Due to overwhelming demand I have decided to keep the weekly link wrap up a semi-regular part of the blog for a while. My girlfriend Shayne was the inspiration and I have decided to name it “The Sweet Stuff.” I believe that life is best lived while going out on a limb to get the fruit; the sweetest part of life. We ALL deserve the sweet stuff.

“The Sweet Stuff” is where you will find some of the goodness (at least in my eyes) from the past week.

So, let’s get to it:

My great little town has an adorable movie theater that has been sitting empty for several years. Built in the 30s, this theater is truly a historic part of Seal Beach. With all the Starbucks and Targets on every corner, I feel proud that my little town has such a unique and iconic landmark. Sadly, it remains closed because of money. Luckily, there is a small group of college students and former employees, with one man at the helm, trying to bring this theater back to life for the people of Seal Beach. They have formed The Bay Theater Foundation and are gaining community support. (Ok, how could you NOT get behind a group of college students and young adults looking to make a positive difference in the world?) I applaud them for going after a dream and trying to make this happen. This is something for the greater good, the good of the city, not solely for personal gain or to make a million.  I have such pride that these people live and work in my community and I am in their corner 100%.  It makes me so happy there is a chance this sweet little theater will be saved.

Here are some food hacks that, although this was posted a few weeks ago, this comes at the perfect time for me. I have gotten lazy with my diet and need to go back to a healthier way of eating. These reminders are timely. Although I personally don’t feel like all of the alternatives are “healthy,” I suppose they are healthy-er.

Happy. Happy. Happy. This just makes me happy!  I have been following The Giving Keys on instagram for months; falling in love with everything their business is about. I highly recommend you look into them if you don’t already know about the good they are putting out into the atmosphere. I came across their video on Facebook and it solidified my support of them. I’ve watched it a handful of times and it makes me teary every time. Do yourself and the world a favor and watch.

If you are the travel agent in your home, like I am, you are always looking for fun/memorable places to take the family on vacation. Here is a list that can help when you’re just plain out of ideas. While doing them all is a lofty goal, I think it is great to have a selection of trips to choose from where someone else has laid the foundation. All you have to do is see what fits best with your family’s likes and pocketbook.  Check them out here.

Being a surfer, I have many surf related pages and blogs I follow. Some amazing ocean photographs kept coming up in my feeds last week and I just am in awe every time I see them. They really give new meaning to the term Deep Freeze. If you have never seen a wave slurpee, check them out here.

Wow! A tried and true product that has been around for ages. Some of these uses I knew and some I was happy to learn (especially #3 as I am fighting a sinus infection.) Now if only it made dinner for me!

It’s actually supposed to rain here in SoCal so if you’re here, or back east in all the crazy snow and need a movie recommendation, I have a just the one. My husband and I saw St. Vincent with Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy, and Naomi Watts (all great performances btw) a few months ago and really enjoyed it. It’s not for the 12 and under crowd unless they are used to some language and you want to have the “Mom, what is a hooker?” conversation. But, it’s a good movie with an ending wrapped up tight in a pretty box with a big bow . . . just how I like ’em!

Seeing this  video just makes me smile. It’s a song from a timeless movie that brings back good memories. I saw it posted recently on a new Facebook page I follow, Purple Clover. Purple Clover is an encouraging place that helps me remember not to take life too seriously. Hope it gives you a smile!

One of my favorite desserts is Mango Sticky Rice that I get at most Thai restaurants. I have never tried to make it at home but I ran across this recipe on one of the bloggers pages I follow and it looks similar. I may just have to come out of cooking retirement to give it a try; makes my mouth water just looking at it. Check out The Vanilla Housewife for more “third world recipes”, some laughs, and her take on life.

Now go charge your week!

Salty Kisses,

Karen