Saturday, October 13, 2018

My Return


I have this tendency, taught to me early in life, to bury myself in work. Which is okay for a while but then I need to re-surface and have fun again. I'm coming out of a two-month period where I've neglected blogging and everything else I enjoy. Need to fix that!

Which is a weak reason for a post but I feel I need to re-connect with you, my blogging friends. Connection is important and, even inadvertent, I never want to neglect anyone. I do my best to follow and comment on your blogs. I re-commit to that whenever my head pops out of work-mode.

A lot of "re-" words, huh? That's a sign I've spent too long underwater. I can't wait until the day I can afford to stop working and pursue my passions full-time. My "retirement" won't be leisure but, rather, active efforts to do the activities I love, like writing, reading, motorcycle-riding, fashion and blogging.

Do you ever bury yourself in work or home-maintenance or child-rearing? I wonder how common that is. BTW, one can never say this enough -- THANK YOU FOR VISITING! I cherish your interest and effort in coming here. Somehow I will reward you. Promise.

Random topic for discussion: I drink a lot of tea and look for ways to flavor it. One of my favorites is honey. I recently discovered there's one -- and only one -- honey that has scientifically-proven health benefits. It's called Manuka honey from New Zealand. In addition to the health benefits, Manuka tastes great -- earthy and rich. It has the depth of flavor I crave in every food.

Because of the health benefits, Manuka honey is very expensive. A problem arose due to the premium price -- counterfeiting. As much as 90% of stuff sold as Manuka is not really Manuka but just cheap ordinary honey, mislabeled to sell for more money. So, you have to verify authenticity by buying from sellers who are reputable and certify their product, like Steens.

Manuka honey makes a great gift for someone who's birthday is coming up... hint, hint!

25 comments:

  1. You are the BEST! My dad LOVES honey and he is super hard to buy for when it comes to Christmas presents. They you for the product rec, I am definitely shopping with Steens for a present for him!

    Happy weekend friend!

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  2. I adore Manuka honey but I had no idea it was good for me. I buy it for the amazing taste and yes, it is very expensive.

    I'm glad you're getting back into some of the things you enjoy in life. Work can become our lives which is dangerous. We need to remember we are only given today, tomorrow may never come.

    Love this cute outfit. That belt is fab! Vintage?

    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

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    1. So true. Yes, the belt is authentically from the 1960's and made of cloth wrapped around metal. It's perhaps my most prized piece of clothing.

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  3. Glad you came up for some air Ally!!!! You look super cute in your LBD! Love the belt.

    I am going to New Zealand again in February however sadly we are not allowed to bring honey into our country ... like you are not allowed to take honey into New Zealand ~ There is a NZ$400 fine if they find honey in your possessions when you enter New Zealand which for us South Africans is REALLY expensive as when we went in December we paid 10 South African Rands to one NZ$ (it is about R16.30 to one USA$).

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    1. Oh, wow, Lynn. I didn't know that. What a dumb restriction.

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  4. Good to see you Ally. I'm guilty of not connecting more, good to reconnect with you.

    Best Wishes

    Lotte x

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    1. Same here. We do our best to stay in touch, which is why I always forgive friends for being absent when life gets busy.

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  5. I've heard of the antioxidant benefits of Manuka honey before, but I have to confess I haven't yet tasted it. I've not really been a fan of honey ever since my Mum made me drink milk with honey when I was a child. I have buried myself in work in the past but now that I'm in my late 50s I tend not to do that anymore, trying to do as much fun things as possible, especially since my hubby turned 70 last years, which was kind of a turning point for both of us. Good to hear you've decided to have fun again and re-connect, although disconnecting once in a while isn't a bad thing either. Looking cute in that outfit, Ally! xxx

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  6. Thank you so much for the Hallowe'en card, by the way, hon - it's displayed on my desk at work. :)

    Lovely dress on you - but mostly I am just happy to see your head above water! I'm relieved it was just you burying yourself in work. Hugs!

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  7. Honey is so delicious.

    I'm fighting day by day to keep my head above water. To keep my odd little family together. I work a job that takes care of me so I often give a lot of myself back to the company in return.

    Trying to find out who Megan is today. And make sure she's going to be someone I can be proud of.

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    1. I applaud your struggle, my friend. I know how hard it is for you. Be proud of yourself.

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  8. Wow, you are looking so pretty in this dress. I loved how beautifully you styled this. Loving your belt and shoes <3
    Have a great day.
    http://www.rakhshanda-chamberofbeauty.com/

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  9. This is definitely a party outfit with the little bows on your shoes and the flirty skirt. Enjoy gathering your breath and drinking your sweet tea.
    Xo Jazzy Jack

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  10. I think you do a great job of keeping up- it's tough, I totally understand and am with ya!

    Manuka has AMAZING benefits- and yes, it's hard to find the right + authentic kind!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  11. Aw, sorry to hear work has been so crazy. But welcome back! It's great to have you. :) And I just love your outfit! I just ordered a very similar pair of heels that I can't wait to wear!

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  12. I understand the way that our line of work can shut down everything else. I started picking in the Bronx on 9/13. Summations are tomorrow. Your blog is my mind rest break.

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  13. I've been MIA for quite awhile now and buried in my regular job and teaching has been all consuming. I trained about 100 new motorcyclists this year, which equates to a lot of weekends. Looking forward to a very quiet winter of nesting, reading, and holding those dear to me close.

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  14. Welcome back! You are looking fabulous. I also love honey in my tea, but have not heard of Manuka honey before.

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  15. I am so very pleased to see you and that you have re-emerged. I really like this outfit as it reminds me of a ballerina. Very graceful and very you.
    Yes, I also bury myself in things that I like to call “should do’”. Therefore I often feel under the metaphorical ceiling of the Tyranny of the shoulds.

    I, too, am reevaluating how I use my time. We all need to take stock every now and then. I am sure your retirement will be very fulfilling and I think a period of profound personal growth.

    ❤️❤️❤️
    Elle
    https://theellediaries.com/

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  16. It's so easy to get buried in life and things to do! You are a very loyal friend!

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  17. I do it too even tho I am quite regular in blogging but I used to post a lot more. Now I usually post twice a week. Glad you are back and love your look, saffron tights are very cool. Kisses

    Fashion and Cookies - fashion and beauty blog

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  18. PS Are those Fluevog Malala's?

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  19. I've been away. Traveling for work, then time off for me and finally a wedding. These days I do not know how i even make it through the day.

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