Three movies this weekend

So we watched three movies this weekend! It wasn't a lazy Sunday, but it was a relaxing Sunday.  And..... it's Monday so I get to give you very vague mediocre reviews! Lucky you!  

 

Ghosts of War 

The first movie we watched was Ghosts of War.  I really liked this movie and the twist at the end.  I actually was not expecting it at all which is nice, because most of the time you can already figure out what is going to happen. 4 out of 5 from me.

The taking of Deborah Logan

The second movie was The Taking of Deborah Logan.  Now I know where this iconic image comes from!!!! I enjoyed the movie. I'd give it a 3.5 out of 5. Story line was okay, loved the makeup and special effects.  Definitely a weekend/nothing else to do movie.

This was a cool scene

The last movie was Blood Vessel.  I'd give this one a 3 out of 5 for the movie and a 4 out of 5 for the vampire mask/makeup.  I wasn't too thrilled with the story line of this movie and there were a lot of cliche shit like hearing a scary noise so you go investigate. Oh! Let's open this coffin looking item and see if the fountain of youth is in it! Ugh! LOL, I need movies that have decently intelligent characters, but then we wouldn't have all the blood and gore or 90 minute movies, right? 

Relic (2020)

Relic is a 2020 horror drama film directed by Natalie Erika James in her directorial debut, from a screenplay by James and Christian White. It stars Emily Mortimer, Robyn Nevin and Bella Heathcote. The film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 25, 2020, and was released on July 3, 2020 in the United States by IFC Midnight, and July 10 in Australia on streaming service Stan.

Welcome, back for another mediocre review, LOL!!

Overall, not a bad movie at all! This movie had a lot of different layers too it, at no point did I feel that it was too long or drawn out. This movie had the right amount of each ingredient.  Huge brownie points - the CGI was MINIMAL, I really can't say I noticed any at all, tbh.
  
Without spoiling the movie, I loved the rabbit hole that the mother and sister went down during the climax of the movie. 

As always, watch it and come up with your own opinion and come back next Monday for another mediocre review from your "Spooky Step-Mom" 😂😂😂

Tech N9ne - N9na album

Have you ever felt like music has just slipped away from you? I know I have.  There's a few artists that I really enjoy and I have for a really long time.  I feel like Tech N9ne puts out so much music, so fast that every time I turn around he's got a new album or a new collab out.  I'd like to start using my remaining quarantine time to catch up on music. Today I'm listening to his "new to me" album N9na released on April 18, 2019.  That's how out of touch with music I am.  I don't have those 30 minute drives in the car on the way to and from work to listen to music anymore so I have no idea what has been going on in the music would.  I love Tech N9ne's music because it make me experience so many different emotions. Hype, somber, gritty, happy, funny, fast... everything!  
I remember back in the day when I used to run a website called SomethingPunk.com I was going around interviewing artists from tons of bands and I was lucky enough to meet Tech N9ne. I've met him a couple more times over the years at concert meet & greets and he has never changed. He's so full of love and happiness - especially for his fans.  I am so happy to see that he's always changing and evolving his musical talent. 

Website: https://www.strangemusicinc.com/artists/tech-n9ne

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TechN9ne

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealTechN9ne/

This is the first time I met Tech N9ne at his first ever show in Dallas, TX. 
I was so star struck that I didn't even realize he was speaking to me directly. 
I was just stunned. LOL!

Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites Recipe

(Cucumber Appetizers)

These easy cucumber appetizers need just 6 simple ingredients! This cucumber salmon bites recipe takes just 15 minutes - perfect for any occasion.

NUTRITION INFORMATION PER SERVING

Calories: 80 | Fat: 6.4g | Total Carbs: 2.2g | Net Carbs: 2g | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 1.3g | Protein: 3.8g

Prep Time 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Servings 10 servings

Author Maya Krampf from WholesomeYum.com

INGREDIENTS

• 6 oz Cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup Full-fat Greek yogurt
• 1/4 tsp Garlic powder
• 2 tbsp Fresh dill (chopped; plus more for garnish)
• 1 large English cucumber (sliced slightly diagonally, 1/4 inch thick)
• 4 oz Smoked salmon (sliced thinly and cut into pieces)

INSTRUCTIONS

• In a small bowl, mash together the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and garlic powder. Stir in the fresh
• dill.
• Transfer the cream cheese mixture into a piping bag (or make your own by snipping the corner of a
• zip lock bag).
• Arrange the cucumber slices in a single layer on a platter. Pipe about 1/2 tablespoon of cream cheese mixture onto each cucumber slice. Top with a folded-over piece of smoked salmon. 
• Garnish with additional dill if desired.

RECIPE NOTES

Serving size: 4 cucumber bites, or 1/10 entire recipe

The number of bites you get will vary a bit depending on the size of the cucumber you use. I got 40 full-sized slices with mine.

Alaska

Wow. If you ever get the chance to go to Alaska - DO IT.  This place was unbelievably wonderful!  My mother died in 2017 and I made a promise to myself to travel and see the world no matter the cost. My first stop was Alaska.  It was a dream come true. 

My sister and I learned that we got to go BEFORE tourist season, which according to the locals, is the best time to go. We also got a clear shot of Mt. Denali from our hotel, which is rare.  

We were there April 30 through May 4, 2017

Here was our itinerary.

Sunday: Western Kenai Peninsula + Homer

Brunch: Jack Sprat, 165 Olympic Mountain Loop, Girdwood, AK 99587 (907-783-5225) 
My short review: This place was delicious! They are a server costume themed restaurant sitting along side a ski resort. Definitely worth a stop!

Drive! Explore Kenai Peninsula on our way to Homer, AK
My short review: My ashes will be spread in or near Kenai Lake.  I'm dead (hah) serious about this.  Kenai Lake is where I left my heart. It was SO BEAUTIFUL. 

Early Dinner: Fresh Catch Café, 4025 Homer Spit Rd, Homer, AK 99603 (907-235-2289)
My short review: I learned that I have a weird love for dill weed.  The food was fresh.  The atmosphere was kind of weird as well as the layout, but our window view enjoying the food took all that thought out of my mind. Also, walk around the pier. There is a cute little wooden swing to relax under all the restaurants. 

Monday: Denali National Park & Aurora Borealis

Flight-seeing! K2 AVIATION, 14052 East 2nd Street, Talkeetna, AK  99676 (800-764-2291)
My short review: This was worth every penny. It was expensive, but worth it.  We flew to the top of Denali and landed on a freaking glacier.  I did get a little nauseous from the fumes of the small plane. 

Lunch:  Talkeetna Roadhouse, Main St, Talkeetna, AK  99676 (907-733-1351)

My short review: This place is adorable. The town is adorable, the staff is adorable. I loved it.  I also found out that one of my favorite TV personalities ate there too! Adam Richmond from Man Vs Food. What an honor to sit where he sat 😁

Drive! Drive Alaska Highway 3, north thru Denali State Park (entrance 140 mi away...)

Dinner: Denali Brewing Company (til 9pm), 13605 E Main Street, Talkeetna, AK  99676
My short review: Not gonna lie, I don't remember eating here. If we did it was nothing special. Sorry!!!  I think we honestly chose another restaurant 

Best Chance! Northern Lights, Monday Night in Talkeetna, AK
- We skipped this and drove back to the hotel instead. Bummer. We didn't want to wait. 

Downtown Anchorage + Afternoon Drive

Tuesday:
Breakfast: Snow City Café, 1034 W 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK
My short review: Not gonna lie, I don't remember eating here. If we did it was nothing special. Sorry!!!  I think we honestly chose another restaurant 

Museum! Anchorage Museum, 625 C Street, Anchorage, AK 99501

My short review: This was a wonderful museum. WAY bigger than I expected. 

Wednesday: Seward & Whale Watching

Whale Watching! The Alaska Collection, 1304 W Fourth Avenue, Seward, AK 99664 (877-777-4051)
My short review: Wow, this was an amazing experience.  Unfortunately the whales weren't too extremely active, but we still got to see them.  Everyone on deck was helpful, especially when I learned I get sea sick really easily. We got to see all kinds of wild life on this adventure. From Bald Eagles to Otters. SO much fun! 

Explore! Downtown Seward, Seward Harbor

We found a restaurant called The Cookery that was one of the BEST eating experiences. 

Dinner: Salmon Bake (til 10pm), 31832 Herman Leirer Rd, Seward, AK 99664 (907-224-2204)
My short review: Not gonna lie, I don't remember eating here. If we did it was nothing special. Sorry!!!  I think we honestly chose another restaurant 

Thursday:  Alaska Wildlife & Chugach + Painting!

Brunch: Biscuit Bettie's, 333 W 4th Ave, Ste 117, Anchorage, AK 99501 (907-277-7332)
My short review: this was a cute little place for breakfast. Nothing that stood out too  much to me, but the food was a-ok! 

Wildlife Tour! Salmon Berry Tours, 515 W 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501 (907-278-3572)
My short review: Yes to this. All of this. I loved everything from the comfortable bus with a very informative driver to the wildlife.  The ride alone was worth it because you could sit back and see some amazing scenery without having to worry about watching the road. This was fun!

Painting! MUSE Restaurant, Anchorage Museum, 625 C Street, Anchorage, AK 99501

My short review: This was a perfect way to end our trip. Nice and relaxing letting our or iner painter.  

a new way to tie shoes

The traditional way of shoe tying is very hard for people with autism. My step-son Gabe has struggled with shoe tying his entire life.  So I told Gabe that when he turns 11, his goal will be to tie his shoes.   So for months I researched different ways autistic children were able to tie shoes and I found one that is very simple.  Gabe got it and now he is teaching other children to tie his shoes. 

Here is the link to my video showing how to tie them: 
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Vx2C3EskNrigQaPs7

Here's a coupe pictures. 3 easy easy steps.  

• Eyelets
• Bunny Loop & tie
• Repeat bunny Loop & tie

Put both shoe string tips in the eye lets:

This makes two big bunny ears

Cross them & tie

Pull that tight

repeat with another loop (cross & tie)

'

Sunday Funday

Your work our plan for the week: 

Monday

2 mile run or more, your choice. Minimum of 2

3 rounds of: 

Max effort push ups
50 flutter kicks

25 mountain climbers (4 count)
25 burpees

50 meter sprint
*2 minute rest in between 

Tuesday

2 mile run or more, your choice. Minimum of 2

7 Rounds:
7 air squats
7 push ups
7 sit ups
7 lunges
7 burpees
7 pull ups

7 v-ups

Wednesday

Kettlebells:

Warmup (repeat twice)

15# dumbbell side lunge, hold 10sec:  3x 

30 step jacks 

30 ice skaters 

30 knee to elbows 

4 rounds

20 step jacks 

20 ice skaters

20 knee to elbow

10 KB swings

10 thrusters 

3 sets

Set 1: 

8 KB swings 

8 single arm KB swings (both arms)

8 thrusters

8 standing side bends (both sides)

8 rows 

Set 2:

8 KB swings

8 cleans (both sides)

8 thrusters

8 standing side bends (both sides)

8 rows 

Set 3:

16 KB swings

8 thrusters

8 standing side bends (both sides)

8 rows 

Thursday

2 mile run or more, your choice. Minimum of 2

4 Rounds:

25 burpees

50 lunges (25 each leg)

25 push ups

25 air squats

*1 minute rest between rounds

Friday

2 mile run or more, your choice. Minimum of 2

Saturday

Rest

Sunday 

30 minutes Muay Thai  

3 sets of 20 box squats 

3 sets of 10 pull ups 

3 sets of 20 push ups 

2 sets of 15 curls 

3 sets of tricep pull downs 

Cookie Dough Fat Bomb

Nutrition (per serving):
70 calories, 2 g protein, 2 g carbohydrates,
1 g fiber, 0 g sugar, 7 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 35 mg sodium

INGREDIENTS

• 8 tbsp. (1 stick) butter, softened

• 1/3 c. Keto friendly confectioners’ sugar (such as Swerve)

• 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

• 2 c. almond flour

• 2/3 c. Keto friendly dark chocolate chips (such as Lily's)

DIRECTIONS

• In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat butter until light and fluffy. Add sugar, vanilla and salt and beat until combined.

• Slowly beat in almond flour until no dry spots remain, then fold in chocolate chips. 

• Cover bowl with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator to firm slightly, 15 to 20 minutes.

• Using a small cookie scoop, scoop dough into small balls. Store in the refrigerator if planning to eat within the week, or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

The Garza's Guide to Enchanted Rock

We love Enchanted Rock.  It should definitely go on your bucket list. If you haven't been, this is the Garza's guide to experience the beautiful granite dome. 

Plan to camp for two days. You can absolutely do this all in one day, but why? Take your time. Relax. Enjoy being off of social media and out of cell range for a few days.  Be surrounded by nature and enjoy the silence.  
Get there on a Friday as early as you can check in (2PM), set up your tent, get situated, put on your hiking shoes and get ready to go up the rock.  Take the summit trail to the top of the rock.  Nathan and I are in pretty good shape and we still get slightly winded walking to the top.  Just take your time. 

When you feel winded, stop, turn around and look out behind you at the view. The rock offers so many different spots and angles to just sit and take in the view. Once you're at the top and you've had enough of the landscape, explore the rock.  There are a few different rocks to climb through, but watch out for snakes and spiders (and any other rock wildlife). If you can crawl through the rocks, do it.  It's fun. 

 

VERNAL PONDS ON TOP OF THE ROCK

Travel around the top of the rock to see Little Rock (Echo Canyon is between the two rocks).  There is some cool rock formations and picture opportunities on that side. Exploring Enchanted Rock should take you a little over an hour to two hours as long as you're not rushing through and missing things. Take it all in.  

PICTURES ON TOP OF ENCHANTED ROCK

After you're finished with the rock, hike the loop trail over to Frog Pond. As long as it's not dry this is a beautiful little area to sit and relax.  You may even see some deer. 

FROG POND

Once you're done, hike on back to camp and make yourself some dinner.  If there isn't a burn ban, grill out your chili dogs, make your s'mores and just relax. You've got a big day ahead of you tomorrow hiking. 
Depending on when you go, sleep without your rain fly and check out the stars as you fall asleep. The camp grounds offer amazing stargazing at night. 

STARGAZING

Saturday morning, you will wake up to quite a few day trip folks hiking to the top of the rock. Lucky you, you've already experienced it. Today is hike day.   Take in lots of water. We typically wake up, get ourselves ready and drink two bottles of water.  We also bring camel packs and extra bottle water just in case.  Put on your sunscreen and bug spray because there is hardly any shade and lots of crawlies along the way. 

The loop trail (4 miles) is absolutely beautiful.  Every time we have been the section of Loop Trail that goes in between Buzzards Roost and Freshman Mountain has been closed.  No problem, you get to go back by Frog Pond again. Turkey Pass is by far our favorite hiking trail. 

Climb as high as you can comfortably on Freshman Rock.  The views are outstanding, but there are some steep areas so be careful.

Freshman Rock.  You CAN get to the top. Do it.

You can take the exterior Loop Trail or Base Trail to Echo Canyon and you will make it to Moss Lake and there will be a natural tree canopy area to rest under.  Hydrate. I suggest taking both trails however you please. 

MOSS LAKE

Echo Canyon between Little Rock and Enchanted rock has some really beautiful spots as well. Part of the trail features navigating broken rocks, so mind your ankles.  

ECHO CANYON ROCKS TO CLIMB THROUGH

Where Echo Canyon and Base Trail meet, explore that area.  There are more beautiful rock formations and picture opportunities. 

Base Trail and Echo Canyon Rocks. Our Favorite Spot along the trail

Going through Echo Canyon, we suggest also going to the summit of Little Rock.  The views are also breath taking and there are some interesting things to find up there.  It's as steep in some places are Enchanted Rock so take your time as well.  

We see a lot of heart shaped cacti when we hike. 

After you're done hiking around the mountain you will be hungry for lunch.   We suggest taking a trip back into Llano and eating pizza at Stonewalls.  There are some neat bars and other places to shop around Main street.  With a full belly, drive on back to camp and just relax.  Sit out side of camp and read a book, lounge in your hammock, let the kids go crazy on the play ground, nap. Do whatever.  Just relax.  The disconnect and peaceful surroundings of Enchanted Rock are just a few of the reasons why we love this place.  

Father’s Day 2020

Today we spent Father’s Day with Nathan’s dad. Had lunch at Abuelo’s and went to the Dallas Zoo. There was practically no one at the zoo today. We were worried we would be rained out bc it rained all morning. So we just had to deal with a little humidity. I’ll take that over 98° blazing Texas heat, lol!  

Family Father's Day Lunch