Author: Jason

Review | Tales from the Open Road (We’re the Russos)

Tales From the Open Road: The Adventures and Misadventures of RV Living (We're the Russos Book 2)
We’re The Russos Book 2

First, a disclaimer, Joe, and Kait sent me a Kindle version of the book. They didn’t ask me to review it here and my review is my own. Tales From the Open Raod: The Adventures of RV Living is Joe Russo’s second book. The first book Take Risks: One Couple’s Journey to Quit Their Jobs and Hit the Open Road was book one. I’ve already reviewed that book here in 2018 and you can read the review by clicking on the link above.

I’m a big fan of the Russos. I’ve been a subscriber to their YouTube channel since before Joe’s first book. As you can guess from the titles of the books, they are a couple from Los Angeles that quit their jobs, bought an RV and started traveling the US. This, however, as Joe explains in the most recent book was not early retirement.

I recommend reading the books in order as the first book does a good job of covering the period when they decided to make this leap. This second book goes into how. It covers the trials and tribulations of driving and finding parking for a large RV. And it also begins the story of them looking for a smaller RV. While there is a path forward mentioned in the book, we don’t actually find out in the book what happens next, but for all the YouTube followers of the Russo’s we already know how that story ends.

Joe’s writing flows well and while simple really works for me. It’s a fun read and I really liked getting to know more of the details as a YouTube follower I didn’t see all the behind the scenes information that Joe shares in the book. My only complaint is that I wish there was more in the book. More details and more of the class B journey. That said I think it takes tremendous bravery to share your story in a book and even more to share it on a medium like YouTube where the Internet trolls will offer unsolicited feedback on everything that makes it into a video.

Regardless of what the Russo’s do next, I look forward to following their journey on YouTube and in print!

Veestro Review | Turk’y Scaloppini Dinner

All ready to eat!

This meal from Veestro is fairly new. I hadn’t seen it before and this if the first time I had it. I really liked the Turk’y and even though I cooked it for the full 20 minutes, it did not get dry.

This meal is 430 calories, so a touch higher than some of the other Veestro meals, but the sweet mashed potatoes are so worth it! They are the star of the dish for sure.

Da Box

I think this is a welcome dinner meal to our weekly routine and great during the colder months.

From frozen to plate in 20 minutes-ish

Veestro Review | Herb Crusted Turk’y Dinner

Veestro Herb Crusted Turk'y Dinner
Veestro Herb Crusted Turk’y Dinner

Dang! this was very good. The stuffing comes in a brick but is very good. At first, I thought the cranberry sauce was some kind of dessert, but after warming up it was clear that it was cranberry sauce. The patty of vegan goodness here is thick and big. It was very good. Reminded me of the gardin mini turkey loaves.

This looks to be a seasonal item for Veestro, but I hope they changed their minds. I would love this to have this all year long. I had three of these in my shipment this time and I’m glad I got them. If you have a chance to get this in your shipment make sure you do. So good and filling! It made me smile ear to ear. Only 410 calories too. You can learn more about Veestro here.

Veestro is a food delivery service. They make 100% plan based food that is fully cooked and deliver it to your home on a schedule you choose. You can choose the dishes they send or go with one of their pre-selected plans. Just warm up the dish and eat. That’s it.

What you need for at-home Yoga

My at-home Yoga set-up

While there is not much that you need for Yoga at-home (yeah) I do recommend getting the nice stuff because then there will be no “upgrades” later down the line.

Hyrdoflask – You should always stay hydrated when doing any kind of workout. I like the hydroflask because it keeps cold water cold all day long. I use the 18-ounce bottles as they fit nicely in the car cup holders. Try to drink 3-4 of these a day for your recommended 64 ounces daily.

Manduka Yoga Mat – These are the best. Nice and thick so you get the support you need and slip-resistant. Better than any other mat I have tried. These are pretty pricey, but they come with a lifetime warranty.

Yoga Workout Cards – These are great when you have no idea what you are doing and perfect for when you do, but you’re not sure how to put together a sequence or how to warm up before beginning. These take the guesswork out of what to do after you have everything set up.

Maduka Cork Yoga Block – Not all of us are super flexible and it takes time to get that yoga pose just right. The important part is to just start trying. A good yoga block will help you get close enough to that yoga pose that is difficult. I like the Manduka cork ones as they are made from a sustainable material.

Manduka Yoga Strap – Similar to the block, this will help you get to those stretches where you can’t reach just yet. For me, those stretches are hamstring folds. I have never been able to reach my feet, but if you stop trying you will never get there. This helps you get started and start making progress on those poses right away.

And that’s it. You really don’t need any of these things. That’s the magic of Yoga, it’s a works anywhere anytime kinda workout. I love it. But if you want to make it that much more comfortable and/or you plan on doing Yoga often, then these things will make it a better experience. Put on some relaxing music from your streaming service of choice and get your stretch on!

Vegan Cuts November 2019 Snack Box

Vegancuts November 2019 Snackbox Contents

In November I received an unexpected box. A new subscription box that my wife got me for Christmas. We didn’t know that we would get November’s box, but I was pleasantly surprised.

I wanted to create this post to remember what were my favorite things in the box. I’ve tried most things now.

Winner! Popchips, this is an easy one. I’ve had these before and I love them. I didn’t even get to eat the ones that came in the box, my daughter took them to school and poof, gone. When we see these in the store we buy them!

Endangered Species ESC One Puffed Rice Crunch + Dark Chocolate bar, this was very good. I wonder how much it would be by itself since it was small and contained just about every certification you can get on a food product. I won’t go looking for this, but I did like it.

Winner! JJ’s Sweets Coconut Sugar Caramels, these were very sweet. A lot softer than slat water taffy, and very yummy. If we see these at the store we will get them.

Winner! Unreal Dark Chocolate Peanut Gems. We have these at our local sprouts and will be picking them up occasionally. What a nice treat. The coloring is made from plant-based dyes, no red no. 5 here!

Cauli-Rice. I tried this with some vegetable korma on top for lunch yesterday. I found that the “rice” produced a lot of liquid when warmed up. It was still good, but be aware it makes your dish a little watery.

Winner! Four Sigmatic Chai Latte Mushroom Mix was fantastic. I would get this again! Very yummy!

Winner! Good! Snacks Birthday Cake Bar. This is the first time I have bit into a protein bar and been flabbergasted that it actually tastes like the description. This thing really tasted like birthday cake and we will be buying some of these from their website as I can’t find them in stores near me.

Tahoe Trail Bar Caramel Chocolate Chunk. This bar was just okay. Nothing wrong with it, but not a favorite of mine in the box. Lots of rice, for a good crunch and I, could taste the chocolate, but not the caramel.

IQ Bar. I haven’t tried this yet, so a place holder for later… UPDATE: No, just no. I took a bite and didn’t like it. I gave it another chance taking a second bit and immediately regretted it. The rest went into the trash bin.

Shanti Bar. This was a very small piece of coconut with other things in it. I don’t remember it well, because I didn’t care for it much. I won’t be searching this one out.

Winner! La Colombe Oat Milk Draft Latte. This product is the reason for this post. I don’t want to forget this. I’m going to look for these online and off. This was SO good. Still not sure if I opened it right, but I loved it!

Last one, New Chapter Complete Organic Plant Protein Chocolate Powder. I blended this with a banana and the 10 ouches of liquid (almond milk) as suggested, but I still tasted the chalkiness that most of these powders have. I didn’t love the flavor and I didn’t like the texture. This is in the no pile.

Review | New Minimalism: Decluttering and Design for Sustainable, Intentional Living

New Minimalism: Decluttering and Design for Sustainable, Intentional Living
New Minimalism by Cary Telander Fortin, Kyle Louise Quilici

I picked up New Minimalism by Cary Telander Fortin, Kyle Louise Quilici from my local library. The book describes a middle ground between “I live with only 4 things” and hoarders.

As you can tell from all the links and extra books listed I really enjoyed this book. I’m recommending it to my wife next. I think she will find some real nuggets that will help her.

I enjoyed the practicality. The tagline for the books is:

Your external space reflects your internal state. What does your home say about you?

Cary Telander Fortin and Kyle Louise Quilici

Some notes from the book that I want to remember are:

Philosophy books:

Websites:

Simple Wardrobes:

Environment:

Design Books:

Design Websites: