These Boots Are Made For Walking

by Tim on February 18, 2010

And walkin’s just what they’ll do! Eventually!

I’m so over this cold weather! I want to go outside, to the mountains, and go for a walk. Not in the snow.

The Walks Are The Best Memories

Kim and I have traveled to five continents and dozens of countries and in each of the places we’ve been, it’s the walks we really remember. (helicopters, boats, jeeps, and scuba gear all seem to stick well too!)

A Couple of Amazing Walking DestinationsImage

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil – it’s tough to pin down the best walk we took in Brazil, and we only saw a small part of that amazingly beautiful place. The area around Rio has two don’t miss walks (excluding the beach and city, which could keep you enthralled for months).

The Botanical Gardens – I’ll never forget the rows of absolutely magnificent towering palms lining the main walk through the Jardine Botanico in Rio.

Tijuca National Forest – Wild toucans, views of the city of Rio and Cristo Redentor (Christ The Redeemer) are totally incredible. Only a five minute drive up the mountain from the city, this place feels wild and exotic. I could walk, and walk, and walk.

Waitomo, New Zealand

Of all the jaw dropping things you’ll ever encounter in your life, the glow worm caves of Waitomo, New Zealand will make the short list of “best wow factor”. There is no describing the first-hand view of a dark cavern with a ceiling covered in tiny bio-luminescent creatures that literally…glow!

The area around the caves is amazing and one of my favorite hikes, was just down the road from there. We had an amazing time in an incredible setting where rivers literally pop out of the side of a mountain. And not just water, mind you, but tubers too! They do cavern tubing there where you go into the dark on an inner-tube with nothing but a head-mounted lamp to light your way… and more glow worms!

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I’m Hooked On Walking Boots

I’m not sure what it is, but while I’m not one to spend much money on clothes, I’ll sell the farm for some good hiking boots! They just represent freedom and adventure to me in a way that only jeeps and leather backpacks can compete with. I’ve got probably six pairs of great boots. Waterproof boots, leather boots, lightweight boots.

In fact, it was a web page full of walking boots that got me started on this post to begin with!

I’m really yearning to go now!

I know we don’t post much here, but I know some subscribers are still out there… tell me, you loyal ones, where is your favorite place to walk?

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What’s Your Problem? Be Consistent!

by Tim on January 8, 2010

Tim here:

Did you know that there is a huge discrepancy between the new ways and the old ones? Well, not just one but many. One is this whole concept of being authentic.

AUTHENTIC

What does that word mean anyway? I didn’t know I could be otherwise. I thought that, by default, I’m the real me. Even when I’m not. Right? Like even when I’m pretending to be normal, that’s the real authentic me, faking like I’m better than I really am. See, so even when I’m faking, I’m being real.

Now you understand.

But maybe that’s the whole point of the new authentic. Maybe somehow, somewhere, people got sick of trying to look normal. Maybe the crazy idea that everyone is different and that there is no one-size-fits-all “right” way to live is starting to gain some traction.

Hmmm. I’m not sure what I think about that. Social “norms” have some safety built-in. You know what people will think is okay, and what they think isn’t okay. So if you don’t want to upset anyone, you know how to behave. Without the ideal, what do you do? Be totally, like, authentic?

That sounds risky.

But it sounds nice too. What do you think? Do you show your true self on your blog, or do you keep it within the “norms”? Or are you actually normal?

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The Best Meal You’ve Ever Had

by TimJanuary 7, 2010

Travel has been an integral part of the fabric of our family since day one. Even before Kim and I were married, her parents used to let me come along on family vacations with them. I think they figured that if I wasn’t going, neither was Kim! So they let me come.
Great [...]

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Christmas Candy – Easy Pretzel Turtles

by KimDecember 23, 2009

Easy Pretzel Turtles

Do you need a yummy treat that only takes a few minutes to make? Who doesn’t! These Pretzel Turtles are perfect for a party or a last minute gift. I’ll show you how quick and easy you can make these sweet treats!
Gather the stuff…

I gathered more than I needed! [...]

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Our Blessing Tree

by KimDecember 19, 2009

Decking the halls at our house…

We have always made a big deal out of decorating our tree. It’s a major thing in our house, and the way we do it is a tradition that I’m sure my boys will always remember. Over the years our tree has turned into a Blessing Tree {explained [...]

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Dogs Like To Walk

by TimNovember 20, 2009

There really is something special about a dog. Speak to them, and they’re ready to listen. Offer a little table scrap ,and you get a look like you’ve just given them the best, most awsomest, gift ever! If you really want to get them excited, grab a leash and stand by the [...]

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Dogs Rule!

by KimOctober 23, 2009

Our dogs are a BIG part of our family and I realized the other day that we don’t stop and take photos of them often enough. This is Miss Buttercup! Isn’t she sweet? We all love her, but I think Tim and A.J. fight over who she loves the most on a weekly basis.
She was [...]

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Nesting Place Guest Post Today!

by KimOctober 22, 2009

I know you have all been reading Nester’s 31 Days to a Better Dressed Nest! Well, Tim (Remodeling Guy and my sweet husband), is at Nesting Place today with a guest post. You can even ask him questions on Facebook. Isn’t that neat? If you are looking for great ideas and a [...]

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My Colorful Quilt

by KimOctober 18, 2009

I made a quilt!!! That’s big news for me since I don’t sew that often. Visit Everything Etsy to read more about it!

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What Else Can You Do With Your Beautiful Fall Leaves?

by KimOctober 15, 2009

Fall wreaths are beautiful, but I found a few other ideas for those stunning leaves that are all over…well, everywhere but here. I’ll just have to pretend they’re here and buy them at the store.
Making a swag couldn’t be easier, and it’s a great way to dress up a garden gate or door. Okay, I [...]

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