travel Archives - Lori Bruton

Eat the Dessert First: Start Living Life on Your Terms

August 8, 2022 by Lori Leave a Comment

Bread Pudding Dessert @drdepot photo by Lori Bruton

I agree with this Helen Keller quote, “Life is short and unpredictable. Eat the dessert first.”

In my book, The LORI Factor: Live the Life You Were Born to Live, there is a chapter called, Lifestyle: Start Living Life on Your Terms.

Are you living life on your terms?

I know I wasn’t, until I made different decisions. As a result, I stopped letting life happen to me. I stopped allowing other people’s opinions become my reality.

I remember when somebody mentioned something my mother said. I said I hadn’t talked to my mother that day. He said I meant your mother’s voice that’s in your head. Whoa! He was right. I loved my mother, but many words she said were not the truth. A phrase I kept hearing from her was, “You can’t do that,” and “Your sister would be the one to write a book.” Hearing that repeatedly programmed me to believe it.

Note: Be careful who and what you believe, or you will be deceived.

Thankfully, I learned to tune into a higher voice of the One who taught me my voice matters and that I can do anything that I put my mind to, like writing books. Renewing my mind, changing, and upgrading my thoughts and words were the beginning of living life on my terms.

The Serenity Prayer says: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

It does take courage.

These powerful words made a big difference, “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9 NLT

Focus on the things you can control. You can’t control the past. Be present. Get unstuck. Instead of resisting change, embrace it.

That doesn’t mean accepting everything being dictated around you. Stand up for what’s right. Unmask yourself. Let your voice be heard.

I used to feel invisible and was taught to be quiet and not to interrupt until I got a LARGER vision of myself beyond what people told me and beyond my circumstances. It’s time to speak up and let my voice be heard because you need to hear this message of hope, encouragement, and empowerment.

By the way, it’s not a coincidence that you are reading or hearing this right now. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD, “They are plans for good and not for disaster to give you a future and a hope.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

Paint a picture in your mind of what your best life looks like. Hold that vision, write it down, and make it plain, as it says in the living Word of God in Habakkuk 2.

Keep it before your eyes.

When you can visualize the life you desire, it puts you in the driver’s seat. Visualization is a powerful tool. What do you love? Where are you? What are you doing? Who is with you? See it, hear it, taste it, smell it, and feel it.

Engage all your senses.

Be specific. Picture your dream vacation or dream car, for example. Soon your dreams become reality. Take action. I put myself in the driver’s seat on a boat recently. I have been writing more and getting articles published. I am a travel writer and am stepping into that lifestyle.

Start where you are. Take yourself places in your mind first. Do things in your own backyard that are local.

Explore. Take a road trip.

I live in the “gorges” Finger Lakes region where there are beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and parks. Watkins Glen is a must-see place. From Canandaigua to Ithaca NY, I got to experience accommodations, adventures, relaxation, and amazing food including:

Capt. Bill’s Dinner and Sunset Sightseeing Seneca Lake Cruise

Summit to Stream where I took out an ocean kayak on Seneca Lake

Keuka Watersports at Champlin Beach in a kayak on Keuka Lake

Bed & Breakfast at Oliver Phelps was the first B&B in Canandaigua

Rogues Harbor Inn is a lovely historical B&B near Cayuga Lake

Corner Pub at Rogues Harbor Inn has great food and service at the Inn

Ciao! Was had authentic Italian food with Tuscan flair and delicious dessert

Ithaca Massage Station was a relaxing, pampering experience

NaturLuxe & Stars is where I had my first glamping adventure in style

Jerlando’s Ristorante & Pizza Co. has salads, Italian food & more

Nickel Pit’s BBQ has tender, tasty barbeque with warm service

True Love where I swooned over the schooner and talked to the Captain

Come sail away on the True Love Schooner on Seneca Lake Watkins Glen NY — Sail True Love

I made a decision. I found a way no matter what my bank account or circumstances looked like. No matter to those trying to set me up to fail or making assumptions. No more putting my life on the back burner and taking care of everyone except myself.

Commit to your goals and dreams. Create your life by design. Writing, speaking, wealth, wellness, travel, and more are possible. Get on the road, on the plane, or on the boat to wherever you desire to go.

Tiramisu dessert at Ciao! Ithaca NY — Tiramisu at Ciao!

Eat the dessert first.

Can you see the person you are meant to be? Take the Journey to Hope and Transformation (which I talk about in my first book).

Get my book, The LORI Factor: Live the Life You Were Born to Live, for more ideas on how to live life on your terms.

Tell me the actions you took. The first action was you read this blog. Thank you and congratulations. What spoke to you the most?

Let’s celebrate each step together. Let me know how I can help. Choose life and live life to the fullest.

A CHOCOLATE CELEBRATION

July 7, 2022 by Lori Leave a Comment

This is World Chocolate Day.

It is July 7^th. This date is significant for all chocolate lovers like me.

The observance of World Chocolate Day dates back to 2009. This annual celebration of chocolate marks the anniversary of the introduction of chocolate to Europe in 1550. I remember in my early working career, one of the engineers was from England and brought back chocolates from there. You didn’t have to guess which kind because they had a label key inside the box identifying each piece.

Chocolate Day is any day and every day in my book. Since it is globally recognized on July 7^th as I write this, I was inspired to share my experiences with you.

My travels from coast to coast have been sweet and satisfying.

It was truly a gourmet experience visiting Ethel M Chocolates Factory, Flagship Store & Cactus Garden in Henderson, Nevada.

Right now, through August 28, 2022, they have a perfect in-store summer experience called Chocolate & Mimosa Tasting. They also have online experiences and much to offer for those who are not able to visit on-site.

Tasting chocolate not only tantalizes your taste buds but also creates an emotional experience.

The Signature Chocolate Tasting Experience I booked was well worth it. The journey was fascinating. What you learn is how chocolate is sourced, refined, produced, and how to properly taste chocolate and identify flavors.

Where else you can get your chocolate fix.

Afterward, I became an honorary chocolatier and was awarded a certificate. It came with a 15% discount for that day, but I forgot to use the discount.

Closer to home is Oliver’s Candies in Batavia, New York. They are celebrating 90 years in business. This personal favorite is sought after not only by the locals but by people from all over the country. The candy they make is rich and delectable. It has a distinct discernible taste.

Oliver’s not only has a variety of chocolates, sponge candy, and nuts but also has ice cream. There are 18 hard ice cream flavors all year. During the summer season, their whipped cream is made fresh daily on-site.

A tour of Hershey’s Chocolate World in Pennsylvania, adds more sweetness to this story. They have workshops where you can create the dessert of your dreams. It reminds me of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, which is one of my favorite movies starring Gene Wilder. Hershey, PA, is a town full of thrills and attractions too.

I found these Hershey guys in Las Vegas. What a treat to get a chocolate kiss.

Hershey’s Chocolate World photo by Lori Bruton

What is your favorite kind of chocolate?

This girl loves her chocolate, especially dark chocolate. How about you? If you do too, what is your favorite kind and favorite place to get it? Maybe I gave you a few new ideas of where to travel and explore and have a taste of the good life.

Lori Bruton
Author, Speaker,
Freelance & Travel Writer

Refresh & Revitalize Yourself

June 12, 2022 by Lori Leave a Comment

Refreshing Lavender Lemonade photo courtesy of Young Living

It’s summertime here.

That makes me thirsty for a cool drink and time to think. Let’s start with the drink.

Mix these 5 ingredients for a refreshing summer Lemonade with a unique twist that’s ready in minutes.

Put on a sun hat, grab your favorite book, journal, pen, and find a sunny spot.

Settle in and sip on this Honey-Lavender Lemonade.

Ingredients

6 lemons, juiced
1 lime, juiced
½ cup honey
2 drops Lavender Vitality Essential Oil
Ice water, about 10 cups
Lavender sprigs, optional

Instructions

Combine lemon juice, lime juice, honey, and Lavender Vitality in a large glass pitcher.
Add water to taste.
Stir until well mixed.
Garnish with sprigs of lavender.

Here are a couple variations:

3 cups Lemon juice, 3/4 cup Lime juice, 2 cups Agave, 3 drops Lime Essential Oil, 3 drops Lavender Essential Oil, 10 drops Lemon Essential Oil, 16 cups water.

OR use pineapple juice instead of honey, for example.

Your surroundings and sipping this refreshing drink will stimulate your senses. Our senses connect us to awareness that communicate with our brain. Look and listen and be present in the moment.

What does it feel like when you plant your bare feet in the grass? You are literally grounded which creates a calming effect.

The same is true for our sense of taste and smell that evoke feelings and memories. Create new experiences and learn new things.

The benefits of essential oils are powerful for deepening focus and promoting relaxation, for example.

This specific brand of essential oils has added quality to my life. They can for you too.

A super simple way to get a quick lemonade without using the recipe is to squirt Lavender Lemon Vitality drops in a glass of water. Voila.

For more fun and more variety, the best place to start is the Premium Starter Bundle. Now you’ll have lavender, lemon, and many other oils to explore.

It’s been worth it for me. I haven’t looked back. Give it a try. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

There is so much more I want to teach you, but I’ll refrain for now. Enjoy your Lavender Lemonade. Let me know which option you chose.

Lori Bruton
Author, Travel Writer, Lifestyle Blogger

Get Pampered at the Peppered Pig

May 2, 2022 by Lori Leave a Comment

When you walk into the Peppered Pig located at 1759 Empire Boulevard in Webster, New York, you’ll feel like you were transported to Paris, France.

The ambiance of this French American Bistro awakens all your senses.

Music whispers in your ears playing French songs that set the mood. It felt like I would be asked to dance at any moment. Since that didn’t happen, I discreetly swayed in silence at the table while enjoying the melodies and perusing the menu.

The décor is pleasing to the eyes with artwork carefully positioned on the walls. Soft-lit candles were placed on each table with silverware wrapped up in cloth napkins. Every seat offered an inviting, relaxing atmosphere.

Greeted with prompt, courteous service with a smile made me feel like family. I had the pleasure of meeting Geoff who made the experience extra special. Yes, I felt pampered.

Pleasant aromas wafted through the air as each dish was delivered to every guest. My hunger was stirring as I awaited my delicious dish.

While you wait for your food to arrive, enjoy wine, a cocktail, a mocktail, or craft beer. There are several varieties.

Get ready for your tastebuds to be tantalized. There is a wide range of choices from salads, soups, sandwiches, quiche, and crêpes just to name a few on the lunch menu. Everything is peppered with just the right seasonings.

Here is a little history from the Institute of Culinary Education. Crêpes are an ultra-thin pancake common in France that can be made sweet or savory, typically rolled or folded with a variety of fillings from jam or Nutella to ham and cheese to seafood. The specialty is served in crêperies, as street food and even in elegant settings as dessert, such as the most famous presentation, crêpes Suzette which is listed on the dessert menu at The Peppered Pig.

The beet salad is a mix of field greens, roasted beets, walnuts, blue cheese with lemon vinaigrette. You can add steak, chicken, or duck.

There is a Crépe with mushroom duxelles, blue cheese, balsamic onions with a petite salad.

Specials are offered, such as Steak Diane made with a 12-ounce Angus strip steak with a mustard Demi glacé cream, mushrooms, and a potato purée.

Wait, there’s more.

Their homemade desserts are to die for. A couple of known favorites are the Crème Brulee and Bread Pudding.

When the weather is warm there is an outside patio for a full Paris feel. Once you have dined at The Peppered Pig you will want to go back for more.

The Peppered Pig / 585-347-6479 / 1759 Empire Boulevard, Webster, NY

https://thepigroc.com

Lori Bruton

Travel Writer/Blogger

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo: Serve this Guacamole Dip

April 19, 2022 by Lori Leave a Comment

May is right around the corner. Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) is a great time to celebrate. Sharing this recipe will get you off to a tasty start.

Here is a fresh way to mix up some guacamole:

INGREDIENTS:

2 avocados
2 drops Citrus Fresh vitality
1 drop Lime vitality
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped red onion
1–2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
Pinch salt
Pinch black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

Remove the pit from the avocados and scoop the flesh into a bowl, mashing roughly with a fork.
Add all other ingredients and stir until mixed.
Garnish with cilantro.
Enjoy with tortilla chips or with your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes!

You can enjoy this recipe anytime. Since May is coming up as I write this, I was inspired to share this with you.

On this Lifestyle Blog you will find many morsels from food, health and wellness, travel, inspiration, motivation, and stories you will enjoy that educate and entertain.

Let’s have some fun. Feel free to browse other items here.

Stay tuned for more Lori’s Stories, especially Lori’s Stories By the Water, which is my favorite place to be.

Let me know how you like this guac recipe and how you celebrated even if it was dancing by yourself at home. Crank up the tunes and have a dippity do dah day. Olé!

Travel, Explore, Discover

February 1, 2022 by Lori Leave a Comment

You are not limited by your environment or circumstances.

As I write this it is a new month in a new year, February 1^st in fact.

Are you satisfied with where you are? Not only your physical location but where you are in all aspects of your life.

It’s winter where I currently live. The temperatures have been bitter cold with piles of snow. Some people may enjoy that. I’m not one of them.

I treasure the trips I have taken thus far. Some of my favorites were Monterey Bay in California, Savannah, Georgia, and Tybee Island with the lighthouse and a dolphin excursion on a tropical island. I plan to take many more. In the meantime, here are some adventures to enjoy.

When it’s time to escape, make it an adventure.

How can you travel, explore, and discover? It can happen by going on trips and vacations or even experiencing the wonder in your own living room.

Travel is gearing up again after the world has been on lockdown. Let’s talk about how you can create an atmosphere of exploration, discovery, and relaxation in your own home if you prefer.

Stimulate your senses to set the mood. Pick your preferred essential oil recipe to put in your diffuser. (Note: Only use Young Living essential oils for best results.) Here are some ideas.

Look at this lantern diffuser. It has a candle-flicker setting. By the way, that is a good way to keep the air clean and fresh and free of toxins. Many candles are toxic. A diffuser with pure oils is a great option.

Now if you have a honey, it’s a good time to cuddle. If not, get cozy and enjoy your own company.

Maybe you have little ones. Grab a children’s book like this one.

Take yourself on an adventure. Watch a movie or dive into a good book. Discover a new experience page by page.

Enjoy the journey as you read.

Here is a book that will transform you.

https://thelorifactor.com

The Lori Factor: Live the Life You Were Born to Live

What do you like to do for fun? You may have guessed that writing is one of my fun things, especially travel writing and freelance writing. Add reading, travel, essential oils, and dark chocolate and that recipe is the perfect one for me.

Take time for yourself. Have fun.

When huge tasks are overwhelming, feel free to reach out. I offer virtual help. I specialize in writing and repurposing content as well as creating social media posts and more.

Anything to do with Wellness, Abundance, Adventure, and Living the Life You Were Born to Live contact me.

Big things are about to be released in your life. Don’t miss out. Your best days are ahead no matter what your life looks like right now.

Let’s explore and discover together and travel down new roads of awe and wonder.

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Hi, I'm Lori.
Author, Speaker, Coach, Ghostwriter