUjdrFripcm61rXlo7cFNkazDraCVr651e31AEBiE2NNDAxc9FvYpvjtZDV8IehuTx1qMp-B/w414-h640/65214218.jpg" width="414" /></a></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Blurb:</span></h2><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br />From Mary Kay Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of The Homewreckers and The Santa Suit, comes a novella celebrating love and the warm, glittering charm of the holiday season.<br /><br />When fall rolls around, it’s time for Kerry Tolliver to leave her family’s Christmas tree farm in the mountains of North Carolina for the wilds of New York City to help her gruff older brother & his dog, Queenie, sell the trees at the family stand on a corner in Greenwich Village. Sharing a tiny vintage camper and experiencing Manhattan for the first time, Kerry’s ready to try to carve out a new corner for herself.<br /><br />In the weeks leading into Christmas, Kerry quickly becomes close with the charming neighbors who live near their stand. When an elderly neighbor goes missing, Kerry will need to combine her country know-how with her newly acquired New York knowledge to protect the new friends she’s come to think of as family,<br /><br />And complicating everything is Patrick, a single dad raising his adorable, dragon-loving son Austin on this quirky block. Kerry and Patrick’s chemistry is undeniable, but what chance does this holiday romance really have?<br /><br />Filled with family ties, both rekindled and new, and sparkling with Christmas magic, Bright Lights, Big Christmas delivers everything Mary Kay Andrews fans adore, all tied up in a hilarious, romantic gem of a novel.<br /><br /></span><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Purchase Link:</span></h2><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /><a href="https://amzn.to/3RszXBv" target="_blank">Amazon</a><br /><br /></span><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">My Review:</span></h2><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Perfect book to spread the holiday cheer!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div>Kerry who is staying with her mom getting bored in her hometown after losing a job as a designer had to join her brother in New York selling Christmas trees. Farming and selling christmas trees every year has been an important part of their family business and since her dad is not well, she had to take his place this time.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kerry is not so excited about staying in a trailer till Christmas without proper bathroom and shower. But, she makes a lot of friends in that quiet neighborhood where they setup the stall and the trailer.</div><div><br /></div><div>She loves Patrick from the neighborhood, who is a divorcee and father of a kid 'Austin'. She enjoys drawing a picture book for Patrick's son Austin and making wreaths with her creativity. Atlast, she becomes successful in selling all the trees with help from her brother Murph and gains some life long friendships. </div><div><br /></div><div>Will she return to her home town after Christmas? or will she try her odds in New York city with Patrick? That's the remaining story.</div><div> </div>I enjoyed reading the book. It brought the festive mood and holiday cheer</span><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">.</span><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu;">I like the characters, emotions and especially the ending. I l</span><span style="font-family: Ubuntu;">oved the way the author portrayed the character of Austin. Cute, kind and compassionate.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">I thought the pace is little slow for my taste. I expected to read more about Patrick. </span><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">My Rating:</span><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"> 4/5</span></h2><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">About the Author:</span></h2><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br />MARY KAY ANDREWS is the New York Times bestselling author of 30 novels (including The Homewreckers, The Santa Suit, The Newcomer; Hello, Summer; Sunset Beach; The High Tide Club; The Weekenders; Beach Town; Save the Date; Ladies’ Night; Christmas Bliss; Spring Fever; Summer Rental; The Fixer Upper; Deep Dish; Blue Christmas; Savannah Breeze; Hissy Fit; Little Bitty Lies; and Savannah Blues), and one cookbook, The Beach House Cookbook.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOu6YZWRrzOB0o1GUxQyZlSiIzDZsdsM3w2gluReZuy_gERiV2E_GuhrHoegOFQ1k3_Yp4LU-AOpEumLw_Tutkx4vz0Bab6kEc7R2Vdcbr7WCfP8b9hDa4a1NlfJtSCJSya4ol2RrOCIv8Fhk_Pq-DVbQ-QJfdPRY4VwVr1DomRcIXiB9eYH-6/s228/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="228" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOu6YZWRrzOB0o1GUxQyZlSiIzDZsdsM3w2gluReZuy_gERiV2E_GuhrHoegOFQ1k3_Yp4LU-AOpEumLw_Tutkx4vz0Bab6kEc7R2Vdcbr7WCfP8b9hDa4a1NlfJtSCJSya4ol2RrOCIv8Fhk_Pq-DVbQ-QJfdPRY4VwVr1DomRcIXiB9eYH-6/s1600/signature.png" width="228" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Mahathi Ramyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573960801443027067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35087221.post-30472683499105337672023-12-12T20:01:00.004-07:002023-12-15T08:28:40.301-07:00Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom - [Book Review]<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #424242;">This post may contain affiliate links, clicking on those links may earn some commission to us without any additional cost to you.</i></span></p><div><i style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Book Details:</span></h2><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">Title: </span><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-size: large;">Tuesdays with Morrie</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Author: Mitch Albom</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Genre: Motivational, Self help</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Publisher: Crown</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Print length: 192 pages</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Source: A copy from the local library</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUZvPE0ujSwiHp8a5AzmIk6BzEjCfaluQNru_IihHX2xcFbmFECeRHkF1fkk2bzUXPheHbjNoRqCRa2cgLid2Zzfz2AJIqwGsle8qHz2GXOYp7jT9a5YtgN1fhTXDfx08jm1vuhTcviXkeKaRCbjk2jo2eVh-qC2VwXC76SLYErrzlvlxQJyS/s1500/91rcwTAx35L._SL1500_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1034" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUZvPE0ujSwiHp8a5AzmIk6BzEjCfaluQNru_IihHX2xcFbmFECeRHkF1fkk2bzUXPheHbjNoRqCRa2cgLid2Zzfz2AJIqwGsle8qHz2GXOYp7jT9a5YtgN1fhTXDfx08jm1vuhTcviXkeKaRCbjk2jo2eVh-qC2VwXC76SLYErrzlvlxQJyS/w442-h640/91rcwTAx35L._SL1500_.jpg" width="442" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /><span><br /><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /><span><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Blurb :</span></h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span>#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A special 25th anniversary edition of the beloved book that has changed millions of lives with the story of an unforgettable friendship, the timeless wisdom of older generations, and healing lessons on loss and grief—featuring a new afterword by the author<br /> <br />“A wonderful book, a story of the heart told by a writer with soul.”—Los Angeles Times<br /> <br />“The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.”<br /> <br />Maybe it was a grandparent, or a teacher, or a colleague. Someone older, patient and wise, who understood you when you were young and searching, helped you see the world as a more profound place, gave you sound advice to help you make your way through it.<br /> <br />For Mitch Albom, that person was his college professor Morrie Schwartz.<br /><br />Maybe, like Mitch, you lost track of this mentor as you made your way, and the insights faded, and the world seemed colder. Wouldn’t you like to see that person again, ask the bigger questions that still haunt you, receive wisdom for your busy life today the way you once did when you were younger?<br /><br />Mitch Albom had that second chance. He rediscovered Morrie in the last months of the older man’s life. Knowing he was dying, Morrie visited with Mitch in his study every Tuesday, just as they used to back in college. Their rekindled relationship turned into one final “class”: lessons in how to live. “The truth is, Mitch,” he said, “once you learn how to die, you learn how to live.”<br /><br />Tuesdays with Morrie is a magical chronicle of their time together, through which Mitch shares Morrie’s lasting gift with the world.</span><br /></span><h3><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Purchase Link:</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3v2SAEe" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">My Review:</span></h2></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">A book full of life lessons from a professor who is going to die due to a rare disease which cannot be cured. </span><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">When a person is about to die, his perspective on life changes. He thinks more of what will give him satisfaction like family, love, his interests etc instead of thinking about money or career. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Professor Morrie is a simple man who gives importance to people, love, care and the happiness in giving. The story is about conversations of Morrie with his student Mitch. There are many life lessons in Mitch's meetings with Morrie on life, family, death, community, marriage etc.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br />Loved this book for the way it teaches a few important concepts in life in a simple way.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br />It feels a bit boring in the middle and at a few places it feels repetitive. But, other than that, it's a wonderful book that everyone should read.<br /><br /><br />My Rating : 4/5</span><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div><h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">About the Author:</span></h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Mitch Albom is the author of numerous books of fiction and nonfiction, which have collectively sold more than forty million copies in forty-seven languages worldwide. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">He has written seven number-one New York Times bestsellers – including TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE, the bestselling memoir of all time, which topped the list for four straight years – award-winning TV films, stage plays, screenplays, a nationally syndicated newspaper column, and a musical. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Through his work at the Detroit Free Press, he was inducted into both the National Sports Media Association and Michigan Sports halls of fame and is the recipient of the 2010 Red Smith Award for lifetime achievement. After bestselling memoir FINDING CHIKA and “Human Touch,” the weekly serial written and published online in real-time to raise funds for pandemic relief, his latest work is a return to fiction with THE STRANGER IN THE LIFEBOAT (Harper, November 2021). </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">He founded and oversees SAY Detroit, a consortium of nine different charitable operations in his hometown, including a nonprofit dessert shop and food product line to fund programs for Detroit’s most underserved citizens. He also operates an orphanage in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, which he visits monthly. He lives with his wife, Janine, in Michigan. Learn more at www.mitchalbom.com, www.saydetroit.org, and www.havefaithaiti.org.<br /></span><div class="a-expander-header a-expander-partial-collapse-header" id="author_biography_expander_heading" style="background-color: white; bottom: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; opacity: 1; outline: 0px; position: absolute; transition: opacity 0.4s ease-out 0s; width: 230px;"><a class="a-declarative" data-a-expander-toggle="{"allowLinkDefault":true, "expand_prompt":"Read more", "collapse_prompt":"Read less"}" data-action="a-expander-toggle" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #007185;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /><i class="a-icon a-icon-extender-collapse" style="background-image: url("https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/sash/McBZv0ZvnbehkIx.png"); background-position: -94px -293px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: 400px 900px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: 9px; margin-right: 0.385em; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline; width: 7px;"></i></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGlP-cxVR4RrspZowNnkErOH7GsaM6GNpp8PzsXLHd9T2AYp_o8ZlWCbxIis29gpEopSQ88YpjkYzxId548orJyICb3ERn0LEFP2gJXByghNT_8f8XydE2BEpo1hGWFzyPUqr/s228/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGlP-cxVR4RrspZowNnkErOH7GsaM6GNpp8PzsXLHd9T2AYp_o8ZlWCbxIis29gpEopSQ88YpjkYzxId548orJyICb3ERn0LEFP2gJXByghNT_8f8XydE2BEpo1hGWFzyPUqr/s0/signature.png" /></span></a><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Mahathi Ramyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573960801443027067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35087221.post-60787598859529681562023-12-04T15:06:00.009-07:002023-12-06T13:03:26.068-07:00Gratitude List for 2023 <p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Showing gratitude and being mindful are the top priorities in my life recently. I realized the happiness and satisfaction of being grateful for whatever I have. Loving family members, own house, enough money for needs and satisfying career and business - I can't ask more from God. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qk5hKZsEMF5opQyUISOD7nRK7Moki1QadRKeIPb3IC45S5n4IQzEIS7ujtXA9PkyNGeER1XyJW1xogLrEk7tA7AcTLjsVfAGLidolefynO_z1tRadbqo7IyhwtQF0p0vIp8xPwhsMfDmqnSn2A71cVdj70yqiKDSruHB6ak2G89-5xVyoZMf/s1080/good%20morning.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qk5hKZsEMF5opQyUISOD7nRK7Moki1QadRKeIPb3IC45S5n4IQzEIS7ujtXA9PkyNGeER1XyJW1xogLrEk7tA7AcTLjsVfAGLidolefynO_z1tRadbqo7IyhwtQF0p0vIp8xPwhsMfDmqnSn2A71cVdj70yqiKDSruHB6ak2G89-5xVyoZMf/w640-h640/good%20morning.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">2023 just flying by and we are entering a new year. Since blogging has taken a backseat, I couldn't write any gratitude lists in 2023. So, here is one for the whole year!</span></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Gratitude List for 2023</span></h1><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Pin it for later!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxcrlb01HhMtl0QK45DQWlXoRxzxl9AfLjkIi79gQIs5V-JlXK8wYqHuKt6BR2gDZrI9ZRdEJkVxre6dPCHGIMeN1gABh57P11YJPvxddtSSswBFArPbBISvakhT5ypHfZl3DPqHUoT8fspXoBS63CEOfkn8_9QHSvxBnzfFYFfP5HfxujTKM/s1500/Minimalist%20Simple%20Pinterest%20Pin%20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxcrlb01HhMtl0QK45DQWlXoRxzxl9AfLjkIi79gQIs5V-JlXK8wYqHuKt6BR2gDZrI9ZRdEJkVxre6dPCHGIMeN1gABh57P11YJPvxddtSSswBFArPbBISvakhT5ypHfZl3DPqHUoT8fspXoBS63CEOfkn8_9QHSvxBnzfFYFfP5HfxujTKM/w426-h640/Minimalist%20Simple%20Pinterest%20Pin%20.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Family</span></h2><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">A supportive family is the biggest strength for anyone. Don't you agree? If you can vent out your frustrations without inhibition to other family members, that itself is a great deal. If you can be YOU, that is the ultimate happiness in a family. Iam grateful every day for that.</span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Dance</span></h2><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Our dance school grew a lot in this year. It is a productive year with many performances and watching students getting better day by day. I am grateful to see determined students who wanted to learn more and try to give their best in performances. I love watching my students practice at home everyday and getting better.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I have never experienced the beauty of being a teacher earlier and I am feeling proud. We have successfully performed on our Annual Recital in September. </span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Travel</span></h2><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Why this has to be on top 3? You know me :-) If there is one part of life which keeps me motivated, it's travel. We could visit Utah and some of the wonderful national parks - <a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2023/07/best-family-friendly-trails-in-zion-day.html" target="_blank">Zion</a>, <a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2023/07/the-ultimate-guide-to-bryce-canyon.html" target="_blank">Bryce</a> and <a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2023/08/5-fun-things-to-do-in-capitol-reef.html" target="_blank">Capitol Reef</a>. The beauty of Utah is gorgeous and there are no words to explain. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We visited the remote parts of Oklahoma for thanksgiving and enjoyed our boat tour around bald Cypress trees at Caddo lake state park. That travelogue would be up soon on my blog!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlw1lIvAWWGPW5D3FUiTHCHXAWhpsfUiaWNPWJpt-zuYs1kIzB0pHqOdaTsEPNaROwEYRklJPY6FSPz1iNbEt17__7KFbRQ7tup52EF28e63wC-nkCc6TPyfdWQOR4Uwxh-ZW8yjdWmt6GB30cw2S4O2l_55CSvTDPHqklZqTpma5NtDWobEV/s1600/IMG-20230607-WA0133.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlw1lIvAWWGPW5D3FUiTHCHXAWhpsfUiaWNPWJpt-zuYs1kIzB0pHqOdaTsEPNaROwEYRklJPY6FSPz1iNbEt17__7KFbRQ7tup52EF28e63wC-nkCc6TPyfdWQOR4Uwxh-ZW8yjdWmt6GB30cw2S4O2l_55CSvTDPHqklZqTpma5NtDWobEV/w640-h480/IMG-20230607-WA0133.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beauty of Bryce Canyon National park</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We are planning for a trip to theme parks by the end of the year and kids are very excited. I am excited to cross a few more states in our checklist. </span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Work</span></h2><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This year, I learned a lot and experimented with a testing tool called 'Cypress'. Java Script is not as comforting as Java in the beginning, but I am happy to getting used to it this year. I explored a lot technically and improved my skills on creating a test framework for a web application. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">There is still a lot to learn, but overall, a very productive year in my professional life. I am grateful to my mentors and leads. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2D1JfbIK2jQ00NLpGK27GLMqASx4esQqLgGBwysVUUqmp6dX48jEsFGn2llx-UMoPmKqksiP2h3bddllx6UPFGVWi644wstRQ2pcb0ZxuWPpEqq4IzGNnJk6403YrxFzj4jF-6yCDgOlWqAlHozyRwu_CT_cMhON0rdxKLJuKADMHiSLFjp1/s6144/pexels-lukas-574070.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4069" data-original-width="6144" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2D1JfbIK2jQ00NLpGK27GLMqASx4esQqLgGBwysVUUqmp6dX48jEsFGn2llx-UMoPmKqksiP2h3bddllx6UPFGVWi644wstRQ2pcb0ZxuWPpEqq4IzGNnJk6403YrxFzj4jF-6yCDgOlWqAlHozyRwu_CT_cMhON0rdxKLJuKADMHiSLFjp1/w640-h424/pexels-lukas-574070.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face="PlusJakartaSans, -apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", Ubuntu, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px; text-align: start; white-space: pre;">Photo by Lukas: https://www.pexels.com/photo/blue-retractable-pen-574070/</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Settling in New House</span></h2><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">It's not in the top of the list, but I am happy to settle in our nest this year. A ranch style single storied home as per my wishes :-)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> I don't want to use stairs everyday and stress my knees further (doing that already with dance, anyways - no extra burden). I am grateful for our backyard view and the colors of sky that I get to see for every Sunrise and Sunset. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">There is a lot more today at home-front, but as usual it's not on my high priority list. I wanted to buy more indoor and outdoor plants and setup a cozy corner at home with our artwork. I want this cozy corner to be our place to read books or do yoga and meditate. That's for next year.</span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Parents Visit</span></h2><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I went to India and brought my parents for their first time visit. I am grateful for them as it takes a lot to travel so many hours on flight and the journey is not that comfortable to US. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I cherish all those moments I got with them this year - Celebrating Diwali, Visiting <a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2023/02/2-days-in-big-bend-national-park-day-1.html" target="_blank">Big bend</a> and White Sand dunes last year, Celebrating our housewarming this year, kids' birthdays, kids' band recital, temple visits, showing them Christmas lights and Halloween decors blah blah.. Our family made wonderful memories.</span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Books</span></h2><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I have read a lot of books this year. I have set a goal of completing 20 books which is below my capacity, so I achieved it many months ahead, I think in around August itself. Cool :-)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">There are many good books I got to read <a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2023/07/best-books-read-so-far-in-2023.html" target="_blank">like these</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6HnKzHiOjjnRYD60cCvkR6PuzsZCdjquWZgmby6BZpfLIirJ25Tvtkqq-NXptdTqRnPmB9ejeMfdrbEtWThpXC6vQpsf-W9GGPWX5a4kDJ7zmXKTcmp2GZJ209cjf4uoCIeUSoKH-HbsZdh8plOcFnwj81acvwNjQsQ9vlDC3tqiuvTkf0zk/s6000/pexels-lisa-fotios-1750566.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3748" data-original-width="6000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6HnKzHiOjjnRYD60cCvkR6PuzsZCdjquWZgmby6BZpfLIirJ25Tvtkqq-NXptdTqRnPmB9ejeMfdrbEtWThpXC6vQpsf-W9GGPWX5a4kDJ7zmXKTcmp2GZJ209cjf4uoCIeUSoKH-HbsZdh8plOcFnwj81acvwNjQsQ9vlDC3tqiuvTkf0zk/w640-h400/pexels-lisa-fotios-1750566.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face="PlusJakartaSans, -apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", Ubuntu, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px; text-align: start; white-space: pre;">Photo by Lisa Fotios: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-person-flipping-book-page-1750566/</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I am grateful for the suggestions of fellow book bloggers and readers whom I follow on Instagram. I am also grateful to the local library where I can get so many books for free.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I am thankful to all the authors who send me great free books to write a review and share my opinion.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><b>Podcasts</b></span></h2><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Podcasts are my new found interest. I enjoyed listening to many podcasts while driving to and fro to office this year. I especially liked <a href="https://www.hubermanlab.com/podcast" target="_blank">huberman labs</a> - A science and neuroscience research podcast.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">These are a few other <a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2023/08/3-best-podcasts-that-you-should-listen.html" target="_blank">suggestions</a> if you want to try podcasts.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0pgdnBPUoPCJZgiqY6R2zhBCct45TplfTo5gOG1omADpia6EwBP2N5ZlreTZ_4OervyJqFJdL-1S_fwzKF_M12BJH4M4BXFyWzKObkw75NwpTYQUEyZAxE1XANG9tIU06usLqKRFg_adYyatRInBpzn0kYlh3bAV8-2K4nVbwG9NPZpUGU2y/s1280/cat-5775895_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0pgdnBPUoPCJZgiqY6R2zhBCct45TplfTo5gOG1omADpia6EwBP2N5ZlreTZ_4OervyJqFJdL-1S_fwzKF_M12BJH4M4BXFyWzKObkw75NwpTYQUEyZAxE1XANG9tIU06usLqKRFg_adYyatRInBpzn0kYlh3bAV8-2K4nVbwG9NPZpUGU2y/w640-h480/cat-5775895_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Open Sans", system-ui" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Image by </span><a href="https://pixabay.com/users/kirillslov-8058952/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=5775895" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", system-ui; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Kirill</a><span face=""Open Sans", system-ui" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> from </span><a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=5775895" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", system-ui; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Pixabay</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">So, that's about my gratitude list for 2023. What are you grateful for? Please do let me know in comments.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I wish you a happy holiday season, and best wishes!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYU_v51-PNsC8BfxiicethwRa7sxxXNBHL2POOhNgKAsUpEoFR-jGyTbwFBuUUDExtk2Kz37Y3J3qU2uf4RZEg0lvtP1KOE1SqX8kqMhfVDz1o3mqqwNEBpM78h09tvXNzb_npYi0yKgN6zkfTS_0M74iZz4mmZt-UMFEzZ9jX8Au-QsbrA72J/s228/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="228" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYU_v51-PNsC8BfxiicethwRa7sxxXNBHL2POOhNgKAsUpEoFR-jGyTbwFBuUUDExtk2Kz37Y3J3qU2uf4RZEg0lvtP1KOE1SqX8kqMhfVDz1o3mqqwNEBpM78h09tvXNzb_npYi0yKgN6zkfTS_0M74iZz4mmZt-UMFEzZ9jX8Au-QsbrA72J/s1600/signature.png" width="228" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Mahathi Ramyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573960801443027067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35087221.post-37611357976262232322023-11-28T09:56:00.003-07:002023-11-30T12:12:30.641-07:005 hacks for Instant Happiness<a href="https://www.theblogchatter.com/blogrolls/fantastic-feathers-5-hacks-for-instant-happiness" title="Fantastic Feathers: 5 hacks for Instant Happiness"><img src="https://www.theblogchatter.com/public/top_bloggers.png" width="150" border="0" alt="Top post on Blogchatter" style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;border:none;"></a><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Now a days, people are searching for happiness. Many are clue less where to find it. But, I believe , Happiness is found within us. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Being grateful for what we have, enjoying each moment and being present can make us happy. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Josefin Sans";">What about instant happiness? </span><span style="font-family: "Josefin Sans";">What to do for Instant Happiness? </span><span style="font-family: "Josefin Sans";">Are there any things / tasks / ways to get happiness? </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Josefin Sans";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pin it for later!</span></span></h3><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5mpVUZcymGWI3wbZX-VJfHg8mUETbe0nD8b2qF58H8cRF-pta2ixjxoU0mKF90hQf0uV3_jijrGbZz9o9XMMPwACHJre4RzC-e8zRD09WCnTG01Si28rQYTMBavzPjUMva4gQ22Y7-DXvzQ963x-BtJ7pXbZnSfvbdkm4BDH7DOY3Qre2SbRD/s1500/Yellow%20Brown%20Leaves%20Fall%20Pinterest%20Pin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5mpVUZcymGWI3wbZX-VJfHg8mUETbe0nD8b2qF58H8cRF-pta2ixjxoU0mKF90hQf0uV3_jijrGbZz9o9XMMPwACHJre4RzC-e8zRD09WCnTG01Si28rQYTMBavzPjUMva4gQ22Y7-DXvzQ963x-BtJ7pXbZnSfvbdkm4BDH7DOY3Qre2SbRD/w426-h640/Yellow%20Brown%20Leaves%20Fall%20Pinterest%20Pin.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">Here are a few tips which bring me instant happiness:</span></h1><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">1. Coffee</span></h2><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">I need not drink coffee, just the smell of freshly brewing coffee make me feel better anytime. It can bring my mind away from boring and sad thoughts. It can lift up my mood and give me instant happiness.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpz0Qg9Kz2yihJ5-Mo8aBN_05HveFWBMQrVoBOCNvsBxj3lOUbnM1s7qs0U8Im6QSmzeWBla70uZMbPyo0ujqO5cyoFjx1z_BH11GNInM2Egad5t0y2nqvnyXp7LNDwJpGsAbas4a7r4U7XmOfILwiV3qhtQyqv0xSbBzmUQVlGqdKM94aIgi/s1280/coffee-206142_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpz0Qg9Kz2yihJ5-Mo8aBN_05HveFWBMQrVoBOCNvsBxj3lOUbnM1s7qs0U8Im6QSmzeWBla70uZMbPyo0ujqO5cyoFjx1z_BH11GNInM2Egad5t0y2nqvnyXp7LNDwJpGsAbas4a7r4U7XmOfILwiV3qhtQyqv0xSbBzmUQVlGqdKM94aIgi/w640-h426/coffee-206142_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Open Sans", system-ui" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Image by </span><a href="https://pixabay.com/users/eliasfalla-83821/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=206142" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", system-ui; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Elias Shariff Falla Mardini</a><span face=""Open Sans", system-ui" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> from </span><a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=206142" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", system-ui; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Pixabay</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">2. Flowers</span></h2><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">I love shopping for flowers. I enjoy picking up different flowers to put in my vase, like mixing up different colors of flowers, love the process of arranging them on rangolis etc., </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Flowers bring me instant happiness. That might be the reason we gift flower bouquets for important celebrations. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYic7FFKRxZCh7vRdyDkUgmAXfFNUNj01y8IOEoToHZEdYtzYYAJya_kUryToMhUHqUX8eFLC1gr2gBeV0XRCd0c0uxV4l5VLMcvOlgTBtU939Hx-jS9v_aVrxu_Syuhj9RGt12guyDUDArfwE2JO6jrZ0Ftb7fqNMjs2bTF13rZ4GWQM1hlrt/s1300/pexels-photo-1427855.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="867" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYic7FFKRxZCh7vRdyDkUgmAXfFNUNj01y8IOEoToHZEdYtzYYAJya_kUryToMhUHqUX8eFLC1gr2gBeV0XRCd0c0uxV4l5VLMcvOlgTBtU939Hx-jS9v_aVrxu_Syuhj9RGt12guyDUDArfwE2JO6jrZ0Ftb7fqNMjs2bTF13rZ4GWQM1hlrt/w426-h640/pexels-photo-1427855.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #838383;">Photo by Kristina Paukshtite from </span><a data-id="https://www.pexels.com/photo/yellow-sunflowers-in-clear-glass-vase-1427855/" data-type="link" href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/yellow-sunflowers-in-clear-glass-vase-1427855/" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #259e8e; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out 0s; vertical-align: baseline;">Pexels</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">3. Scent</span></h2><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">A good scent always gives me instant happiness. I love those scented candles, but I read somewhere that the smoke caused by these candles is as harmful as cigarettes. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Then, I switched to diffusers and essential oils. But, picking a pure essential oil is important as we get many fake ones in stores. I love lavender , peppermint and jasmine scent. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhCrLgMHSM-9sQSsDUFAd0Vl8guWqtYCYURoWmKwhk657CL84OO-zJ5t8fP3QqHVjI-k2HpD6CBsxiCfdrqZZoMI4XUR0Rev5fWj-EXZcNdzcghhbWSROopHWUnO26YOnsQdT3XhZecV1aANHWBxtc8kW5j9z7ALs4kvuH7H3HtGOCuOL1qI_/s1280/diffuser-7744579_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1131" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhCrLgMHSM-9sQSsDUFAd0Vl8guWqtYCYURoWmKwhk657CL84OO-zJ5t8fP3QqHVjI-k2HpD6CBsxiCfdrqZZoMI4XUR0Rev5fWj-EXZcNdzcghhbWSROopHWUnO26YOnsQdT3XhZecV1aANHWBxtc8kW5j9z7ALs4kvuH7H3HtGOCuOL1qI_/w566-h640/diffuser-7744579_1280.jpg" width="566" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Open Sans", system-ui" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Image by </span><a href="https://pixabay.com/users/hocus_phocus-23532529/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=7744579" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", system-ui; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Racheal Parkinson</a><span face=""Open Sans", system-ui" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> from </span><a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=7744579" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", system-ui; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Pixabay</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">4. Nature walks</span></h2><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Nature is my best friend. A good walk / hike along the forests or mountains or beach or a lake is so refreshing. It immediately changes my mood. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmMNv3VPyjumkXkk6rsY6bn0RTLBxvgcEw-jzL3BRGwj84xhi320lyqosuqzvLp6JB0FCKkLeOMSzasAAsLnywx8cDAFiR178ejpbpvilbSgmCTzToTpD8yHIDzeaCiA28G0Bo8QyvkB9sEMXF5Pj5jSdn_alzbQqvbprBiN1CDVNBanC2tyT/s1280/fog-258237_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="1280" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmMNv3VPyjumkXkk6rsY6bn0RTLBxvgcEw-jzL3BRGwj84xhi320lyqosuqzvLp6JB0FCKkLeOMSzasAAsLnywx8cDAFiR178ejpbpvilbSgmCTzToTpD8yHIDzeaCiA28G0Bo8QyvkB9sEMXF5Pj5jSdn_alzbQqvbprBiN1CDVNBanC2tyT/w640-h446/fog-258237_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Open Sans", system-ui" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Image by </span><a href="https://pixabay.com/users/cocoparisienne-127419/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=258237" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", system-ui; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Anja</a><span face=""Open Sans", system-ui" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> from </span><a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=258237" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", system-ui; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Pixabay</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">I love watching the colors of the leaves, colorful birds, interesting cloud formations, colors of the sky during Sunrise, Sunset, the Sun rays reflecting on water and leaves giving the nature a gorgeous glow, rainbows, the smell of rain, the sound of heavy rain, the snow .... The list is too big. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Don't you think, the shortcut to happiness is around us in the form of nature?</span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">5. </span><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">Doing something nice to others</span></h2><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Giving is happiness. Try it once, you will know. When we help someone and if it benefits them, it gives us happiness and satisfaction for sure.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_dHmfgXqWew7ePrbuq1JOqJnj0625HRBsOj5xI4gmTKeCR_SQqeWsAwnyjriw2UKQPo0MCs7MbkZsCf1ZW_Mp0wXZ6PD6SXcNB1wwcDxdqSqqhDrQ_z-Hq1qb79hkrpnt9bvrdX9U3yHpSwXxVdfdFVW9DxFQBIrUTeUf1dLo_48eTHTnMVw/s1280/heart-8390212_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_dHmfgXqWew7ePrbuq1JOqJnj0625HRBsOj5xI4gmTKeCR_SQqeWsAwnyjriw2UKQPo0MCs7MbkZsCf1ZW_Mp0wXZ6PD6SXcNB1wwcDxdqSqqhDrQ_z-Hq1qb79hkrpnt9bvrdX9U3yHpSwXxVdfdFVW9DxFQBIrUTeUf1dLo_48eTHTnMVw/w640-h426/heart-8390212_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Open Sans", system-ui" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Image by </span><a href="https://pixabay.com/users/widespace-40124683/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=8390212" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", system-ui; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">HK Kim</a><span face=""Open Sans", system-ui" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> from </span><a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=8390212" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", system-ui; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Pixabay</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Coincidentally, today is <a href="https://www.givingtuesday.org/about/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Giving Tuesday</a>. Many companies match the donations given on this day, so that the benefitting organizations get double the donation that we give. Try to donate for your favorite cause or make someone smile today.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwsqpdrkbugs7Rs0wGAHs8Ahs516hLLCplppthcwX8itL_-JXHLkvjxgPU6EjYdZxKtxIO4JWMDOXfA-cGHn9MjuddsSUC0KHWgdd5ei2WlMXDC2E4xYEpFB5_5QDWWPXW1ayGXG1bcLYHu-t98G2WIsJzlkT2M15irYk_GadX-_qXa47tdwH/s1328/Screenshot%202023-11-28%20at%2010.31.50%E2%80%AFAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="1328" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwsqpdrkbugs7Rs0wGAHs8Ahs516hLLCplppthcwX8itL_-JXHLkvjxgPU6EjYdZxKtxIO4JWMDOXfA-cGHn9MjuddsSUC0KHWgdd5ei2WlMXDC2E4xYEpFB5_5QDWWPXW1ayGXG1bcLYHu-t98G2WIsJzlkT2M15irYk_GadX-_qXa47tdwH/w640-h542/Screenshot%202023-11-28%20at%2010.31.50%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">What tasks give you instant happiness? Please do share in comments.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Linking this post to <a href="https://www.vinithadileep.com/fiction-monday-178/" target="_blank">Fiction Monday</a> hosted by Vinitha Dileep.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiVt55jCsM2RPvaDz7g-31C41AegtNdnerIAUPAN11-l9ordsmRBmWjdCzkE_mLzXNTcdVOCP4b9KjgbrteIIgzvTEor5hqop6mgzmd_g4P9LZHq8W_A0B4V5vgglIthgMYf46Nsomzdz8IW1hRHY7JNjkXeHAuEAyDt672EOWVR2zPx5kXew/s228/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="228" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiVt55jCsM2RPvaDz7g-31C41AegtNdnerIAUPAN11-l9ordsmRBmWjdCzkE_mLzXNTcdVOCP4b9KjgbrteIIgzvTEor5hqop6mgzmd_g4P9LZHq8W_A0B4V5vgglIthgMYf46Nsomzdz8IW1hRHY7JNjkXeHAuEAyDt672EOWVR2zPx5kXew/s1600/signature.png" width="228" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>Mahathi Ramyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573960801443027067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35087221.post-83416410219308906242023-11-16T14:31:00.007-07:002023-11-17T08:29:03.531-07:00Budget-Friendly Holiday Gift Ideas: Top Rated Gifts for $20 or Less<p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: "Josefin Sans"; font-size: large;">This post may contain affiliate links, clicking on those links may earn some commission to us without any additional cost to you.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Holiday season is coming. I am excited for holidays, vacations and restful time. But, this is also a gifting season, right? Are you searching for budget-friendly gifting options? Here are some suggestions.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">If you are looking for gifting option for kids, check <a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2016/12/5-simple-holiday-gift-ideas-to-kids.html" target="_blank">this gift guide</a>. If you are looking for non conventional gift ideas, check <a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2019/12/5-unconventional-gift-ideas-for-this.html" target="_blank">these ideas</a>. A few <a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2019/10/top-5-black-friday-shopping-tips.html" target="_blank">Black Friday shopping tips</a> here. </span></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Top Rated Gifts for $20 or Less</span></h1><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Pin it for later!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-CHy1beWVyIvLFhAalV2K8jtC9MPK5kM-XVlGjM5gm4fLoGIqOsilDEq1dNYI1i8kGykarDjysIFqQedPgNXJPHHFyGmjoScJSeqa6f3gBNv4iKg23WtV7HoHIn-rIjYlixIaGCXATvBZE3FJMExUylFsQSW2P8NKgsW1PkX8GJoudI2u8eF/s1500/White%20Brown%20Minimalist%20Gift%20Wrapping%20Ideas%20Blog%20Post%20Pinterest%20Pin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-CHy1beWVyIvLFhAalV2K8jtC9MPK5kM-XVlGjM5gm4fLoGIqOsilDEq1dNYI1i8kGykarDjysIFqQedPgNXJPHHFyGmjoScJSeqa6f3gBNv4iKg23WtV7HoHIn-rIjYlixIaGCXATvBZE3FJMExUylFsQSW2P8NKgsW1PkX8GJoudI2u8eF/w426-h640/White%20Brown%20Minimalist%20Gift%20Wrapping%20Ideas%20Blog%20Post%20Pinterest%20Pin.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">1. Gratitude Journal</span></h2><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">These days, we are learning more about being mindful and grateful. A Gratitude journal is a great way to achieve happiness and satisfaction in life. A beautiful journal motivates anyone to think and write one thing that they are grateful for everyday. Don't you agree?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSnW_yhfwbgKW_Z6M1W-biDizzNChMsGypEds7NLLWkCyiav1TjUcsT45ZX0AN3fo7eI297nh1YESv-ZiiegLmmor8vtOPH2flsqo0eBgqeGlU8EhpZuC1T8Xsxd1TFgjmqIp1kAQB2zHgkP63gkCOml6G1yAw91j75WBmU6s5NOmkM-5ORiI/s1280/notebook-420011_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSnW_yhfwbgKW_Z6M1W-biDizzNChMsGypEds7NLLWkCyiav1TjUcsT45ZX0AN3fo7eI297nh1YESv-ZiiegLmmor8vtOPH2flsqo0eBgqeGlU8EhpZuC1T8Xsxd1TFgjmqIp1kAQB2zHgkP63gkCOml6G1yAw91j75WBmU6s5NOmkM-5ORiI/w640-h426/notebook-420011_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Open Sans", system-ui" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Image by </span><a href="https://pixabay.com/users/qiye-116/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=420011" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", system-ui; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">育银 戚</a><span face=""Open Sans", system-ui" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> from </span><a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=420011" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", system-ui; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Pixabay</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Try this journal.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p> <span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1683835506&asins=1683835506&linkId=bbccb10581df36519584c5b240af786f&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></span><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">2. Candles</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Candles are always a good gift as they can be used as a decor and they can make our home smell great and give us right ambience. I prefer mild scented candles which add a beautiful touch to the home interiors. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJSn8KDnIVRZPdkM-w9VCXnRafVawmEtAXc9pcKTmtGzhBxYOwgBy9_VPY6eQFbIKkdtRYF4MUEk5AL6MBs96M9wq_0kg4XaFa1EWNUP0_7C5VeFbhWn8n-ghqEbwZYckeSxdQqkv9WLOEm_krvkE8mPiWsMKUcogDAWxtzNh1TEDd1zcqhzQ/s1280/candle-5859094_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJSn8KDnIVRZPdkM-w9VCXnRafVawmEtAXc9pcKTmtGzhBxYOwgBy9_VPY6eQFbIKkdtRYF4MUEk5AL6MBs96M9wq_0kg4XaFa1EWNUP0_7C5VeFbhWn8n-ghqEbwZYckeSxdQqkv9WLOEm_krvkE8mPiWsMKUcogDAWxtzNh1TEDd1zcqhzQ/w640-h428/candle-5859094_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Open Sans", system-ui" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Image by </span><a href="https://pixabay.com/users/jrydertr-13047018/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=5859094" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", system-ui; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Jeremy Kyejo</a><span face=""Open Sans", system-ui" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> from </span><a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=5859094" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", system-ui; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Pixabay</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Try the below options.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B0BZ4JHKSS&asins=B0BZ4JHKSS&linkId=d8b356acf81e44b00af564f8312e57b0&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></span><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B09FTLKL4N&asins=B09FTLKL4N&linkId=5f88e1744de22719cdbcc046ce54545e&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></span><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">3. Clear Windproof Umbrella</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">I love this umbrella and the color. A nice gift option to both adults and kids.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B07KVYTMM6&asins=B07KVYTMM6&linkId=06c5ff4d3d74b2b162295eec9178602e&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></span><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">4. Indoor plant with cute face pot</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Who doesn't love indoor plants? This comes with a cute pot as well. Good for decor.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNIMOjjzLAyJJg4QWTLR2SVrQZOfj5d3Mq_y4xczx1Te64YZJt9CK0KT3b9Iyev7wmFfrmqTMEGzRBbCiOdLBRZplE58-hc1nmVtEGoItZ12mS-OcvHosIhkchPW4prA2SpW6AEK_zngmzr4U1GKzP3woAAWGLkSymLZ-fUC619jaBYmNbVTR/s1280/pots-716579_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNIMOjjzLAyJJg4QWTLR2SVrQZOfj5d3Mq_y4xczx1Te64YZJt9CK0KT3b9Iyev7wmFfrmqTMEGzRBbCiOdLBRZplE58-hc1nmVtEGoItZ12mS-OcvHosIhkchPW4prA2SpW6AEK_zngmzr4U1GKzP3woAAWGLkSymLZ-fUC619jaBYmNbVTR/w640-h376/pots-716579_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Open Sans", system-ui" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Image by </span><a href="https://pixabay.com/users/milivigerova-742747/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=716579" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", system-ui; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Milada Vigerova</a><span face=""Open Sans", system-ui" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> from </span><a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=716579" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", system-ui; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Pixabay</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B0BTYFSN89&asins=B0BTYFSN89&linkId=67e00560787254c258b1dd4f8fe14a1e&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></span><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">5. Water bottles</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">I love thermos water bottles with stainless steel inside. Easy to clean and stays cool / hot for a long time. Good for long drives.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">I also like the idea of having a fruit infusing water bottle. A healthier way to drink water and makes water flavorful.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B06ZZ1TLZ5&asins=B06ZZ1TLZ5&linkId=22bc26ad170162467759c7aa90894010&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B07SH25ZFK&asins=B07SH25ZFK&linkId=61d5830c0e28f3653d8fa002610fd031&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
</span><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">6. Reed Diffuser set</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">I am using this set regularly for bathrooms. Works great, scent is mild, but gives a pleasant smell. I like that it comes as a set, I use one for each bathroom.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Also love these potpourri bags and bowl as a gifting option.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B09S5MMQ4M&asins=B09S5MMQ4M&linkId=6fb74449e52902108e033df5baa1bf27&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> </span><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B088TJ21J7&asins=B088TJ21J7&linkId=59f4297775bb620dbf30269e6fe0ca0c&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B09MYCXMVP&asins=B09MYCXMVP&linkId=a91e50c4fef35ddebcb777c3544bb8b7&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">7. Perfumes and Personal items</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">There are many budget friendly options in perfumes. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLgxvF-Q1ZOkU4lbB82v_v82zUHFaQJZ1BU-i1qtXvcyG8B1waa9w7myhVR_I0B97TfH7W612UAVgB9Id9e8kFPqArU16v54U_WB_x_9w5C31mIeufD8W135EdgQ9Q9P4WtLqRn8-IHXZNirsNUFnv29opBlQyNIs-gTLBDlzXRVGFLwGwtZ3/s1280/perfume-2142824_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1025" data-original-width="1280" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLgxvF-Q1ZOkU4lbB82v_v82zUHFaQJZ1BU-i1qtXvcyG8B1waa9w7myhVR_I0B97TfH7W612UAVgB9Id9e8kFPqArU16v54U_WB_x_9w5C31mIeufD8W135EdgQ9Q9P4WtLqRn8-IHXZNirsNUFnv29opBlQyNIs-gTLBDlzXRVGFLwGwtZ3/w640-h512/perfume-2142824_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Open Sans", system-ui" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Image by </span><a href="https://pixabay.com/users/noname_13-2364555/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=2142824" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", system-ui; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">NoName_13</a><span face=""Open Sans", system-ui" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> from </span><a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=2142824" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", system-ui; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Pixabay</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Here are some:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B000P22TIY&asins=B000P22TIY&linkId=bfb3a7e53e039b8f1d2d0889bec28043&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <div><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B003JTOS0C&asins=B003JTOS0C&linkId=76530e47f783a93ecb1329bfa5fa1518&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B07H557TPQ&asins=B07H557TPQ&linkId=c92000d6be531e7850efe6e71b3cce39&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;"> 8. Makeup items </span></h2><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">There are a lot of options to gift makeup items - Nailpolish sets, Blush, Moisturizer, Facial mist etc.,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B09HJP3GGN&asins=B09HJP3GGN&linkId=9d200a37504a3e5c3c4394f855b6f299&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><div><br /><div>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B01IW02HYG&asins=B01IW02HYG&linkId=4527a30700e85a6503f0f5cb2c470575&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B08D98NZJG&asins=B08D98NZJG&linkId=6e35a18838ecb3e045ab5a1c39849849&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">9. Accessories</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Accessories like ear buds, head phones and keyboard / mouse are good gifting options. What do you say?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqIKIQmitxU5N3VPzTN1HwMt0gMgDf1MX0FxyZnugNz1TU1IKLIIHT5k9i4vosZ1Sdfd8M8x2j1rv6LBlQV0ks98-pla60ZmSt3ZyBnL7VW3Bv9iCBRVoZQe3uXiqR8Tt_5mzUExKo83LtA_Zvqj-SdnMaaAStpm78Ef-CC4Y5DvAh_abLKA-0/s1280/pink-2569355_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqIKIQmitxU5N3VPzTN1HwMt0gMgDf1MX0FxyZnugNz1TU1IKLIIHT5k9i4vosZ1Sdfd8M8x2j1rv6LBlQV0ks98-pla60ZmSt3ZyBnL7VW3Bv9iCBRVoZQe3uXiqR8Tt_5mzUExKo83LtA_Zvqj-SdnMaaAStpm78Ef-CC4Y5DvAh_abLKA-0/w640-h426/pink-2569355_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Open Sans", system-ui" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Image by </span><a href="https://pixabay.com/users/stocksnap-894430/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=2569355" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", system-ui; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">StockSnap</a><span face=""Open Sans", system-ui" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> from </span><a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=2569355" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", system-ui; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Pixabay</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">If you explore more in this area, you might get more ideas.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B07WJ5D3H4&asins=B07WJ5D3H4&linkId=5eb5101aedb26ff5238130b66ded7167&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B088Z22VYF&asins=B088Z22VYF&linkId=06bc0517cb47930d4cf0b6745f9f1e25&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B09BFFGQ5N&asins=B09BFFGQ5N&linkId=7606aeef592b34fc3405aab3125a326d&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div><div><br /></div>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00ILM977Q&asins=B00ILM977Q&linkId=d2d4ced27e2c6feee388605978f7f024&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div><div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">10. Cookware</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Last, but not least. Cookware is the most useful gift for everyday use. How about every day items like Electric tea kettle, Egg cooker etc? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsogiIlLknF1Rpmyyu3sm6JjWRw4YSUkuWk3-q55P6oQwpVX3NTmz90VhESSot99bVnPWFwwTOfguG5F2v2XFYbMAB_j2JvpHu7CMI_jsv9gnAxIL_VS0JuF1VfFoJSC2rbxAC9TpzntlNlAAfNTg_5UtY1E3NGeS7z2xHE3PhUyBLtmoNXqT6/s1280/utensils-7198816_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsogiIlLknF1Rpmyyu3sm6JjWRw4YSUkuWk3-q55P6oQwpVX3NTmz90VhESSot99bVnPWFwwTOfguG5F2v2XFYbMAB_j2JvpHu7CMI_jsv9gnAxIL_VS0JuF1VfFoJSC2rbxAC9TpzntlNlAAfNTg_5UtY1E3NGeS7z2xHE3PhUyBLtmoNXqT6/w640-h426/utensils-7198816_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Open Sans", system-ui" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Image by </span><a href="https://pixabay.com/users/arstockphoto-14921202/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=7198816" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", system-ui; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Ionel Stanciu</a><span face=""Open Sans", system-ui" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> from </span><a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=7198816" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191b26; font-family: "Open Sans", system-ui; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Pixabay</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Here are some options that I think are good:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00008CM69&asins=B00008CM69&linkId=5d65990d1d35ff74dc9fb04e1f45edee&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B0C5HTS85W&asins=B0C5HTS85W&linkId=2dd9d5b23383e3b86b8eee44215e9c0b&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B098BVDKYK&asins=B098BVDKYK&linkId=52d04963cd6962ddf95d8f78117c498b&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00023XCWS&asins=B00023XCWS&linkId=dd03e3a3175dadc3b61f82e1b30bea98&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">How do you like these options? Do you suggest any other budget friendly gift options? Please do let me know in comments.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLkMc88CguKK8CDIKJ_yZCwqSP2wcM4IL3pybbHxlcOBI2kjA-lJOeDAObqL8Nrc75AjDhvuLyoWCrIPwOQD_K3XH2GKoblfOtNRdjNGxn9R-MvbTFcodeRSuebjKwvCP1neaeAblYecCAYrlrY5Q6Ys2DS7jpJV8rjfWEntzhQU75dCVClIg/s228/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="228" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLkMc88CguKK8CDIKJ_yZCwqSP2wcM4IL3pybbHxlcOBI2kjA-lJOeDAObqL8Nrc75AjDhvuLyoWCrIPwOQD_K3XH2GKoblfOtNRdjNGxn9R-MvbTFcodeRSuebjKwvCP1neaeAblYecCAYrlrY5Q6Ys2DS7jpJV8rjfWEntzhQU75dCVClIg/s1600/signature.png" width="228" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div></div>Mahathi Ramyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573960801443027067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35087221.post-58185683333043485082023-11-07T13:48:00.004-07:002023-11-07T14:22:58.041-07:005 Simple Diwali Decoration ideas for your home<div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #424242;">This post may contain affiliate links, clicking on those links may earn some commission to us without any additional cost to you.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Diwali / Deepavali is my favorite festival. Lights, crackers, Lakshmi Pooja, and sweets make this festival special. I have many <a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2017/10/treasured-memories-of-diwali.html" target="_blank">treasured memories of Diwali</a>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"> Diwali is celebrated as the day Ram returned to Ayodhya with Sita. People celebrate it as festival of lights which symbolizes removal of darkness/ ignorance by knowledge or light. This is also the day when Satyabhama, Krishna's beloved wife defeated demon 'Narakasura'. Usually, everyone will offer pooja to Goddess Lakshmi in the evening of Diwali.</span><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">There is a term 'Diwali Cleaning'. Cleaning the house before Diwali is considered important as people believe that Goddess Lakshmi comes to our house on Diwali. That is the reason we decorate our homes, light lamps and place them in every corner of our house also indicating the win of Good / light over evil/ Dark.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">This is how we celebrate <a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2015/11/deepavali-celebration-festival-of-lights.html" target="_blank">Diwali / Deepavali</a>. Also, check this post on <a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2014/10/festival-celebrations-with-kids.html" target="_blank">how to involve kids in festivities</a>. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Being a working mom and a dance teacher, I don't get to spend a lot of time on shopping for decor, So I prefer a simple Diwali with easy decoration ideas.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;"><b>Pin it for later!</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZjSjTDQ-je9McJCNg5dOp2qkVWMoutu8yqJ7s29MZUX5YPvxOs09Pw_VAUzniUm4_33yIh16furhOPuE7Qp0NWq-CY1nPMGlNoPqctxs3vPprhNHD6No44GDm2KyTSQzxPJAOAvNhxp-rGxvctvk3shDMeuB9FDzUQJBhldT0gdLCnRLCk47/s1500/Beige%20Classy%20Home%20Decor%20Ideas%20Pinterest%20Pin.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZjSjTDQ-je9McJCNg5dOp2qkVWMoutu8yqJ7s29MZUX5YPvxOs09Pw_VAUzniUm4_33yIh16furhOPuE7Qp0NWq-CY1nPMGlNoPqctxs3vPprhNHD6No44GDm2KyTSQzxPJAOAvNhxp-rGxvctvk3shDMeuB9FDzUQJBhldT0gdLCnRLCk47/w426-h640/Beige%20Classy%20Home%20Decor%20Ideas%20Pinterest%20Pin.png" width="426" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">Here are my 5 simple Diwali Decoration ideas:</span></h1><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">1. Rangoli</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3u1DuOV" target="_blank">Chalk</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3sq3enS" target="_blank">Colors</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">I choose simple designs, wet the surface a little, draw with chalk and fill it with colors. I also place flowers on the rangoli and place Diyas. It usually takes 20 mins to 1 hr. I create rangolis on the evening of Diwali.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">This washable chalk is more than enough and is cheap. 5 shades of colors with glitter is perfect.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3u1DuOV" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;">Chalk</span></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0tDsm45NcthFg1-nPVFbCW7ycrf9Kucuvq5_9VBlSkeDFjZ6GvS0386_ItrwWEJRQW1QQOpOxKnDbDwlaeNHkA_iP_2Y58Bokp9NaAZjyVQFtapv2tS1e_fl1zjzuo9987eqCBoyLWWLtRl3j5rlBkjY6mdTkqW0GR355IX54yJq-1cxN2Ck/s1500/81tiD8VgGGL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="907" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0tDsm45NcthFg1-nPVFbCW7ycrf9Kucuvq5_9VBlSkeDFjZ6GvS0386_ItrwWEJRQW1QQOpOxKnDbDwlaeNHkA_iP_2Y58Bokp9NaAZjyVQFtapv2tS1e_fl1zjzuo9987eqCBoyLWWLtRl3j5rlBkjY6mdTkqW0GR355IX54yJq-1cxN2Ck/w386-h640/81tiD8VgGGL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="386" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3sq3enS" style="font-size: x-large; text-align: start;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;">Colors</span></a></div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-4o3QxRdIsZyjbYzz-SFVq_a9MzelYhdeh_85A5zQjtDeh-g7JSc86PMiv9JNZZELvY6YRQhKvVwqkOBgM_Ci5xPj7ZHXch_Wbgd_DWOkURQqRl-jV9Lo-DHuD6I9g1UYzLe30ybYZRXthZz2Z4i6SF0ChKxRFs2_XUtK9OZtEoW27Ik39lm/s1500/713+cSmKziL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1240" data-original-width="1500" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-4o3QxRdIsZyjbYzz-SFVq_a9MzelYhdeh_85A5zQjtDeh-g7JSc86PMiv9JNZZELvY6YRQhKvVwqkOBgM_Ci5xPj7ZHXch_Wbgd_DWOkURQqRl-jV9Lo-DHuD6I9g1UYzLe30ybYZRXthZz2Z4i6SF0ChKxRFs2_XUtK9OZtEoW27Ik39lm/w640-h530/713+cSmKziL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyHgzRF9WJK6LwVF-DtRdvW7lxSqKlp-Z1MQ7sc2t5A9CY7kXk8azbwHGybBp66zkCtrSAkKRTrGOjU6kEE410aikY0vCMlkh9mbtGX-RFqUrAkGBms0TgxLDgayof8g0wzEyL8n6zzwv-N4v95DIz9v8NzCOSk2-XINxoqukBCiOdfivDqQp/s1280/diwali-983363_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyHgzRF9WJK6LwVF-DtRdvW7lxSqKlp-Z1MQ7sc2t5A9CY7kXk8azbwHGybBp66zkCtrSAkKRTrGOjU6kEE410aikY0vCMlkh9mbtGX-RFqUrAkGBms0TgxLDgayof8g0wzEyL8n6zzwv-N4v95DIz9v8NzCOSk2-XINxoqukBCiOdfivDqQp/w640-h480/diwali-983363_1280.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><span face=""Open Sans", system-ui" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Image by </span><a href="https://pixabay.com/users/wpcares-690087/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=983363" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191b26; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Samir Khanal</a><span face=""Open Sans", system-ui" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> from </span><a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=983363" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191b26; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Pixabay</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1aHxvnrdEDPZhPKuk4Z4D7PmuMMgtHYJ5JOSKaf4BMV0sOpYK6tLOOulaEMqmuhFK78PnmP-rATOjczPMIW-KQyW1aIGh_ixOaOe_Ev22X0OLDpeuiGxgwHWk0cXgA5xnOkA-YLeQrJFCQr7fIz8pkMDRDehzwYlyow0Asf8shQj32jWsjem/s5312/20161030_183150.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2988" data-original-width="5312" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1aHxvnrdEDPZhPKuk4Z4D7PmuMMgtHYJ5JOSKaf4BMV0sOpYK6tLOOulaEMqmuhFK78PnmP-rATOjczPMIW-KQyW1aIGh_ixOaOe_Ev22X0OLDpeuiGxgwHWk0cXgA5xnOkA-YLeQrJFCQr7fIz8pkMDRDehzwYlyow0Asf8shQj32jWsjem/w640-h360/20161030_183150.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">2. Floating candles</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/47jyrru" target="_blank">Urli / Glass bowl</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3smp2R6" target="_blank">Floating candles</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/47n9Lys" target="_blank">Glass tumblers / candle holders</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/40uzWRF" target="_blank">lighter</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">water</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3sdHprC" target="_blank">decorative gel beads</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">flowers / flower petals</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">I fill a traditional brass bowl or a glass bowl with water and place the lighted floating candles with some flowers. Sometimes, I also add decorative gel beads in a glass tumbler or a candle holder and place the floating candle above it on water. Looks good as a center piece on the table or any corner of the house. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/TIED-RIBBONS-Floating-Tealights-Decoration/dp/B0BG8GQQNW?crid=2W3AK3D8Z7EA6&keywords=urli+bowl+for+diwali&qid=1699370812&sprefix=urli%2Caps%2C132&sr=8-17&linkCode=li2&tag=fantasticfe06-20&linkId=43ab6cc80fa1d0f443ea6c65eb33ba8c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0BG8GQQNW&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US" width="640" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B0BG8GQQNW" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></span><div>
<span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stock-Your-Home-Unscented-Decorations/dp/B07DQWRM27?crid=25RTLGT20OLG4&keywords=floating+wax+candles+for+diwali&qid=1699370994&sprefix=floating+wax+candles+for+diwali%2Caps%2C86&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1&linkCode=li2&tag=fantasticfe06-20&linkId=d9e3f2cc9b02cc1878b1aae1f41d6144&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07DQWRM27&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US" width="640" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B07DQWRM27" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXd_14zGnPUb9-tWjGBNBXQLEXlcOoNcHaYxRFTUYHfON3LyEPYZg8jX6C3mq4c3tuRrWrYiaftHQo8jj2ME3BNfgylzSEMAxegeApGOrZS-NCak8nvKfkBlmbwNpzG5W3LL1BpxFyYZ5O-bw4ThKQo7-qjyLmkO28evONCil09DrrQ-XOAzU9/s1280/diwali-3829344_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXd_14zGnPUb9-tWjGBNBXQLEXlcOoNcHaYxRFTUYHfON3LyEPYZg8jX6C3mq4c3tuRrWrYiaftHQo8jj2ME3BNfgylzSEMAxegeApGOrZS-NCak8nvKfkBlmbwNpzG5W3LL1BpxFyYZ5O-bw4ThKQo7-qjyLmkO28evONCil09DrrQ-XOAzU9/w640-h426/diwali-3829344_1280.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><span face=""Open Sans", system-ui" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Image by </span><a href="https://pixabay.com/users/f1digitals-1568321/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3829344" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191b26; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">F1 Digitals</a><span face=""Open Sans", system-ui" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> from </span><a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3829344" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191b26; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Pixabay</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><br />
</span><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">3. Decorative hangings</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/40uJ9cy" target="_blank">Marigold garlands</a> are always a good deal. A set of 5 to 10 garlands would be good to hang. But, recently I am in love with these <a href="https://amzn.to/3Qnkmm2" target="_blank">lotus hangings</a>. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBKDyeMlRgMjrxPUyd8i435WTi-zV286zGjkpgh22gO7lFyUZGDS8ueAXVJevdZO8HIR2KEte3HaDaAvyyF4YmF7j1Xh8bb4WUuLE06D4Je2Th_OYvd7Vgm2n8nLXzW6qeHcOcyg241lE1_cf4xOXsyPsR-E2lMIhVTdU57tGrP7w0LfQ5c-x/s1000/712juO25fNL._AC_SL1000_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBKDyeMlRgMjrxPUyd8i435WTi-zV286zGjkpgh22gO7lFyUZGDS8ueAXVJevdZO8HIR2KEte3HaDaAvyyF4YmF7j1Xh8bb4WUuLE06D4Je2Th_OYvd7Vgm2n8nLXzW6qeHcOcyg241lE1_cf4xOXsyPsR-E2lMIhVTdU57tGrP7w0LfQ5c-x/w640-h640/712juO25fNL._AC_SL1000_.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Diwali-Hanging-Decoration-Supplies/dp/B08HLSS1WK?crid=2ON8IT3YMSUC9&keywords=diya+decor&qid=1699381174&s=home-garden&sprefix=diya+decor%2Cgarden%2C113&sr=1-30&linkCode=li2&tag=fantasticfe06-20&linkId=c9ab62ac5934dd9979d496b89f3dc375&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B08HLSS1WK&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US" width="400" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B08HLSS1WK" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">4. DIY Diwali Decor</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/463JRP1" target="_blank">Construction paper - different colors</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3spV7aJ" target="_blank">Plain Clay Diyas</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3FMu2BE" target="_blank">24 pack Acrylic Paint set</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/49nZd3T" target="_blank">Double sided tape</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">We try different crafts every year for Diwali with kids.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">We paint clay diyas with many designs and use them for decoration. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">We used to prepare paper lanterns with construction paper. We also made paper diyas and decorated them on wall. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Check this video for similar crafts - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=zLgdz_3G51A">https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=zLgdz_3G51A</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">5. String lights and LED lamps</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Diwali decor is not complete without the lights. These string lights behind transparent white curtains make house look bright , but simple.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/HXWEIYE-Curtain-Controller-Weddings-Decorations%EF%BC%889-8x9-8Ft/dp/B085Y1J85P?crid=3TRM2IFBPWMIR&keywords=string%2Blights%2Bindoor&qid=1699388321&sprefix=string%2Blights%2Caps%2C116&sr=8-5&th=1&linkCode=li2&tag=fantasticfe06-20&linkId=4e7391b1cdb45cc678b472b666705225&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B085Y1J85P&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US" width="640" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B085Y1J85P" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></span><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">LED diyas are good option in USA as we are scared of lighting many lamps inside the house due to fire danger. Also, due to weather, diyas / candles might not stay long, where LED diyas might come handy.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Homemory-Flameless-Flickering-Realistic-tealights/dp/B01LXMVTFF?crid=3NUA6Q9WXJRVZ&keywords=LED+diyas&qid=1699388463&sprefix=led+diyas%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-5&linkCode=li2&tag=fantasticfe06-20&linkId=1e6545bca683bfa6b63ddd6195eb73b2&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B01LXMVTFF&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US" width="640" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B01LXMVTFF" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></span><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">It's fun to arrange these LED lights on fancy candle holders / glass voltives.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">We usually perform Lakshmi pooja in the evening, offer sweets to Goddess, light lamps / diyas, arrange these lights around the house and light sparklers and fire crackers to end the day.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Are there any other simple decor ideas that you suggest? Please do let me know in comments.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uYp7aQ8uMjBo8TWBoUpk_I76fv4xrB_dk8Y2R54nEES5m0n3Ep0T7x5jsvJqhUkbQVNV3__QY6zl0DRSXImld8bBUFfcgmjGtiR-SrBUxG110Kb-OyAuw78ux_IT0u8lTD2JHksLdeIBPiSwRY68zlVWq6RIuKveA2lsK_B22sZP6fdG6WVo/s228/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="228" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uYp7aQ8uMjBo8TWBoUpk_I76fv4xrB_dk8Y2R54nEES5m0n3Ep0T7x5jsvJqhUkbQVNV3__QY6zl0DRSXImld8bBUFfcgmjGtiR-SrBUxG110Kb-OyAuw78ux_IT0u8lTD2JHksLdeIBPiSwRY68zlVWq6RIuKveA2lsK_B22sZP6fdG6WVo/s1600/signature.png" width="228" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Archivo Narrow; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div></div>Mahathi Ramyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573960801443027067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35087221.post-63807863369262726192023-11-02T12:59:00.002-06:002023-11-02T12:59:13.137-06:00The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward - [Book Review]<span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #424242;">This post may contain affiliate links, clicking on those links may earn some commission to us without any additional cost to you.</i><br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans;"> Book Details:</span></span></h3><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br />Title: The Last House on Needless Street<br /><br />Author: Catriona Ward<br /><br />Genre: thriller, horror, suspense, psychological thriller<br /><br />Print length: 368 pages<br /><br />Source: Kindle copy from local library<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">Blurb:</span></h3><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br />This is the story of a serial killer. A stolen child. Revenge. Death. And an ordinary house at the end of an ordinary street.<br /><br />All these things are true. And yet they are all lies...<br /><br />You think you know what's inside the last house on Needless Street. You think you've read this story before. That's where you're wrong.<br /><br />In the dark forest at the end of Needless Street, lies something buried. But it's not what you think...</span><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVdARyRH58IQdCFjpihyBnYzEKA2Gsu1byWGINOFGnieO8-oVrMpl8ivFgWAoRJ_PcZMan5QZOOKtndosQC6gKR6KeQhGTNJxhjMM1Q2Qa_fJV1PutnK8TjBZZXChy9wgUkTo8BZxX_0O6DagIZZ9g9AcFqfwkXzw3b4tHjn67DiWj9zjmM1X/s475/lasthouse.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="309" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVdARyRH58IQdCFjpihyBnYzEKA2Gsu1byWGINOFGnieO8-oVrMpl8ivFgWAoRJ_PcZMan5QZOOKtndosQC6gKR6KeQhGTNJxhjMM1Q2Qa_fJV1PutnK8TjBZZXChy9wgUkTo8BZxX_0O6DagIZZ9g9AcFqfwkXzw3b4tHjn67DiWj9zjmM1X/w416-h640/lasthouse.jpeg" width="416" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">Purchase Link:</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Audio Book - Limited time deal!</span></h4><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Last-House-Needless-Street/dp/B08TX5K95X?crid=JE58KN0EGCMT&keywords=The+Last+House+on+Needless+Street&qid=1698950157&sprefix=the+last+house+on+needless+street%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-1&linkCode=li2&tag=fantasticfe06-20&linkId=5095bce9fbf76b04351fbc2aa8f56bec&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B08TX5K95X&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=fantasticfe06-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B08TX5K95X" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3SpPaVP" target="_blank">Paperback</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">My Review:</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Layer within a layer, story in multiple perspectives, a mental disorder, and domestic abuse - This is what I can tell about this book in one line. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">The story is definitely not straight forward. It's complex as it's narrated from 3 entities' perspectives and one of them is cat! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">This book has rave reviews and many recommendations from other book lovers. That reason made me pick this up to read. But, this book is not for me. I felt it's tough to follow. I agree, it's my favorite genre and perfect combo - thriller, suspense and psychological thriller, but it is a bit complex for me to understand. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Ted is living alone in a house after his mom dies and he is one of the suspects in the case of a missing girl Lulu. Lulu's sister Dee moves in to the neighboring house to reveal the murderer of her sister or to find her sister (if she is alive). But, how Ted lives, his insecurities, his mental disorders, how he copes up with problems, his secrets and what happened to Lulu is the remaining story.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">The story is narrated in the perspective of Ted, Lauren (daughter of Ted) and Olivia (Cat of Ted). This is like going into their brains and reading their thoughts closely. The writing might be great as other book lovers said, but at some places, it felt too boring for me that I wanted to stop reading in the middle. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">So, without spoilers I can say, it's an average and unique read for me. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">My Rating: 3/5</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: x-large;">About the Author:</span></h3><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br />CATRIONA WARD was born in Washington, DC and grew up in the United States, Kenya, Madagascar, Yemen, and Morocco. She read English at St Edmund Hall, Oxford and is a graduate of the Creative Writing MA at the University of East Anglia. <br /><br />'The Last House on Needless Street' (Viper Books, Tor Nightfire) was a Times Book of the Month, Observer Book of the Month, March Editor’s Pick on Open Book, a Between the Covers BBC2 book club selection, a Times bestseller, and is being developed for film by Andy Serkis’s production company, The Imaginarium.</span><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsz8rQ3AAcIKHTioQ63uimMZH95zkBAr1T9gcK4EvDB5n4vULAT-cGHq0XTJK4fNqvKzstsXWrAaPBA8jw9kzuaotJhJHcehggGL-M5j3ufrfRC2wQlsSAFGBwE6Yo8r7zDtT-cFNnVeOriUHcYfG0RulpcRLAzjgcPxNYJ1bny5bLU-DG5fW/s300/author.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="300" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsz8rQ3AAcIKHTioQ63uimMZH95zkBAr1T9gcK4EvDB5n4vULAT-cGHq0XTJK4fNqvKzstsXWrAaPBA8jw9kzuaotJhJHcehggGL-M5j3ufrfRC2wQlsSAFGBwE6Yo8r7zDtT-cFNnVeOriUHcYfG0RulpcRLAzjgcPxNYJ1bny5bLU-DG5fW/w640-h427/author.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /><br />'Little Eve' (Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2018) won the 2019 Shirley Jackson Award and the August Derleth Prize for Best Horror Novel at the 2019 British Fantasy Awards, making her the only woman to have won the prize twice, and was a Guardian best book of 2018. Her debut Rawblood (W&N, 2015) won Best Horror Novel at the 2016 British Fantasy Awards, was shortlisted for the Author’s Club Best First Novel Award and a WHSmith Fresh Talent title. Her short stories have appeared in numerous anthologies. She lives in London and Devon.</span><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUJt7_AqwMdZxqLkgwnTsf3xKAhGhWtb1ONBGoJpeWrT7yaHr5OSrWFUNjq2k4UczbPbh-mQ3skblGTuY7q5oRvdgQc9EhhtP5DgUjcZUMuMAwKtRT9CdWD7zZ0wQAO8QwFslgJqjCr5CoA_lpSYSpE75rEeaVRpZy2fwA3gm0-pPOdrJGq29/s228/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="228" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUJt7_AqwMdZxqLkgwnTsf3xKAhGhWtb1ONBGoJpeWrT7yaHr5OSrWFUNjq2k4UczbPbh-mQ3skblGTuY7q5oRvdgQc9EhhtP5DgUjcZUMuMAwKtRT9CdWD7zZ0wQAO8QwFslgJqjCr5CoA_lpSYSpE75rEeaVRpZy2fwA3gm0-pPOdrJGq29/s1600/signature.png" width="228" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Josefin Sans; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Mahathi Ramyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573960801443027067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35087221.post-20365483397322719532023-10-30T14:57:00.001-06:002023-10-30T16:08:23.356-06:00The Legend of Rachel Petersen by JT Baroni - [ Book Review]<div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #424242;">This post may contain affiliate links, clicking on those links may earn some commission to us without any additional cost to you.</i></span></div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br />Just in time before Halloween, I received this book for the review. Being a horror fan, I really enjoyed the book. Here is the review. Happy Ghosting 👻<br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;"> Book Details:</span></h3><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br />Title: The Legend of Rachel Petersen<br /><br />Author : JT Baroni<br /><br />Genre: Horror, thriller, Paranormal, Ghost Fiction<br /><br />Print length: 276 pages<br /><br />Publisher: Sky Publishing<br /><br />Source: A free book review copy<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7MJNJyN5GiC5cP-2VkXbl5KY08dpz92nybZgf4_02KtavxyJQZ4XGd6aNxRGN5WJaTETcKLQv28DEc_3k8kvQ3mAWft6baDDO7xE5eJOk0S45W-otSxdcYwx4xm-fFaEwITBJuH7J3dKbw9E7Os0Px3Y3U77NTXM4W2-32Qn-_WuX5ZkIjmW/s1000/the%20legend%20of%20Rachel%20Peterson.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="625" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7MJNJyN5GiC5cP-2VkXbl5KY08dpz92nybZgf4_02KtavxyJQZ4XGd6aNxRGN5WJaTETcKLQv28DEc_3k8kvQ3mAWft6baDDO7xE5eJOk0S45W-otSxdcYwx4xm-fFaEwITBJuH7J3dKbw9E7Os0Px3Y3U77NTXM4W2-32Qn-_WuX5ZkIjmW/w400-h640/the%20legend%20of%20Rachel%20Peterson.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Blurb:</span></h3><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br />Did his book raise the dead?<br /><br />Outraged when The Post Gazette overlooks him for a well-deserved promotion, 43-year-old Sports Writer Christian Kane quits the Paper and moves to the country to write fiction.<br /><br />Inspiration flows from a lone grave he stumbles upon in the woods. He compiles "The Legend of Rachel Petersen," a fascinating story revolving around the dead twelve-year-old girl laid to rest beneath the weathered tombstone. His book quickly becomes a Best Seller; then Hollywood turns it into a blockbuster movie. Kane becomes rich and famous. But then? Does an enraged Rachel become more than a figment of the writer's imagination? Does she rise from her grave to seek revenge on Kane for slandering her name?<br /><br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Purchase Links:</span></h3><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/40eMRHf" target="_blank">Amazon Paperback</a><br /><br /><a href="https://amzn.to/3tWF84r" target="_blank">Kindle Version</a><br /><br /><a href="https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/the-legend-of-rachel-petersen-revised-edition/id1705075002" target="_blank">Apple Audio Book</a><br /><br /><br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">My Review:</span></h3><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Christian is a sports writer for a magazine and when he is sidelined by his boss for promotion citing his inability to keep up with latest technology, he wants to try his hands on writing a fiction Novel. He gets inspired by the grave of a child - Rachel, while walking along the woods.</span><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">So, this makes it a story inside another story. The remaining story is about the novel written by Christian about Rachel and her death. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">This book piqued my interest further as characters are authentic and seemed relatable. The fights between the kids - Seth and Thaddy are enjoyable and of course very much relatable to me. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">It is not a like a regular horror story where a ghost haunts a family and takes revenge. When Thaddy digs the grave of Rachel, all hell broke loose. But, interestingly, both the brothers are open minded and not always scared of the ghost. They are good human beings who want to know what Rachel's ghost is trying to tell them.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">There are many unknowns - Why Rachel is haunting the brothers? where is she pointing them to? This made me guessing the story till the last page. I love that the book is well written, and easy to understand. The twists are great and unpredictable. The climax is open ended leaving the reader with multiple thoughts. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">The book cover is well designed and very apt. Those eyes on the cover are really scary. The title suits the story well. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">I would recommend this book to all horror lovers who want to read a different ghost story. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">My Rating: 5/5</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">About the Author:</span></h3><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br />JT Baroni - Now retired, I am able to devote more time to one of my hobbies - writing. Other hobbies include fishing, classic cars and gardening. Once, I was an avid hunter, but my health restricts me on that hobby. Lifetime resident of Johnstown, Pa.</span><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thelegendofrachelpetersenbook" target="_blank">Connect on Facebook</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevkQs04YJW0AwqrT3OwSgy51hhGYErjSWXTag0fwCsHoG8oEVV3Ovpq9vZPPWBSI550ju2ol1VPoRmmSj6ya55akxdmRSvO96GCLFfw0sqHu1iAwA1hcBc74X6H0Wgl_Wl1kvRmTcmfBK1KlCYVEAkBjbNSIRrbq4PXB_t4O8Fy_Y4wxOrrIv/s228/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="228" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevkQs04YJW0AwqrT3OwSgy51hhGYErjSWXTag0fwCsHoG8oEVV3Ovpq9vZPPWBSI550ju2ol1VPoRmmSj6ya55akxdmRSvO96GCLFfw0sqHu1iAwA1hcBc74X6H0Wgl_Wl1kvRmTcmfBK1KlCYVEAkBjbNSIRrbq4PXB_t4O8Fy_Y4wxOrrIv/s1600/signature.png" width="228" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Pin it for later!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2SmA9Wiab8lT9F-tvUEnNvyP3z3iycQW583-wK2TqDqsoWzDzdvCya1IO8b92XwqpUot7yKH9W73DBb6ZJmqk8vL13I1mdGWoV37BPcwg5ht8ltT7hXmGC-1Ootr6aUFwoHdcrjQ43yn5n-t_XLpmFD46OZnVIRBxy7T2CuoQEbeaOxUgA2A/s1350/Book%20review%20Template%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2SmA9Wiab8lT9F-tvUEnNvyP3z3iycQW583-wK2TqDqsoWzDzdvCya1IO8b92XwqpUot7yKH9W73DBb6ZJmqk8vL13I1mdGWoV37BPcwg5ht8ltT7hXmGC-1Ootr6aUFwoHdcrjQ43yn5n-t_XLpmFD46OZnVIRBxy7T2CuoQEbeaOxUgA2A/w512-h640/Book%20review%20Template%20(1).jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div>Mahathi Ramyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573960801443027067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35087221.post-91611098208727961222023-10-30T12:40:00.004-06:002023-10-30T12:40:52.407-06:00HALLOWEEN BOOK BLAST and Giveaway!<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a 1="" href="https://sites.google.com/rabtbooktoursandpr.com/halloween-book-blast-2023/home" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/8e5e97062c774210bfd922d17700a826" width="564" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><b>WELCOME TO THE HALLOWEEN BOOK BLAST!</b></span>
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Click on any of the below book covers to be taken to the page that has more
information on the novel as well as the Buy Links!</span>
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Before you leave, don't forget to enter the Giveaway!!!</span>
</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/rabtbooktoursandpr.com/halloween-book-blast-2023/these-haunted-hills">
<img height="200" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/215db8a2d02b410cb4780b86d6ba1b96" width="133" /></a>
<a href="https://sites.google.com/rabtbooktoursandpr.com/halloween-book-blast-2023/eclipsing-maddie">
<img height="200" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/e6b1729c40f14b18b131ab4f2d7716e5" width="133" /></a>
<a href="https://sites.google.com/rabtbooktoursandpr.com/halloween-book-blast-2023/love-on-all-hallows-eve">
<img height="200" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/cf4f73bb22e94faa9b465ce645d0038f" width="133" /></a>
<a href="https://sites.google.com/rabtbooktoursandpr.com/halloween-book-blast-2023/demons-grotto">
<img alt="" height="200" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/7d9ddb135d8b4867ad0aba65aaddcce8" width="133" /></a>
<a href="https://sites.google.com/rabtbooktoursandpr.com/halloween-book-blast-2023/everything-is-temporary">
<img height="200" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/5bbcecf3a3184f14817e6f12bdfdf34e" width="133" /></a>
<a href="https://sites.google.com/rabtbooktoursandpr.com/halloween-book-blast-2023/bewitched-by-the-bear">
<img height="200" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/64cbf35cb2324ea08a687ae6531fd735" width="133" /></a>
<a href="https://sites.google.com/rabtbooktoursandpr.com/halloween-book-blast-2023/now-and-always">
<img height="200" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/c627600b758a4d99bb2c2d7729c9d556" width="133" /></a>
<a href="https://sites.google.com/rabtbooktoursandpr.com/halloween-book-blast-2023/beware-of-a-cursed-forest">
<img height="200" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/f58e54b0e5ef4e10966c3cb6508b257d" width="133" /></a>
<a href="https://sites.google.com/rabtbooktoursandpr.com/halloween-book-blast-2023/betrothed-to-the-yeti">
<img height="200" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/b4aa3945dc294f6a92b2ffcd87dd0e1a" width="133" /></a>
<a href="https://sites.google.com/rabtbooktoursandpr.com/halloween-book-blast-2023/lantern-jack">
<img height="200" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/9d0d5e76e6344f2b9fb530da803e6d34" width="133" /></a>
<a href="https://sites.google.com/rabtbooktoursandpr.com/halloween-book-blast-2023/through-my-heart">
<img height="200" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/5eecd9ab1fa34ce5a700b04fb480d151" width="133" /></a>
<a href="https://sites.google.com/rabtbooktoursandpr.com/halloween-book-blast-2023/the-rules-of-the-game">
<img height="200" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/2c0ecd57c458484d886bf56baa1e50ea" width="133" /></a>
<a href="https://sites.google.com/rabtbooktoursandpr.com/halloween-book-blast-2023/the-haunted-rosebuds">
<img height="200" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/f1dcc100de504678b51e4d89be52e9aa" width="133" /></a>
<a href="https://sites.google.com/rabtbooktoursandpr.com/halloween-book-blast-2023/dire-wolves">
<img height="200" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/1d80b2be17ab4e849474dbb9a3f09743" width="133" /></a>
<a href="https://sites.google.com/rabtbooktoursandpr.com/halloween-book-blast-2023/heart-of-the-storm">
<img height="200" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/e7969629140049b1a09aa3715e414af9" width="133" /></a>
<a href="https://sites.google.com/rabtbooktoursandpr.com/halloween-book-blast-2023/parallel-secrets">
<img height="200" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/1bed94513aae4c548784cfe1e46c3027" width="133" /></a>
<a href="https://sites.google.com/rabtbooktoursandpr.com/halloween-book-blast-2023/mount-bell">
<img height="200" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/165dcf734b4c4039b21b0cf2af7cd514" width="133" /></a>
<a href="https://sites.google.com/rabtbooktoursandpr.com/halloween-book-blast-2023/magic-in-errors">
<img height="200" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/3709238be68b4233950b25cf4a51c2ba" width="133" /></a>
<a href="https://sites.google.com/rabtbooktoursandpr.com/halloween-book-blast-2023/this-is-how-he-collects-them">
<img height="200" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/8e45568dbe00458da87e8b76471d420d" width="133" /></a>
<a href="https://sites.google.com/rabtbooktoursandpr.com/halloween-book-blast-2023/vicar-brekonridge">
<img height="200" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/production-sitebuilder-v1-0-3/663/206663/rL88XEv2/19f8094ec0a849c48eadca6ca48e1ff8" width="133" /></a>
<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="408264011800" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/408264011800/" id="rcwidget_m318la0u" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a> </span><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<a href="http://www.rabtbooktoursandpr.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="RABT Book Tours & PR" height="400" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/wzukusers/user-32179697/images/0ef1e26fd5f04c99b11731d6d17c8a41/RABT-Tour-Host.png" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevkQs04YJW0AwqrT3OwSgy51hhGYErjSWXTag0fwCsHoG8oEVV3Ovpq9vZPPWBSI550ju2ol1VPoRmmSj6ya55akxdmRSvO96GCLFfw0sqHu1iAwA1hcBc74X6H0Wgl_Wl1kvRmTcmfBK1KlCYVEAkBjbNSIRrbq4PXB_t4O8Fy_Y4wxOrrIv/s228/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="228" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevkQs04YJW0AwqrT3OwSgy51hhGYErjSWXTag0fwCsHoG8oEVV3Ovpq9vZPPWBSI550ju2ol1VPoRmmSj6ya55akxdmRSvO96GCLFfw0sqHu1iAwA1hcBc74X6H0Wgl_Wl1kvRmTcmfBK1KlCYVEAkBjbNSIRrbq4PXB_t4O8Fy_Y4wxOrrIv/s1600/signature.png" width="228" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Mahathi Ramyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573960801443027067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35087221.post-42977551773694500082023-10-25T12:33:00.004-06:002023-10-25T12:33:35.810-06:00Educational Food and Cooking Games for kids<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I feel, food is an important part of our life. We become what we eat. I live by that.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Now a days, people are exploring different diets for good health and trying different varieties of food. This exploration and knowledge is very important. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Do you eat all types of fruits? especially seasonal? Do you try all types of vegetables? especially local grown? Do you include cereals and grains in your diet? What Vitamins do you need per day and how do you get healthy cholesterol? Are there any foods which reduce stress? So, many questions.. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I listen to multiple <a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2023/08/3-best-podcasts-that-you-should-listen.html" target="_blank">podcasts</a> to improve my knowledge on food, diet and its impact. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">How do we share this knowledge with kids and make them love healthy food options? My kids love pizza, burger ofcourse, but they also love Chipotle and Subway subs. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">It is challenging to teach them about right food choices. I am not a big fan of playing games online, but came across <a href="https://www.culinaryschools.org/kids-games/" target="_blank">this</a> site which offers games about healthy food habits. This website has many fun and educational food games. </span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><b>Pin it for later!</b></span></h3><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJnj5lRiki6hxO62VcxzAtM67sLD4eSrLYyJEJD7cX3IjfGXcVSPfkrYd2dUqw1gRC0PvNAPzdtwzNYsYyLwg3k11Sv01iNjb7FGjmQw4F8iK35J6FnM9E5LjxWmzs0X2fDzV90B63hZgqQ2MiaV9JHrPzoFq5bgXFljMr0kKp2GL6lRIlqBm/s1500/White%20Clean%20Minimalist%20Easy%20Healthy%20Meal%20Recipe%20Pinterest%20Pin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJnj5lRiki6hxO62VcxzAtM67sLD4eSrLYyJEJD7cX3IjfGXcVSPfkrYd2dUqw1gRC0PvNAPzdtwzNYsYyLwg3k11Sv01iNjb7FGjmQw4F8iK35J6FnM9E5LjxWmzs0X2fDzV90B63hZgqQ2MiaV9JHrPzoFq5bgXFljMr0kKp2GL6lRIlqBm/w426-h640/White%20Clean%20Minimalist%20Easy%20Healthy%20Meal%20Recipe%20Pinterest%20Pin.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Do you wonder, what they are? Let me share my review on a few useful games.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Food Educational Games:</span></h3><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.culinaryschools.org/kids-games/fast-food-combat/">Fast Food Combat</a> - players race to eat delicious fruits while avoiding eating foods that will make them sick or slow them down. Pretty simple game, good for kids 2nd grade and below.</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidrhmpiOZ9IbKTY_PpjtZODCM9nuTuK_EzYr4CTtvK8CtOAI7XoyGlZtHyjiYAg4exPpYR2lR1TrGsmMVEvd23V7IK8bTiHGzUEdsCcBPCKOnGY2lsoS4S4hf8GEz0xk3Ui_GExG_k-A0sSAD3q1_yup6h6aAe71WrzqWzXvujMZXrihKNDSM/s3584/Screenshot%202023-10-25%20at%2011.01.46%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2240" data-original-width="3584" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidrhmpiOZ9IbKTY_PpjtZODCM9nuTuK_EzYr4CTtvK8CtOAI7XoyGlZtHyjiYAg4exPpYR2lR1TrGsmMVEvd23V7IK8bTiHGzUEdsCcBPCKOnGY2lsoS4S4hf8GEz0xk3Ui_GExG_k-A0sSAD3q1_yup6h6aAe71WrzqWzXvujMZXrihKNDSM/w640-h400/Screenshot%202023-10-25%20at%2011.01.46%20AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.culinaryschools.org/kids-games/fruit-quiz/" target="_blank">Fruit Quiz</a> is good for kindergarten and first grade kids to identify fruits. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9WfQNLVkvs80QLWYDuHgTnBnNBibmaaU5J4_9Emowgr81sE3PX15YqBYBZggqGhmMV06BZpjJAa5wc7sU0EOk20q2TL8og6NFk2ed2xN5JGXyjmad9NeGwfBz_vdU8XoDZsv0cuMEMH51szTlbsTfk2MmnmuV2dT2-memNOHraDIzC4QaZ3K/s3518/Screenshot%202023-10-25%20at%2010.50.56%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1894" data-original-width="3518" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9WfQNLVkvs80QLWYDuHgTnBnNBibmaaU5J4_9Emowgr81sE3PX15YqBYBZggqGhmMV06BZpjJAa5wc7sU0EOk20q2TL8og6NFk2ed2xN5JGXyjmad9NeGwfBz_vdU8XoDZsv0cuMEMH51szTlbsTfk2MmnmuV2dT2-memNOHraDIzC4QaZ3K/w400-h215/Screenshot%202023-10-25%20at%2010.50.56%20AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.culinaryschools.org/kids-games/design-squad-feed-the-fidgits/">Design Squad Feed the Fidgits</a> is a aquaponics gardening game which teaches children how to grow vegetables indoors. I remember the farm games that I used to plan on facebook in early days of Facebook. This one is like that!</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.culinaryschools.org/kids-games/coffee-shop/">Coffee Shop</a> is a simulation game where you see how much money you can help Cafe Calypso earn in a month. The game includes factors like stocking ingredients, ingredient spoilage, changing drink formulas, managing drink price, and changing consumer demand based on changes in the weather.</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">These kind of games are interesting for kids as they feel like they are responsible to manage a coffee shop :-)</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.culinaryschools.org/kids-games/pizza-tower/">Pizza Tower</a> is a tower building game where you build a thriving pizza empire one floor at a time. Train your chefs on each floor, unlock new floors, and improve your delivery network to maximize your earnings.</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Seems interesting. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">There are some recycling, kitchen tasks and farm games as well.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixDjv5jStTU29LL4H6nBFbEe4cfgY05UDw90nh_9wAJoljRlKqfandCaBEJsM7ADhe0VWt87IN0PnWUWJlSE-2f630AYFk6_d3w63jO7p7Qe3MB6ctalj9SQ9KziAewb-U5akHHUOCY5uZvEe_k5mB2gezau8HjRWFaHLCqBJxe_6iRpUGEYe7/s1810/Screenshot%202023-10-25%20at%2011.12.42%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1810" data-original-width="1032" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixDjv5jStTU29LL4H6nBFbEe4cfgY05UDw90nh_9wAJoljRlKqfandCaBEJsM7ADhe0VWt87IN0PnWUWJlSE-2f630AYFk6_d3w63jO7p7Qe3MB6ctalj9SQ9KziAewb-U5akHHUOCY5uZvEe_k5mB2gezau8HjRWFaHLCqBJxe_6iRpUGEYe7/w364-h640/Screenshot%202023-10-25%20at%2011.12.42%20AM.png" width="364" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.culinaryschools.org/blog/body-fat-calculator/" target="_blank">Here</a> is a body fat calculator based on weight and height which I felt useful for adults as well. There are other useful calculators for weight loss and workout calories in the same site.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Do you like these kind of games for your kids? Let me know in comments.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkotY1GV_tjn5OGDow0LezI9e5p8mO0Iq0ASxkoBN1LQFZ4H5Npzjf2N4qRcFaPTRZFD3BhQDlpwHQCK9KQbJN2WB7a6YfMSZHpTbt-G9-bLXKXe68WFlRT9tNr5tzOBDCJXMzhC7cyD9Z4ONVCRifDplZngCBNAz5RUEI0XmuPToDq2x1wZFj/s228/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="228" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkotY1GV_tjn5OGDow0LezI9e5p8mO0Iq0ASxkoBN1LQFZ4H5Npzjf2N4qRcFaPTRZFD3BhQDlpwHQCK9KQbJN2WB7a6YfMSZHpTbt-G9-bLXKXe68WFlRT9tNr5tzOBDCJXMzhC7cyD9Z4ONVCRifDplZngCBNAz5RUEI0XmuPToDq2x1wZFj/s1600/signature.png" width="228" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div>Mahathi Ramyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573960801443027067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35087221.post-63429766249667627692023-09-26T13:11:00.009-06:002023-11-28T14:44:16.839-07:00Top 10 Bucket List destinations in Texas<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Many people ask me, what's there in Texas to visit? What are some of the scenic places in Texas? I have many suggestions. As a travel blogger, I do a lot of research on places, history, state parks, lakes, mountains, scenic drives , blah blah. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">September 27th is World Tourism Day. On this occasion, h</span><span><span style="font-family: verdana;">ere is a post about some </span><a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2023/02/5-best-spring-break-destinations-in.html" style="font-family: verdana;" target="_blank">destinations that I visited in Texas</a><span style="font-family: verdana;">, which are worth a visit. Also, here is my wishlist of </span></span><a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2023/02/5-texas-state-parks-on-my-travel.html" style="font-family: verdana;" target="_blank">Texas State Parks</a><span style="font-family: verdana;">. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Now, coming to my bucket list destinations in Texas. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Pin it for later!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2W0bTUqAW95ATLBHFrKg2Jh0db150j-8W0rxrK0Pe_VTK8ZxYz6-VvnOr-0QUc7AvrLnX2C7TT3VPxCwy92832-DWgm-f8dc1Z29_wykTC4U5CZMUmRmU--_4HFje_eS1b-99D1TiEiWCU7blPPhZ3z7iId3EHTN8rmdX3kpPt62aOF0jDQbe/s1500/Brown%20and%20Pink%20Creative%20Travel%20Pinterest%20Pin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2W0bTUqAW95ATLBHFrKg2Jh0db150j-8W0rxrK0Pe_VTK8ZxYz6-VvnOr-0QUc7AvrLnX2C7TT3VPxCwy92832-DWgm-f8dc1Z29_wykTC4U5CZMUmRmU--_4HFje_eS1b-99D1TiEiWCU7blPPhZ3z7iId3EHTN8rmdX3kpPt62aOF0jDQbe/w426-h640/Brown%20and%20Pink%20Creative%20Travel%20Pinterest%20Pin.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Here are some of the scenic places to visit in Texas:</span></h2><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">1. Big Bend National Park</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">2. Guadalupe Mountains National Park</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">3. Padre Island National Sea shore</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">4. Waco Mammoth National Monument</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">5. San Antonio</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">6. Caprock Canyon State park</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">7. Palo Duro Canyon State Park</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">8. Caddo Lake State Park</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">9. Lost Maples State Park</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">10. Davis Mountains State Park</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Big Bend National Park:</span></h3><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Big Bend National Park is South-Western Texas's most underrated and isolated national park. Due to its remoteness, it is not easily accessible. But, trust me when I say, it is as beautiful as the other national parks we visited.</span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4rWG2wKK6ZmwKAxDVpYa4EnJfkBjTFt3JLfP54LNjpCHg3eh8V5G2NO8h1Uvsp02azfJ6Z_lHSgMIwH9YZgxqZ0PrpAE6MvhHpzNBWZGJ4cVrTuirn3lbZx2Nxs45ERkJmbCmHFBqm-dX7l4RLfctwbsm35l5e_yFbys40Iqxu4NGM81hRc-/s640/bigbend.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4rWG2wKK6ZmwKAxDVpYa4EnJfkBjTFt3JLfP54LNjpCHg3eh8V5G2NO8h1Uvsp02azfJ6Z_lHSgMIwH9YZgxqZ0PrpAE6MvhHpzNBWZGJ4cVrTuirn3lbZx2Nxs45ERkJmbCmHFBqm-dX7l4RLfctwbsm35l5e_yFbys40Iqxu4NGM81hRc-/w640-h360/bigbend.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">There are some great places to hike, with beautiful scenery of rivers, mountains, and canyons. The park is vast and it takes a minimum of 2 days to cover the best places.</span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Here is my <a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2023/02/2-days-in-big-bend-national-park-day-1.html" target="_blank">travelogue</a>.</span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Guadalupe</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Mountains National Park:</span></span></h3><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2023/04/white-sands-national-park-and-carlsbad.html" target="_blank">Gaudalupe Mountain National Park</a> in Chihuahuan desert is known for its rich wildlife, fossilized reef mountains and the highest peak in Texas - El Capitan.</span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4O4ntDUSiShTD_lGH5Ok0kE-nYnQp1ObZYjyA0CVicAVHIY4bYYBcDWhmSn3PHEnUW9YGlu_UVDRCDS69RvuFgdiALJbSbdeKxEqSXOboUImGuF7nWeap0o0-8G2iCyWve3QJo5bND7pHdHIOEBCEB8gbw5jMXNbWP0DBg2iwbMXs37d65Ea/s640/guadalupemountainnationalpark%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="640" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4O4ntDUSiShTD_lGH5Ok0kE-nYnQp1ObZYjyA0CVicAVHIY4bYYBcDWhmSn3PHEnUW9YGlu_UVDRCDS69RvuFgdiALJbSbdeKxEqSXOboUImGuF7nWeap0o0-8G2iCyWve3QJo5bND7pHdHIOEBCEB8gbw5jMXNbWP0DBg2iwbMXs37d65Ea/w640-h384/guadalupemountainnationalpark%20(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">3.8 mile Devil's Hall trail is very popular in Guadalupe mountains national park. It takes 3 to 4 hrs to finish the trail and it starts from pine springs campground. This trail gives beautiful views of canyons and geological formations.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Some easy trails are:</span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">The trail from dog canyon campground to Marcus Overlook</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">McKittrick Canyon to Pratt's cabin and on to Grotto</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Padre Island National Seashore:</span></h3></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2022/09/a-perfect-weekend-getaway-from-austin.html?m=1" target="_blank">Padre Island National Seashore</a> is spread across 66 miles of coastline and it separates the gulf of Mexico and Laguna Madre (One of a few hypersaline lagoons in the world).</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The beach is very clean, it has a visitor center with a gift shop, restrooms, and showers. The Park entrance fee is $10 per vehicle for 1 day. This is also the best place to drive a 4-wheeler on the sand along the coastline.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-iApqiYJbWsCySuHiu6VvgSBifPsb2HDfMAE1T1dkjHXJprJe_dwMOdRkgHfPF-EOcDyEJyQcxPonDNgwurZQnwYqutQIAYYqtc7t0HCmHAFZtJaz5faqIWzd_KNgqkNIWofVv0cuHtU2StTUO10zwsBO_FbDWjxVR6M7358TuUMan5ZqgOa/s640/padreisland.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-iApqiYJbWsCySuHiu6VvgSBifPsb2HDfMAE1T1dkjHXJprJe_dwMOdRkgHfPF-EOcDyEJyQcxPonDNgwurZQnwYqutQIAYYqtc7t0HCmHAFZtJaz5faqIWzd_KNgqkNIWofVv0cuHtU2StTUO10zwsBO_FbDWjxVR6M7358TuUMan5ZqgOa/w640-h360/padreisland.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Waco Mammoth National Monument:</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">This national monument is a paleontological site and a museum in Waco. This preserves the fossils of Ice age Columbian Mammoths.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Weighing 20,000 pounds and 14 ft tall, these mammoths roamed across the current-day Texas many years ago. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1L_eeUV-UMiPO-NqBtTbE6PpNl70dPojahsVMPetyq8AVOlIetMAeLIo-0bgcmOFN4vyWzXr1w8Rl4cpDRjfgBlftKpVXE_5AyT2godsE6z-oGm89sX61flW9EZNxNwKbRTwkCAnO4C8C0IZdWouxrADwGqvJCApOxo3SYuQVsHWLoq4TJ-o/s2000/Waco_Mammoth_NM_4223_2_(21784691960).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1335" data-original-width="2000" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1L_eeUV-UMiPO-NqBtTbE6PpNl70dPojahsVMPetyq8AVOlIetMAeLIo-0bgcmOFN4vyWzXr1w8Rl4cpDRjfgBlftKpVXE_5AyT2godsE6z-oGm89sX61flW9EZNxNwKbRTwkCAnO4C8C0IZdWouxrADwGqvJCApOxo3SYuQVsHWLoq4TJ-o/w640-h428/Waco_Mammoth_NM_4223_2_(21784691960).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PC: Wikipedia</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Waco is around 1.5 hrs from Austin. The park is open 9 am to 5 pm. Dig shelter access is by ticket only. Fee is $6 per adults and $5 for kids.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Address:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span class="street-address" itemprop="streetAddress" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;">6220 Steinbeck Bend Drive</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;" /><span itemprop="addressLocality" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;">Waco, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></span><span class="region" itemprop="addressRegion" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;">TX </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></span><span class="postal-code" itemprop="postalCode" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;">76708</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span class="postal-code" itemprop="postalCode" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><span class="postal-code" itemprop="postalCode" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;">San Antonio:</span></span></h3><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span class="postal-code" itemprop="postalCode" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">San Antonio is home to the Alamo, a UNESCO world heritage site, and many historical buildings called Missions. </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYv3XpTZImoa8Kh50Hj-C8_xVAWgtJSPvB-Ta6TZXBWKOONK6dzXep6pFKk4VrF-ajAt9rjXijqhOdq1McQKkKDcHIgWlnybJEMoI5_IwN2iyy46pEZfHaEJGbjKlckvVvSKaBbuLYxCf_MyZpRLDNCdjS2om987AlFacpjxOzQwucwkfnoyHO/s640/alamo%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYv3XpTZImoa8Kh50Hj-C8_xVAWgtJSPvB-Ta6TZXBWKOONK6dzXep6pFKk4VrF-ajAt9rjXijqhOdq1McQKkKDcHIgWlnybJEMoI5_IwN2iyy46pEZfHaEJGbjKlckvVvSKaBbuLYxCf_MyZpRLDNCdjS2om987AlFacpjxOzQwucwkfnoyHO/w640-h360/alamo%20(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alamo</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Riverwalk is pleasant to stroll through, and a nice place to hang out, eat the best food, and shop. </span></div><div><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Japanese Tea Garden is a wonderful place for a family. </span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you have time, check out The Natural Bridge caverns as well.</span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2016/06/top-5-tourist-places-in-san-antonio.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Here</a> is my travelogue. This is 1.5 hrs from Austin.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Caprock Canyon State Park and Trailway:</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Caprock Canyon State Park is around 100 miles(2 hrs) from Amarillo. It is a long drive from Austin (6.5 hrs) and it takes 5hrs to reach from Dallas. This park has 90 miles of hiking trails and is home to Texas Bisons. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Entry is $5 per person. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUlxbvwDlPr-P8ZLE5i0FT55Hc3fC8kZQlOr0PlNSpdDjgHWrXPiJ4GDJDjnGfi_UtncG3nE0N00rqigWvCZdfAEHyCS8KqH85iyXFV4tv9qNwePf1AdtZjU_PGhi2Tvt4abWJAqecbdlQjbtkTVTYmwSfSdEIc1ex4ArYsy3IpED3GoID20T/s2048/12299824726_d94b898af7_k.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUlxbvwDlPr-P8ZLE5i0FT55Hc3fC8kZQlOr0PlNSpdDjgHWrXPiJ4GDJDjnGfi_UtncG3nE0N00rqigWvCZdfAEHyCS8KqH85iyXFV4tv9qNwePf1AdtZjU_PGhi2Tvt4abWJAqecbdlQjbtkTVTYmwSfSdEIc1ex4ArYsy3IpED3GoID20T/w640-h480/12299824726_d94b898af7_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">https://www.flickr.com/photos/matthigh/12299824726</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Clarity Tunnel is home to a large colony of Mexican free tailed bats. The Texas Bison herd will be roaming all through the park. Haynes Ridge overlook is a famous view point with incredible views and it can be reached by 5.6 miles hike. You can see rock formations with different colors and layers and multiple creeks on the trail. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">You can take a scenic drive of 5.5 miles through the park if you cannot do lengthy hikes. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This park is a nice stop when you are visiting Palo Duro Canyon State Park or Amarillo.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Palo Duro Canyon State Park:</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This is definitely a must visit if you love hiking and enjoy beautiful mountain views. This is called 'Grand Canyon of Texas' as it's the second largest canyon in USA. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The Lighthouse rock is the most famous point which can be reached by 5.7 miles round trip trail. The Juniper riverside trail and The Big Cave are other points of interest. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQ-h-nSqSI0MmvQoui-Q34T8B63g8Lm99RTOYehrbXbq3VpIm1aIC3GFeAWMy1Nc7nLHBWqmjF8FInLzyijVDFPOvvaXsVuZbqD8pBizOVwWxeL07a-5FdwN3PdK2t0hB1WB-5RQXxnzOuHxFKOmonhGcahBRyAciUd6APgL-IckDViVUWnnA/s640/Palodurolighthouse%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="640" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQ-h-nSqSI0MmvQoui-Q34T8B63g8Lm99RTOYehrbXbq3VpIm1aIC3GFeAWMy1Nc7nLHBWqmjF8FInLzyijVDFPOvvaXsVuZbqD8pBizOVwWxeL07a-5FdwN3PdK2t0hB1WB-5RQXxnzOuHxFKOmonhGcahBRyAciUd6APgL-IckDViVUWnnA/w640-h494/Palodurolighthouse%20(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PC: Wikipedia</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Another way to see this park is through horse riding. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">There is a scenic drive that is around 16 miles long with multiple viewpoints.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"> </span></p><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Address: 11450 Park Road 5Canyon, TX 79015<br /><br />Hours: 7 am to 9 pm</span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Entry is $8</span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">While visiting these 2 parks, don't miss stopping at Amarillo. Cadillac ranch, and road side art installations in Combine City are great. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Caddo Lake State Park:</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The scenery and photos of this park look amazing. </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">The bald cypress trees and Spanish moss make this lake look misty and surreal. There are boating tours as well. We can fish, paddle, hike, or stay in a cabin. The park is around 5 hrs from Austin.</span></span></p><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Address:</span></div><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">245 Park Road 2<br />Karnack, TX 75661</span></span></p><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Hours: 8.15 to 4.45 PM</span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Online Reservations needed</span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Entry is $4 </span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOBgW8Tkg7OunLkb_NO3BtoB-EiGWv0ubT0NwmgkNd7SPvBn7n4WvyFQZi_dwf9umwRtDxjFuFcymo86hmEEeZBPrmkClM9ue0ncQw8qDx9IVHvh9E4AibewkhkfwcwZfuG2CqEI8HQK9KNRon1b-cfVx_oqpUS88EvHrYsQ2_-4qd5TQgXtY/s639/caddo%20lake%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="639" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOBgW8Tkg7OunLkb_NO3BtoB-EiGWv0ubT0NwmgkNd7SPvBn7n4WvyFQZi_dwf9umwRtDxjFuFcymo86hmEEeZBPrmkClM9ue0ncQw8qDx9IVHvh9E4AibewkhkfwcwZfuG2CqEI8HQK9KNRon1b-cfVx_oqpUS88EvHrYsQ2_-4qd5TQgXtY/w640-h426/caddo%20lake%20(1).jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #424242; font-size: 14.4px;">https://www.flickr.com/photos/oneeighteen/48465107426</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Lost Maples State Natural Area:</span></h3><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This is not a state park, but it is a popular destination to visit in the Fall season. You can see fall colors from last week of October through second week of November.</span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This autumn oasis is near Vanderpool in Texas. There are two main trails to see fall colors. The one mile stretch where west and east trails merge is an easy hike. There is a scenic pond at one mile marker. Check this page for <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lost-maples/foliage-reports" target="_blank">fall foliage report</a> before visiting.</span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vhZOt01jlT1j4PQXfs0hM2iOgfK7rCtwhUyG9bhfJ6v5FltULIPhilY0-o41w3MgrB_wiwyb_KqiLV_V1Yaq7_7AIC9MrVkXUG4Tb-7P695o72TR6RULy6LAlwQDRah8btAYhbplE6GlOjF7-vy87rKYKVUKv0z5XvV5Lrfgl41AH7_Hc__P/s2048/6386522005_8189bda07d_k.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vhZOt01jlT1j4PQXfs0hM2iOgfK7rCtwhUyG9bhfJ6v5FltULIPhilY0-o41w3MgrB_wiwyb_KqiLV_V1Yaq7_7AIC9MrVkXUG4Tb-7P695o72TR6RULy6LAlwQDRah8btAYhbplE6GlOjF7-vy87rKYKVUKv0z5XvV5Lrfgl41AH7_Hc__P/w640-h426/6386522005_8189bda07d_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">https://www.flickr.com/photos/bettytimm/6386522005</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The area has 10 miles of hiking trails, but most of them are challenging. The monkey rock in the east trail is an interesting rock formation.</span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Address:</span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">37221 F.M. 187<br style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Vanderpool, TX 78885</span></p><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Hours: 8.30 to 4.30 PM</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Entry is $6</span></div></div><h3 style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Davis Mountains State Park:</span></span></h3><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Davis Mountains State park is situated high in the mountains of West Texas. These mountains near Fort Davis reach at an elevation of 8500 ft above sea level. </span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">There is a scenic drive, a 5 mile loop called Skyline drive which is steep and winding. This gives fantastic views of the mountains and valleys. The 4.5 mile skyline trail is moderately challenging, but if you are an experienced hiker, this is worth it.</span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAz_n12R3kI3PA66lwINAdNW73vdZWy7fQ9572X1uztROukQWF9wYKMx27bDelScM0dT234ncPyvBaq6uOswDyvl8_ahJpFqTEM_psZz_ymHGykHzgdw73vxG3PjOkXcGoIZ9XISaTCI1nib3GqILX4GyVquOZomY0URwRbjlu9h7axAvy6OCT/s2051/Davis_mountains_sp_tx_ccc_lookout_tower.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2051" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAz_n12R3kI3PA66lwINAdNW73vdZWy7fQ9572X1uztROukQWF9wYKMx27bDelScM0dT234ncPyvBaq6uOswDyvl8_ahJpFqTEM_psZz_ymHGykHzgdw73vxG3PjOkXcGoIZ9XISaTCI1nib3GqILX4GyVquOZomY0URwRbjlu9h7axAvy6OCT/w640-h426/Davis_mountains_sp_tx_ccc_lookout_tower.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look out tower <br />PC: wikipedia</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The histroic Indian lodge built around mid 1930s draws tourists to stay in this oasis of the desert. </span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This park is 6.5 hrs away from Austin and it is nearer to Marfa, Elpaso and Big Bend National Park. This can be a nice stop on the way to Big Bend. </span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Address:</span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">TX-118 N., Park Rd. 3<br style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Fort Davis, TX 79734</span></p><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Hours: 8.15 to 4.45 PM</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Entry is $6</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">So, how did you like these spots in Texas? Now that the weather is cooling off and we are going to 2 digit temperatures, happy exploring Texas :-)</span></div></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiX2zBHxF95nd9Bzf_0CZNg3lt6B-wtIIpfyJVuXXAaqShrtGJu86d1b9sVW4-Y66R2EukpHi62Je6zavriCfe7WpmvBMKY_M8eVPePtbdOfmL7_djOyiBV5WCyaDY9CmGC8U6jWzRAJMX7-Ex8Upv0m6McPYbLsGrHECXf4LPDeVwgxH29A3/s228/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="228" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiX2zBHxF95nd9Bzf_0CZNg3lt6B-wtIIpfyJVuXXAaqShrtGJu86d1b9sVW4-Y66R2EukpHi62Je6zavriCfe7WpmvBMKY_M8eVPePtbdOfmL7_djOyiBV5WCyaDY9CmGC8U6jWzRAJMX7-Ex8Upv0m6McPYbLsGrHECXf4LPDeVwgxH29A3/s1600/signature.png" width="228" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span face="Poppins, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #555555; font-size: 14px;">This post is a part of Blogchatter Blog Hop and link it to </span><a href="https://www.theblogchatter.com/" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #004dda; font-family: Poppins, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out 0s;">www.theblogchatter.com</a></div>Mahathi Ramyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573960801443027067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35087221.post-29155979896218324002023-09-24T14:33:00.010-06:002023-09-28T10:15:18.014-06:00Free Simple Online games without ads which are relaxing and fun<p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">I am not a gamer and I don't enjoy video games with violence. But, I certainly love playing word games, solitaire , candy crush , Tetris blocks, chess, sudoku etc.,</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Fun Games</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">I believe, Gaming should be fun and relaxing. It shouldn't be addictive. I don't like to install games on my phone and waste the memory. You know, I take a lot of high resolution photos and videos for my travelogues, so memory on my phone is precious :-) </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">I love <a href="https://www.solitaire.org/" target="_blank">this</a> website where I can play some of my favorite games for free and without ads. It's a WIN WIN as I need not install any app on my phone. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbGV9Zjdqe3Mn2uojY3u4EgGI5ZDPk-iSMrhTgg6KpRWfb0wEEOe0_YzB45gX1uFFSZK3cbn52l0QdSca9CPr-gjMi5R2xXxC8EA0mNNYaqlrPeIiwTy4SfI79i-lqYtD-sa5PhrmliOAEX0bWrsKKp7eqNUQiB_fBkd2Jb1CEjwqivs_-yva/s1280/boy-6680406_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="851" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbGV9Zjdqe3Mn2uojY3u4EgGI5ZDPk-iSMrhTgg6KpRWfb0wEEOe0_YzB45gX1uFFSZK3cbn52l0QdSca9CPr-gjMi5R2xXxC8EA0mNNYaqlrPeIiwTy4SfI79i-lqYtD-sa5PhrmliOAEX0bWrsKKp7eqNUQiB_fBkd2Jb1CEjwqivs_-yva/w426-h640/boy-6680406_1280.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><span face=""Open Sans", system-ui" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; text-align: start;">Image by </span><a href="https://pixabay.com/users/n-region-6314823/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=6680406" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191b26; text-align: start;">thank you for like</a><span face=""Open Sans", system-ui" style="background-color: white; color: #191b26; text-align: start;"> from </span><a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=6680406" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191b26; text-align: start;">Pixabay</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Free Games without Ads</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Who doesn't love free games? That too without ads? I like the part about no ads. Even with the apps that I install on my phone, I am frustrated with ads and the waits until the ads load and complete. In-App purchases are another annoying thing for me about gaming apps.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Now, Coming to the part of my favorite games which are simple.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.solitaire.org/candy-fiesta/" target="_blank">Candy Fiesta</a>:</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">The most simple game of matching 3 candies with same color. This is so fun and relaxing. Super Simple to play. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">The steps are clear incase you don't know how to play. The colors are good and not glaring. The candies look yummy. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQqTRqe99PCWiqnVjlZg-SAIO6PwJS6ViwPbCqa-caMVVX9lJhiXncyKWgfBzdzcDmAorr8AVrsrNyf0vXneI0qFClrlkehIrVN5a6TZSOaBbfZInlWLBOBKN-3Z5ph1iPCK3dS7ZCttr24hoMo_HmmAa0oaUWXxQOyW3wd5d1R9Sg5F3u9Cv/s1780/Screenshot%202023-09-24%20at%202.50.19%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1780" data-original-width="1368" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQqTRqe99PCWiqnVjlZg-SAIO6PwJS6ViwPbCqa-caMVVX9lJhiXncyKWgfBzdzcDmAorr8AVrsrNyf0vXneI0qFClrlkehIrVN5a6TZSOaBbfZInlWLBOBKN-3Z5ph1iPCK3dS7ZCttr24hoMo_HmmAa0oaUWXxQOyW3wd5d1R9Sg5F3u9Cv/w492-h640/Screenshot%202023-09-24%20at%202.50.19%20PM.png" width="492" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgii20L-r7Ye4vvTCdOUXZYdeiyBiSLGGFlu12EeKBtnBJzZDnElQ_3_oN0asisl9mvydCG84_umJbxKJD9MKMsKT29O1qbEXiIWm18pxTr60QeTgJIsXXxRsZrfOgihJvIsJGDJnTENWSdntQgjY39a0hid1vTsNMKNyjlpuDxwSbv9DyJHPYY/s2926/Screenshot%202023-09-24%20at%202.50.33%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1756" data-original-width="2926" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgii20L-r7Ye4vvTCdOUXZYdeiyBiSLGGFlu12EeKBtnBJzZDnElQ_3_oN0asisl9mvydCG84_umJbxKJD9MKMsKT29O1qbEXiIWm18pxTr60QeTgJIsXXxRsZrfOgihJvIsJGDJnTENWSdntQgjY39a0hid1vTsNMKNyjlpuDxwSbv9DyJHPYY/w640-h384/Screenshot%202023-09-24%20at%202.50.33%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.solitaire.org/zuma-ball/" target="_blank">Zuma Ball</a></span></h3><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">This is not so simple, a little challenging and a lot of fun. I love this for it's complexity while giving some fun. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">You just have to shoot the colored ball matching on the ones coming down like a train before time is up.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYEUjA1bS1wJJwCZNTDRNvyp0iyuajJwUcJo31k0NIa0pKLIeqiiHYPWiKhmeAKj2kP1dc8H-PCc1xS7HyfAH6XWZPJu3FQgAKx9CD6h3PydJLTte7mcVnkDYeV4FDnKryLQl04LfLwT047ubr1U3se2s3cDV9bf8esR0LLp-OYPFalsnFupw/s3022/Screenshot%202023-09-24%20at%203.22.45%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="3022" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYEUjA1bS1wJJwCZNTDRNvyp0iyuajJwUcJo31k0NIa0pKLIeqiiHYPWiKhmeAKj2kP1dc8H-PCc1xS7HyfAH6XWZPJu3FQgAKx9CD6h3PydJLTte7mcVnkDYeV4FDnKryLQl04LfLwT047ubr1U3se2s3cDV9bf8esR0LLp-OYPFalsnFupw/w640-h382/Screenshot%202023-09-24%20at%203.22.45%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.solitaire.org/battleships-armada/" target="_blank">Battleships</a></span></h3><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">My kids love this guessing game. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">We should guess where our opponent might have placed their battleship and try to fire it before he does.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">A simple guessing game, not a lot of strategy. It is similar to minesweeper game.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirF42ln0cls8KFg8Cc-wwrjDzo1ATX4m61bEe9hOTB-TdQy05APJL_wsqaR1Si1gIEwJJVvYDGPl7i5cczgu0y1Yi7rvFj6_5K3G0kUneNQbwKNmCLReEZyI8aIVckQdbiiQQj4wd5ee_GiXEaWOf7nM8qnuJP995uvZa9M4GXdlskthaQU8ev/s1684/Screenshot%202023-09-24%20at%203.29.41%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1684" data-original-width="1384" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirF42ln0cls8KFg8Cc-wwrjDzo1ATX4m61bEe9hOTB-TdQy05APJL_wsqaR1Si1gIEwJJVvYDGPl7i5cczgu0y1Yi7rvFj6_5K3G0kUneNQbwKNmCLReEZyI8aIVckQdbiiQQj4wd5ee_GiXEaWOf7nM8qnuJP995uvZa9M4GXdlskthaQU8ev/w526-h640/Screenshot%202023-09-24%20at%203.29.41%20PM.png" width="526" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">I also like the classic games like Solitaire, Chess and Sudoku.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">What games do you usually play? Let me know in comments.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Pin it for later!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlqNmOscNKPZfAf5SsMZxmnNa1oL_v8QPdSyc_Phh3BDWhE_IrJnRK6Uc4tZ27UA20ZVkS8nuFQUUo0UsKYrmmksh61A_H5iu30VpUHZcvyCquuBrMEWF3gF44ouEBIe1dftZVbTaIgwp8woovKxNdVS1dnd2ft79Jzu_PR1oYZ4bPQvAc8iQ/s1500/Pinterest%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlqNmOscNKPZfAf5SsMZxmnNa1oL_v8QPdSyc_Phh3BDWhE_IrJnRK6Uc4tZ27UA20ZVkS8nuFQUUo0UsKYrmmksh61A_H5iu30VpUHZcvyCquuBrMEWF3gF44ouEBIe1dftZVbTaIgwp8woovKxNdVS1dnd2ft79Jzu_PR1oYZ4bPQvAc8iQ/w426-h640/Pinterest%20(1).jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Gig-4lwq0YTvZG7UAuZ9xqf_Rt5N_iPFCwJkK9Hrf8ZqvWqbSerZ8321psl0CMc9WDgfw5_3qEAZZyUSQ85C5NaKOTpJ0ptN2J5qKJzDyKeRimjgXVtRjFtPUu-M-92BP5SCp65dddMOqvTi47hKCEtKNCPWcX_vW4wlGlORk-cCJqx8648F/s228/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="228" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Gig-4lwq0YTvZG7UAuZ9xqf_Rt5N_iPFCwJkK9Hrf8ZqvWqbSerZ8321psl0CMc9WDgfw5_3qEAZZyUSQ85C5NaKOTpJ0ptN2J5qKJzDyKeRimjgXVtRjFtPUu-M-92BP5SCp65dddMOqvTi47hKCEtKNCPWcX_vW4wlGlORk-cCJqx8648F/s1600/signature.png" width="228" /></span></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Mahathi Ramyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573960801443027067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35087221.post-12724586232052151482023-09-08T15:08:00.008-06:002023-09-26T15:18:23.362-06:00One Perfect Day in Las Vegas With Kids<p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #424242;">This post may contain affiliate links, clicking on those links may earn some commission to us without any additional cost to you.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Las Vegas also known as Sin city in Nevada is popular for its' casinos and night life for adults. So, what's in for kids? or parents with children?</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Here is this post about the best fun things to do with kids in Las Vegas:</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">We flew to Las Vegas for our South west Utah trip covering Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand staircase Escalante, Capitol Reef and Goblin Valley State park. </span></p><h3 style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #424242; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px -15px; padding: 0.6em 15px 0.5em; position: relative; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Read the previous travelogues here:</span></h3><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2023/07/ZionNationalParkFamilyFriendlyHikes.html" style="color: #cc6536; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Zion National Park - Part1</span></a></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2023/07/best-family-friendly-trails-in-zion-day.html" style="color: #cc6536; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Zion National Park - Part2</span></a></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2023/07/the-ultimate-guide-to-bryce-canyon.html" style="color: #cc6536; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Bryce Canyon National Park</span></a></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2023/08/explore-grand-staircase-escalante.html" style="color: #cc6536; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument</span></span></a></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2023/08/5-fun-things-to-do-in-capitol-reef.html" style="color: #cc6536; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Capitol Reef National park</span></a></span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2023/08/goblin-valley-state-park-cute-goblins.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Goblin Valley State Park</span></a></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2019/05/day-1-arches-and-canyonlands-national.html" style="color: #cc6536; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Arches National Park</span></a></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><a href="https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/2019/05/day-1-arches-and-canyonlands-national.html" style="color: #cc6536; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Canyonlands National Park</span></a></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #424242; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">How to Reach?</span></h3><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">The economical option is to fly to Las Vegas if you are far.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Here are some flight options:</span></p>
<span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><script charset="utf-8" src="https://tp.media/content?currency=usd&trs=248178&shmarker=460373&lat=36.114646&lng=-115.172816&powered_by=true&search_host=www.aviasales.com%2Fsearch&locale=en&origin=LAS&value_min=0&value_max=250&only_direct=false&radius=1&draggable=true&disable_zoom=false&show_logo=false&scrollwheel=false&primary=%233FABDB&secondary=%233FABDB&light=%23ffffff&width=1500&height=500&zoom=2&promo_id=4054&campaign_id=100"></script></span><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #424242; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.discovercars.com/usa-nevada/las-vegas/las?a_aid=fantasticfeathers&currency=usd" target="_blank">Options to rent a car</a></span></h3><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #424242; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Where to Stay?</span></h3><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">We stayed in Sahara resort. It's a nice place and economical. We got a room on 14th floor with a nice view of Strata Tower. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRKWxBl1EVsGaWwqlmdQgxbu5qlFOJiuH6lS_q6MVlSiMckyYJnkmdOL6Y6cYkc5516uvfNIgw4CU_djiCPIR0nbUu_rP9Ya0qqi5gV2bRqLu9dQUkiZqKTdGTucBclTjL0nSAgR_7pzj0BYhCe5GhVOAGc7IDnE96TbJiA0jIveF3EgdHi3z/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202023-09-08T154626.239.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRKWxBl1EVsGaWwqlmdQgxbu5qlFOJiuH6lS_q6MVlSiMckyYJnkmdOL6Y6cYkc5516uvfNIgw4CU_djiCPIR0nbUu_rP9Ya0qqi5gV2bRqLu9dQUkiZqKTdGTucBclTjL0nSAgR_7pzj0BYhCe5GhVOAGc7IDnE96TbJiA0jIveF3EgdHi3z/w640-h360/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202023-09-08T154626.239.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The View from the hotel window</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">Here are a few other options:</span></p>
<span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="428" id="stay22-widget" src="https://www.stay22.com/embed/64fb7629c74afc003c45fbdc" width="100%"></iframe></span><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #424242; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Kid-Friendly places in Las Vegas:</span></h3><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Pin it for later!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzwXIUC6PQMiUO2BrewerkBJ2c_yts2L3TjFTVNhPnbe0osHT6PgmeazqO3HoP288q9a6wKxxY6_mdvfM_iNIC9jfG3bHjnbryyz83TUNlmdg2A7sgMcZXMnbt9kj4hINJ2hA0B-BfilNQjcFHpm_J5R_JdMJwh74lAn1NShB8jmbcYahgeYd/s1500/Brown%20and%20Gray%20Minimalist%20Travel%20Pinterest%20Pin%20(3).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzwXIUC6PQMiUO2BrewerkBJ2c_yts2L3TjFTVNhPnbe0osHT6PgmeazqO3HoP288q9a6wKxxY6_mdvfM_iNIC9jfG3bHjnbryyz83TUNlmdg2A7sgMcZXMnbt9kj4hINJ2hA0B-BfilNQjcFHpm_J5R_JdMJwh74lAn1NShB8jmbcYahgeYd/w426-h640/Brown%20and%20Gray%20Minimalist%20Travel%20Pinterest%20Pin%20(3).jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><h4 style="background-color: white; color: #424242; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">1.</span><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;"> Water fountain show and Flower show at Bellagio</span></h4><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">The first thing you do in las Vegas is to take a cab to drop you on the Strip. Outside the Bellagio hotel, the musical fountain show is great to watch. The show is every 15 mins after 8pm and every 30 mins in the morning till noon. This show is free to public.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">After the fountain, check out the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. The flower show is excellent and good for photography.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWudDABaDmoDS4KDrw5IEuwwMwdiDwjoYV_VdP5QJ7WPgs5akX6U_T7stPQsJ4ELE-x9dQU2Vqe9bn7G37Oif-fQAXQDtbIucSQPznVOTBLvLvekiZIOa4FB3l4mw5jkb3p5I1Ig4ZgurDhUwJrstntoTPM1Jfmca-YKz4uP4qAsj6XdVpAQMU/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202023-09-08T154827.445.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWudDABaDmoDS4KDrw5IEuwwMwdiDwjoYV_VdP5QJ7WPgs5akX6U_T7stPQsJ4ELE-x9dQU2Vqe9bn7G37Oif-fQAXQDtbIucSQPznVOTBLvLvekiZIOa4FB3l4mw5jkb3p5I1Ig4ZgurDhUwJrstntoTPM1Jfmca-YKz4uP4qAsj6XdVpAQMU/w640-h360/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202023-09-08T154827.445.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpk0Bzqi6u9vRwonx5-jg-cx4v_IENubbUQwjL8ga2DM_ZlmWZIMzuDd169RIIfVQGC0El_IAfiP75J0VEYYf3k3juuL0Xm2rWxt8skxXeTstxY9LTN2DMDDrTwtAtlK844lJ9G5Llr_YGtqqc1M5BXoiFT64uNDpqijFuP74ml8zXUSbDq8r/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202023-09-08T154850.525.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpk0Bzqi6u9vRwonx5-jg-cx4v_IENubbUQwjL8ga2DM_ZlmWZIMzuDd169RIIfVQGC0El_IAfiP75J0VEYYf3k3juuL0Xm2rWxt8skxXeTstxY9LTN2DMDDrTwtAtlK844lJ9G5Llr_YGtqqc1M5BXoiFT64uNDpqijFuP74ml8zXUSbDq8r/w640-h360/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202023-09-08T154850.525.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZdZ_xijL0Dp_F5l8kUs4hE3zFz1R9o9S09eDj3GsnqMEyGWm8TMu_g8-JPrDczidYo9Ymetw5Xja0YX2gDLQhUZ1B_uVNoKH3Z9dxX9M2K4gU-taqg069AcgdXgxLnJRCfxkcNxaEXP_jlxzDMtO1kUiRsX2oodyvxYDOH1fDkpsGibc1x4n/s2000/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202023-09-08T160045.777.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZdZ_xijL0Dp_F5l8kUs4hE3zFz1R9o9S09eDj3GsnqMEyGWm8TMu_g8-JPrDczidYo9Ymetw5Xja0YX2gDLQhUZ1B_uVNoKH3Z9dxX9M2K4gU-taqg069AcgdXgxLnJRCfxkcNxaEXP_jlxzDMtO1kUiRsX2oodyvxYDOH1fDkpsGibc1x4n/w512-h640/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202023-09-08T160045.777.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghJu_liDcEgjNYtaTrHa5_J51KRClF7SFRfMkgaLutj8w-yH7VhLOr7RYXwnbau72uG20X7TXKa8ZxedAmb-LN-St3i0dUByOEOc7qisraOSl93Fc12AlCuCmDVfQaLmk04NN-KRFlfKjnhNZAT4aIDxDsaWE9gj7n5sJLEsRUylk4gE2SvXk/s2000/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202023-09-08T160059.463.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghJu_liDcEgjNYtaTrHa5_J51KRClF7SFRfMkgaLutj8w-yH7VhLOr7RYXwnbau72uG20X7TXKa8ZxedAmb-LN-St3i0dUByOEOc7qisraOSl93Fc12AlCuCmDVfQaLmk04NN-KRFlfKjnhNZAT4aIDxDsaWE9gj7n5sJLEsRUylk4gE2SvXk/w512-h640/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202023-09-08T160059.463.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h4 style="background-color: white; color: #424242; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">2. </span><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">Coco Cola Store</span></h4><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">This multi story building with a big coco cola bottle sculpture is in the middle of the strip. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">It's a good place to walk inside, check Coco cola merchandise and taste different flavors from the world. We got the tray and tasted different flavors of coke. It's fun.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6JI-R3W5xTHFLU9SdERFCmkOtTebr9xXABDbHkFsz7n3lNh5LwaGPYPNyzZj_f-Qgg5L0YSDsxp_nN2buiJHUGAjTm1u81C-l96J-9_sKxkanrlQYYPfncW-w55S8Wjxy8uYNoYOlRpvhIUuOxw761WyTdTnUecWD_lxtAs7GCvrdV52EmhR/s2000/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202023-09-08T155835.408.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6JI-R3W5xTHFLU9SdERFCmkOtTebr9xXABDbHkFsz7n3lNh5LwaGPYPNyzZj_f-Qgg5L0YSDsxp_nN2buiJHUGAjTm1u81C-l96J-9_sKxkanrlQYYPfncW-w55S8Wjxy8uYNoYOlRpvhIUuOxw761WyTdTnUecWD_lxtAs7GCvrdV52EmhR/w512-h640/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202023-09-08T155835.408.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6ugN_jZKZJobFYOZ9BZgRDDCl1JPyRGgwi4Y7BdNj_AC8SkyoxcObtQb2aft2iLZ-HUKzNuBLeX0MIsYw4GxjppusfElyKSeeEnXonPCaCwPRk1leqeemlmSxerXrviSRYEQpTr67k4ZB1ZbBvwpI1y_HdmWDhU0IYsl4kPkXiFxsjE6x3X4/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202023-09-08T155115.484.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6ugN_jZKZJobFYOZ9BZgRDDCl1JPyRGgwi4Y7BdNj_AC8SkyoxcObtQb2aft2iLZ-HUKzNuBLeX0MIsYw4GxjppusfElyKSeeEnXonPCaCwPRk1leqeemlmSxerXrviSRYEQpTr67k4ZB1ZbBvwpI1y_HdmWDhU0IYsl4kPkXiFxsjE6x3X4/w640-h360/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202023-09-08T155115.484.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h4 style="background-color: white; color: #424242; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">3. </span><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: x-large;">M&M Store</span></h4><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">This definitely excites kids. M&M store is full of fun stuff. All merchandise, different M&M candies which kids can pick and choose what they want.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;">The colorful candy machines are a treat to watch even if you are not interested in chocolate and M&Ms.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszyD7SB8K43NZImfh3KuUPJ9Mwz2GlY2I2wlFYNTy0T0RT4Zbyh9ez09u9mGFnpF1w7AyPTZAOVWu0vzT8ra3X27vp3nhK0E5cHs_iT8MlFeZVO-r7TNX_pkESJz3Aw9n16F-XVfzJmU7vVDfXWlKa---mJ-KY3NktofuE3dUAqL_k-jHr-wz/s2000/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202023-09-08T155802.532.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszyD7SB8K43NZImfh3KuUPJ9Mwz2GlY2I2wlFYNTy0T0RT4Zbyh9ez09u9mGFnpF1w7AyPTZAOVWu0vzT8ra3X27vp3nhK0E5cHs_iT8MlFeZVO-r7TNX_pkESJz3Aw9n16F-XVfzJmU7vVDfXWlKa---mJ-KY3NktofuE3dUAqL_k-jHr-wz/w512-h640/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202023-09-08T155802.532.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFaaPz8w9UkUKjdm6ZrUCNAOzdEqAfBBV6_XBlNKbFH259sMDhGgvb3-Vp6BT5JNjhMazWQR-lnhz48U-9XnrvD-HzxVsToUD6MD-hh6CgFXUW2ny7EkzeExPWioTlCZn-a8Dt2APt5UCRObGqQ_yeQP6CVqql3TDGV20UwscIpiVqjxdh4x6/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202023-09-08T155250.474.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFaaPz8w9UkUKjdm6ZrUCNAOzdEqAfBBV6_XBlNKbFH259sMDhGgvb3-Vp6BT5JNjhMazWQR-lnhz48U-9XnrvD-HzxVsToUD6MD-hh6CgFXUW2ny7EkzeExPWioTlCZn-a8Dt2APt5UCRObGqQ_yeQP6CVqql3TDGV20UwscIpiVqjxdh4x6/w640-h360/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202023-09-08T155250.474.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h4 style="background-color: white; color: #424242; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">4. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">Newyork Newyork</span></h4><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The Big Apple roller coaster ride in Newyork Newyork is fun to ride for the kids. Kids must be 54 inches tall to ride.This is on the opposite side of M&M store and you can also watch the replica of Brooklyn bridge there. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">We loved the waterfall there, where we can also touch the water. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The sculpture 'Bliss Dance' which is 60 ft high at the center of City park is beautiful.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6xunFiMoAfb9tOnyPwLs2ftOFrMqOWIJ1hIqnYSmpZRjmnGXRSKGNeXbXkhQf-JT1ZKqZ5yU0XM0RZjPEajUYuGnT9839DNLJHub_E3gSRaoIYKow4Gl-Iz_moIuk3HJqbjROL4J6JkrGxjuyIU_c_0HkTDkzM7HSC1TDMaWmlxGKrDEnjW_/s2048/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202023-09-08T155427.509.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6xunFiMoAfb9tOnyPwLs2ftOFrMqOWIJ1hIqnYSmpZRjmnGXRSKGNeXbXkhQf-JT1ZKqZ5yU0XM0RZjPEajUYuGnT9839DNLJHub_E3gSRaoIYKow4Gl-Iz_moIuk3HJqbjROL4J6JkrGxjuyIU_c_0HkTDkzM7HSC1TDMaWmlxGKrDEnjW_/w640-h360/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202023-09-08T155427.509.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYGMGG2hKqzuZk0PaElPMNa7UaBBPJc6Ri4mfBi5SnfRl0N6VwIVOpV1078ht9B2MRmAwbeaSDii_afMGOzcqCJoZ8oFXM6ta5G3AuQMeFXjHpKT7Sglrz6YlKJMKJ0Cl9r3Ulcglr79gWN3G5tkHSTKmttcLJ9FrvL2f04_9VqmST_uf9NbO/s2000/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202023-09-08T155714.382.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYGMGG2hKqzuZk0PaElPMNa7UaBBPJc6Ri4mfBi5SnfRl0N6VwIVOpV1078ht9B2MRmAwbeaSDii_afMGOzcqCJoZ8oFXM6ta5G3AuQMeFXjHpKT7Sglrz6YlKJMKJ0Cl9r3Ulcglr79gWN3G5tkHSTKmttcLJ9FrvL2f04_9VqmST_uf9NbO/w512-h640/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202023-09-08T155714.382.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h4 style="background-color: white; color: #424242; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">5. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">Hershey's World</span></h4><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">This is next to Newyork Newyork and kids will love it. As usual, big candy machines, different types of chocolates from Hershey's, great smoothies are a few things which interest kids.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Every store will have some cute branded sculptures outside if your kids want to take a photo with Hershey's kiss sculpture or similar.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjO8Mw3qu-6ftU-vts5LZLKT2hwo9PPWoSim0z0RPa4aM3BZ61u5DhafpKGKxPmS_FsWwTF2_gC0IprNFg3PK9bRp1j9SqxvePG8PjtG2bZmhsGOLJ56gSqbAiHONAnQn9ABkNiYH8kgBoRZSINNqvo_xYDEqcCzpPU7qsTitLpxf8mqHyQQo4/s2000/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202023-09-08T155639.431.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjO8Mw3qu-6ftU-vts5LZLKT2hwo9PPWoSim0z0RPa4aM3BZ61u5DhafpKGKxPmS_FsWwTF2_gC0IprNFg3PK9bRp1j9SqxvePG8PjtG2bZmhsGOLJ56gSqbAiHONAnQn9ABkNiYH8kgBoRZSINNqvo_xYDEqcCzpPU7qsTitLpxf8mqHyQQo4/w512-h640/www.fantasticfeathers.in%20-%202023-09-08T155639.431.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">It's really impossible to cover all cool places in just one day. So, we could cover only these.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">But, if we visit next time, we don't want to miss these:</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Flamingos at Flamingos Hotel</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Gondolas at the Venetian</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Mandala Bay Aquarium</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Meow wolf</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Circus Circus</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">High roller Observation Wheel</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The Eiffel tower</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Mirage Hotel Volcano</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Egyptian Pyramid and a lot more..</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">I know, this list is endless. </span></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #424242; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">A word of caution:</span></h3><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">You can see a lot of performers on street with little to no clothing, so expect kids to ask questions on why they wore those kind of costumes. Many people distribute cards about porn content, so, try to avoid those.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The strip is always crowded, so please keep children nearer. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">So, that's it about experiencing Las Vegas with kids.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVAxA4r5SZVRfjHhEQn235fBMt9M8RrVruAiRrtwLS7FEDcD8nnmE3PBxZBVlZ7rgSmsCrucwx_8xxrn2QX9X_tSVplkY3_FGaKxIebbYgy-aE_OkVy5M5OKRr2N31a2-ErJtyozRV4VVq1dW4QGoKD4Uov_7SGyOzKWjcfPoa_4ShR8H0jod/s228/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="228" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVAxA4r5SZVRfjHhEQn235fBMt9M8RrVruAiRrtwLS7FEDcD8nnmE3PBxZBVlZ7rgSmsCrucwx_8xxrn2QX9X_tSVplkY3_FGaKxIebbYgy-aE_OkVy5M5OKRr2N31a2-ErJtyozRV4VVq1dW4QGoKD4Uov_7SGyOzKWjcfPoa_4ShR8H0jod/s1600/signature.png" width="228" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Ubuntu; font-size: 15px;">This post is a part of </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.theblogchatter.com&source=gmail&ust=1693016339231000&usg=AOvVaw3FljOdWImfe64xsF2gyom2" href="https://www.theblogchatter.com/" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: 600; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span class="il">Blogchatter</span> <span class="il">Half</span> <span class="il">Marathon</span> 2023</a></span></p>Mahathi Ramyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02573960801443027067noreply@blogger.com0