Taking Pizza Night To A Whole Other Level With Rustic Crust

If the form of relaxation you want to engage in is “idle” – in other words, if there is no real benefit that comes with it at all, other than the fact that it’s relaxing and entertaining – then it’s usually a good idea to make a point of “earning” it, rather than just indulging and whenever you might feel like.
From time to time we all want to do things that are relaxing, but that otherwise serve no greater purpose and don’t do any further good. But in order for balance to be maintained, those moments of relaxation should be weighed up against moments of substantial productivity.
You don’t necessarily need to keep a spreadsheet to track all of this; your own intuition will usually guide you well enough.
In any event, though, if you want to binge watch an entire series of a TV programme, let that be your “reward” for completing a big project at work, or tidying the house, or doing something else that you can feel pleased with and proud of.
It’s worth pointing out that most of us usually don’t feel very pleased with ourselves if we spend a lot of time engaging in idle relaxation (for an entire weekend, for example) if we haven’t done something to first justify that.
Wherever possible, choose relaxing pastimes that do good for you in some other way, as well
Unlike totally idle forms of relaxation, there are forms of relaxation that we often feel pretty good about, even if we haven’t really done a lot to “earn” them in any clear sense.
For example, while you will probably feel pretty displeased with yourself if you’ve spent the entire weekend watching TV, you’d properly feel a lot better with yourself if you had spent the weekend on some hobby project that you found relaxing and interesting, instead.
Or, for that matter, you would probably feel better about yourself if you’d just spent a weekend reading books, instead of watching TV.
The reason why some of these activities would make you feel better than others, would be because they did some good for you in some other way, as well. A book generally gives you a deeper story or insight to chew on and incorporate into your own life. And working on a hobby helps to develop your skills in a particular area, while simultaneously creating something.
Wherever possible, it’s generally a better idea to choose relaxing pastimes that do some good for you in some way other than just feeling good in the moment.
Make agreements with yourself about the chores and errands you’re going to do, and the rewards that you will give yourself for doing them
It’s difficult, if not impossible, to actually maintain balance between work and relaxation in your own life, if you are the constantly just obeying your gut feelings and impulses on the one hand, or are trying to dominate in tyrannise yourself into doing things that you feel absolutely don’t want to do, on the other hand.
The better path, usually, is to have a conversation with yourself, and to make agreements with yourself about the chores and errands you’re going to deal with, and the rewards you will give yourself for doing them.
In other words, if there was some big project to take care of around the house that was filling you with dread, it would generally be a better idea to motivate yourself to do it by holding up the reward of some relaxing pastime afterwards, than to simply try and “muscle through” with sheer grit.
Of course, the rewards have to be properly balanced so as to match the actions that are being rewarded. But, you’ll likely have a much better balance between productivity and relaxation, not to mention feeling better in general, if you take this approach to getting things done.

I wanted to share with you the exciting news that Marvel Studios has begun principal photography at Pinewood Studios in Atlanta, Georgia on CAPTAIN AMERICA CIVIL WAR, the third installment of its Super Hero franchise. It just went into production and all the current details including the cast are below! The movie opens in theaters everywhere on May 6th, 2016!
Marvel Studios has commenced principal photography at Pinewood Studios in Atlanta, Georgia on “Captain America Civil War,” the third installment of its Super Hero franchise. The production will shoot on location in Atlanta, Georgia, which serves as the base for the film’s production, as well as locations in Germany, Puerto Rico and Iceland.
Set for release in the United States on May 6, 2016, “Captain America: Civil War” is directed by Anthony and Joe Russo (Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Community”) from a screenplay by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely (“Captain America: The Winter Solider,” Marvel’s “Captain America: The First Avenger”). The film returns Chris Evans (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron”) as the iconic Super Hero character Steve Rogers/Captain America along with Robert Downey Jr. (“Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Marvel’s “Iron Man 3”) as Tony Stark/Iron Man, Scarlett Johansson (“Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”) as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow, Sebastian Stan (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Captain America: The First Avenger”) as Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier, Anthony Mackie (“Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”) as Sam Wilson/Falcon, Paul Bettany (“Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Iron Man 3”) as The Vision, Jeremy Renner (“Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Marvel’s “The Avengers”) as Clint Barton/Hawkeye, Don Cheadle (“Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Iron Man 3”) as Jim Rhodes/War Machine and Elizabeth Olsen (“Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Godzilla”) as Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch.
After his debut in Marvel’s “Ant-Man” on July 17, 2015, Paul Rudd (“Ant-Man,” ”Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues”) will make his first appearance alongside the Avengers as Scott Lang/Ant-Man in “Captain America Civil War.”
The film also includes outstanding additional cast, including Chadwick Boseman (“42,” “Get on Up”) as T’Challa/Black Panther, Emily VanCamp (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Revenge”) as Sharon Carter/Agent 13, Daniel Brühl(“Inglourious Basterds,” “Bourne Ultimatum”), Frank Grillo (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Warrior”) as Brock Rumlow/Crossbones, William Hurt (“A History of Violence,” Marvel’s “The Incredible Hulk”) as General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross and Martin Freeman (“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies”).
“Captain America: Civil War” picks up where “Avengers: Age of Ultron” left off, as Steve Rogers leads the new team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. After another international incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability and a governing body to determine when to enlist the services of the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers while they try to protect the world from a new and nefarious villain.
Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” is produced by Marvel Studios’ president, Kevin Feige, with Louis D’Esposito, Alan Fine, Victoria Alonso, Patricia Whitcher, Nate Moore and Stan Lee serving as executive producers.
Directors Joe and Anthony Russo’s creative team also includes director of photography Trent Opaloch (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Elysium”), production designer Owen Paterson (“Godzilla,” “Matrix”), and three time Oscar®-nominated costume designer Judianna Makovsky (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”).
Based on the Marvel comic character first published in 1941, “Captain America: Civil War ” continues the lineage of epic big-screen adventures chronicled in “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Iron Man 2,” “Thor,” “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “The Avengers,” “Iron Man 3,” “Thor: The Dark World,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron” and the upcoming release schedule, which includes Marvel’s “Ant-Man” on July 17, 2015, Marvel’s “Doctor Strange,” on November 4, 2016, Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy 2,” on May 5, 2017, and Marvel’s “Thor: Ragnarok,” on November 3, 2017.
Marvel Studios most recently continued its unprecedented success with the release of “Avengers: Age of Ultron” on May 1, 2015. The film recorded the second biggest opening weekend of all time with a $191.3 million box office. It has also been the #1 release in every country where it has been released.

Camping with wine can be cumbersome. But glamping with wine? Now that’s nothing short of luxurious. Described as “the art of camping with five-star amenities,” glamping provides a great opportunity to get out of town and get back to nature without leaving your favorite Tuscan blends (or running water) at home.
So in the spirit of vacationing in style, we’ve paired 5 of our favorite U.S.-based glamping destinations with 5 first-class wines fit for a five-star resort:
The glampsite: Ranch at Rock Creek in Philipsburg, Montana
The wine: Masciarelli Villa Gemma Bianco IGT (SRP $18)
This 6,600-acre luxury guest ranch can be found in Montana’s breathtaking Big Sky country. Whether you spend your days hiking in the mountains or soaking in the spa, rest assured you’ll come home to happiness in a bottle by way of Mascirelli’s Villa Gemma Bianco — a flowery blend of Trebbiano and Chardonnay offering fresh notes of apple and jasmine.
The glampsite: Mustang Monument in Wells, Nevada
The wine: Luce Lucente (SRP $29)
This eco-ranch is home to a handful of 300-square-foot tipis adorned with plush leather chairs, hardwood floors, and custom-made beds. The only way to make this glamping experience more luxurious is with a bottle of Luce’s Lucente — a superb blend of Merlot and Sangiovese known for its velvety palate, sweet spices, and supple fruits.
About Lucente:
Lucente 2013 displays a vibrant purple-red colour. Its rich, intense bouquet releases black cherry and wild berry, enriched with fascinating notes of pungent spice. The palate is smooth, with fi ne-grained tannins and an underlying impression of crisp balsam. Overall, this wine is complex, forceful, and elegant.
The glampsite: Autocamp in Santa Barbara, California
The wine: Frescobaldi Ammiraglia Vermentino (SRP $18)
No five-star campground would be complete without a vintage airstream trailer, handcrafted Adirondack chairs, and pastel-colored beach cruisers. Cap off your leisurely Santa Barbara bike ride with a bottle of Frescobaldi Vermentino — a crisp and refreshing white wine with soothing notes of citrus, pear, honey, and almond.
The glampsite: The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch in Saratoga, Wyoming
The wine: Avignonesi Rosso di Montepulciano DOC (SRP $19)
Embody what it truly means to get back to nature with a weekend stay at this glamping resort & spa located at the base of the spectacular Sierras. Get cozy around the outdoor fire pit as you share adventure stories over a bottle of Avignonesi’s Rosso di Montepulciano — a biodynamically produced Sangiovese bursting with bright aromas of strawberry, raspberry, and pomegranate.
The glampsite: TreeHouse Point in Issaquah, Washington
The wine: Attems Cupra Ramato Pinot Grigio (SRP $19)
Glamp amongst towering trees, lush plants, and babbling brooks in this enchanting adult treehouse. Soak in the mountain views as you toast to the joys of summer with a glass of Attems Pinot Grigio — a distinctive copper-colored wine marked by a floral and fruity bouquet.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

In truth, while gyms provide everything we need to get healthy, the work itself is always down to us. As such, if you feel like your efforts are stalling, there’s a high chance it’s due to something you are or aren’t doing.
Reasons for issues here, obviously, vary, but some common causes for gym setbacks include –
# 1 – Continuing with unhealthy habits
If you’re indulging in unhealthy habits elsewhere, hitting the gym every night won’t be much help. This isn’t some fix-all solution to help you deal with your less-than-ideal addictions, behaviors, and so on. In fact, attempting to tackle such problems with a simple workout could prevent you from getting the help you need, and even lead to unhealthy exercise dependencies. In these instances, speaking with a professional or even seeking the support of residential treatment centers will serve you much better. Only when you’ve dealt with your behaviors at their root are you likely to feel the physical benefits of your gym efforts.
# 2 – An unwillingness to change your diet
It’s astounding how many people assume they can eat whatever because of their gym efforts. Sadly, fitness is a two-fold effort, and both exercise and diet play a massive part. At the very least, continuing to eat poorly will see you making no progress. At worst, you could come to find that your neglect of a healthier eating regime will leave you in poorer health than before you took out your membership.

The Bubble Guppies embark on four magical adventures in the all-new Bubble Guppies: The Puppy and the Ring DVD. Join Molly, Gil and their puppy as they venture through the three magical realms of Bubbledom, a mythical land full of secrets and sorcery, where they’ll meet the spritely Flutterguppies, the fun-loving Snow Guppy and the mysterious Underguppy. This DVD collection also features three additional adventure-filled episodes.
The Bubble Guppies: The Puppy and the Ring includes the following episodes:
The Puppy and the Ring – Bubbledom is in danger when the evil Night Wizard takes the Ring from the benevolent Sun King. Join Molly and Gil as they race to return the Ring of the Sun to its rightful owner by sundown. It could be “night-night” for everyone until the end of time!
Sir Nonny the Nice! – Nonny is on a quest to become a real knight. He has a shield and suit of armor, but does he have what it takes to win a knightly game of mini-golf?
Bubble-Cadabra! – The Bubble Guppies discover magic when they stand in for a missing magician and attempt the world’s greatest trick–making an elephant disappear.
The Wizard of Oz-tralia! – After Molly and Gil meet Bobby, a nature show host from Australia, they can’t wait to learn all about Australian animals. From marsupials to the amazing platypus, the Guppies can’t get enough of the creatures Down Under.
The boys really enjoyed watching this fun filled DVD, but I think it was my 2 year old that was the most enthusiastic about it. My older boys kept trying to compare The Puppy and the Ring to the “Lord of the Rings” and The Wizard of Oz-tralia to the “Wizard of Oz”…I love how the Bubble Guppies make videos that can relate to other movies/shows that the kids may have already seen, this aspect also helps make it fun for the adults as well. They are already asking me to pick up other DVD’s at the store…I guess that would be a thumbs up from all of them!
Produced by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and distributed by Paramount Home Media Distribution, Bubble Guppies: The Puppy and the Ring is available on DVD as of June 2, 2015 for the suggested retail price of $14.99.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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If you’re like our house, you’ve fallen in love with the next generation of the Lion King saga….The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar on the Disney Channel. Disney’s Lion Guard comes out on DVD Today, Tuesday, February 23rd, and to celebrate we have some fun downloadable activity sheets & video clips to share with you courtesy of Disney!
The Lion Guard: Return Of The Roar – Kion’s First Roar
Beau Black Music Video “Here Comes the Lion Guard”
Stay tuned for a Digital Code Giveaway!!