Happy Hour with Dashboard Living

Armchair Travel, Inspired Cooking, & Lockdown

Welcome back to Happy Hour! Each week we share adventure & travel inspiration, our favorite finds of the week and anything else that we think you might like. I hope this is a bright spot in your week, every week.

We live in a “do more” world. It’s a strange paradigm, the idea that in order to be successful we just have to “do more” than everyone else or “work harder” than the next guy. Where the hell did that come from, anyway? We know it’s not true. If being successful just meant out-working everyone else there wouldn’t be people working 60 hour works weeks and barely scraping by. And, we all know people who only work a few hours a week and make millions. So what gives?

Here in Nova Scotia, we just got locked down again with a new outbreak of “that virus which shall not be named” and even so, people are feeling like they need to be “productive” during these next few weeks. But here’s something

“We don’t have to do it all. It’s easier to take back a NO than it is to take back a YES”

― No idea, but they were smart.

A Productivity Paradigm Shift

Do you know what I think is productive? Rest. Relaxation. Sleep. Being gentle with yourself. Self-care. With everything that’s happening, I believe the best thing we can do for ourselves is adopt the idea of radical self-care. If that means (which it probably does), slashing your to-do list, lowering the pressures we’ve been putting on ourselves, and taking action on being kind to ourselves AND one another then that’s what we should do.

Are you with me? You don’t have to “use this time” to do something grand. Sometimes the best thing you can do, is slow the hell down and do less.

OK, let’s dive in to this week’s favorites:

Happy Hour Cocktail

Brandy Cobbler

This week on Happy Hour we tried a brandy cobbler. One of of our viewers pointed out that she was expecting a cream finish and we actually think that’s a good idea. So next time, we’ll give it a try. In the meantime, here’s the recipe.

RECIPE:

3 oz Brandy or Whiskey (we used Caldera Whiskey)
.5 oz Simple Syrup
1 oz Club Soda
Seasonal fruit to garnish

Build over ice, top with club soda and garnish with fruit.

photo credit: The Spruce Eats

Adventures to Inspire Your Weekend

Although we’re in lockdown her in Nova Scotia, we’ve decided to continue with #100DaysofNovaScotia in hopes of inspiring you to explore your community. We’re still allowed to get outside and visit parks, beaches, and trails in our local area and I don’t know about you but getting outside is imperative to my own mental health.

There are many resources available to find great NS hikes that are inside your own community. Here in the HRM, Hemlock Ravine Trail and Fox Lake Trail are two of our favourites. The best way to search for trails in your local community is to use the AllTrails app and search by region.

Pro Tip: There are an incredible amount of benefits to getting outdoors daily. Make a promise to yourself to spend at least 30 minutes a day outdoors and take good care.

Waddell Falls, in Victoria Park (Truro Nova Scotia) isn’t the most spectacular waterfall in Nova Scotia but it’s still one of my favs. Truro is my hometown and I know many readers on this blog still call it home. It’s easy to access, there’s loads of parking, and it’s definitely worth a visit. Just 2km round-trip from the parking lot and very little climbing involved, it’s suitable for most people who can walk.

This time last year, I wrote this blog about Armchair travel. There are all kinds of ways here for you to feel worldly and travel without leaving your own home. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Food & Booze We’re Loving

It’s officially BBQ season and we just bought this grill. We’re thrilled because we can finally start using all of these kick-ass grilling recipes we posted last year.

We also ordered take-out from Pickford and Black this week (they had an amazing oyster deal on the go). If you’re looking for restaurants who are offering take-out and delivery options, here are some resources:

We made a highlight of take-out options in HRM
Here’s a blog we wrote with 15 amazing take-out options.

This week we’re sipping on Avondale Sky wine (who are also offering delivery). Our current favourite is the Ortega!

Rapid Fire Favorites & Finds

We’re still watching RuPaul’s Drag Race on Netflix (at an alarming pace). Seriously though, I’d love to tell you I have started a new show but alas, I haven’t.

We’re listening to this feel good playlist on Spotify (like right now). And, because I love you, you can play it right here:

I’ve been using GoPure’s line of skincare for the last few weeks and LOVING it. It’s clean, vegan products have been doing wonderful things for my skin. Now, I have no problem spending money on great products (and I’ve certainly done that) but it’s a MAJOR BONUS that these products are at such a great price point!

I’ve been busy compiling a list of books to inspire you during lockdown (or anytime). You’ll find a solid mix of personal development & business books here. Trust me, this list kick’s ass. Check it out here. If you’re just looking for ONE book that’s a must read, it’s this one:

After all my years of reading, this is STILL my favourite personal growth book. I’ve read it over and over.

Since I’m on the topic of self-care, here are a few of my current favorite journalling tools I use everyday. Yes, I do have 3 different journals. In order:

Gratitude Journal
10 Things Journal
Morning Pages & Affirmations Journal

My absolute favorite tea, ever. You’re welcome. Yes, I love David’s tea too along with many other local brands (and I buy them regularly) but I have never found a tea as delish as this one:

Fabulous Finds

This isn’t a new find but just in case you’re not aware of it yet, Bishops Cellar (in Halifax) has Wine Wednesday packs. Each week they release a new case or half case of wine at a great price. We order them regularly. Click here to find out about their weekly deal.

Love Notes to Leave You With

I’ve been thinking a lot about this latest lockdown and, like many of you, watching far more news than I usually do. The truth is, I normally put hard limits on how much news media I consume. For me, it’s too toxic. So beyond staying informed, I stay outta there.

What I’ve been spending my time on is being deliberate about the way I want to show up in the world right now. There’s so much negativity, finger pointing and hatred but WE can change that. I want to … scratch that… I’m going to show up with grace, kindness, compassion and understanding. I’m going to look back, years from now, and feel proud of the way I conducted myself in this chaos.

Will you join me?

Much love,

Sara