LULAMA SPARKLES

Thank you 2023- Reflections on this incredible year

noreply@blogger.com (Lulu) — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 20:32:00 +0000

With just 5 days left, I am already blown away by the year that I've had. So many things have happened this year that it feels impossible that it has only been 12 months!

I feel an incredible sense of accomplishment- I did things in 2023 that I have challenged myself to do for a long time, and this year I was able to maintain the clear vision to be consistent, be focused, and to power through. It hasn't all been rosy: unexpected health setbacks, loss of loved ones both unintentionally (passing) and intentionally (boundary setting), mental health roadblocks, professional challenges have all come in to play this year. It is one of the reasons why I am especially glad that I have kept routine journaling as a key part of my life. It's great that I can see that a decade ago I had my wrist surgery for my ganglion cyst (how has that been 10 years already!?) but now I can see developments from week to week and appreciate that I now have 4 years of weekly journals to look back on. Journaling consistently means that I am not just making entries when I'm particularly down, or up, but also capturing the moments in between; when I simply am. And those are the entries that I am beginning to treasure the most because they remind me that life isn't always a sweeping pendulum, but rather a stock ticker with slowly rising or lowering stock prices on any given day.

This year I FINALLY hit my target of 20 books for the year! I have been on this goal since about 2011. I last hit the full 20 back in 2012 and even in 2020 when I thought I would do so much reading during lockdown, I barely cracked a single book. I had major revelations as I made my way through Atomic Habits, Kevin Hart's "This is How we do it" and The Subtle Art of not giving a f*ck. I was on the edge of my seat reading Family Money and One of Us is Dead. I found my celebrity perspective shifting as I read Casey Wilson's "Wreckage of my Presence" and Julia Fox's "Down the Drain". I giggled my way through Nearly All the Men in Lagos are Mad and Awkward Black Girl...But I have to say that the book that had the biggest impact on me this year was The Art of Living- I have never felt so at peace and so present since the gift of the words in that book. I am so in awe of the incredible authors that exist, and the openness and vulnerability they share by putting words on the page. What a gift being able to read is!

2023 is the year that I hit my 7th continent! Making it to all 7 continents was an ambitious goal I made for myself in 2019 as I looked in awe at the Sydney Opera House. In spite of the pandemic that impacted travel for 2020 and most of 2021, I am so thankful that I have made it happen this year as I touched down in Antarctica, my final continent. Visiting a new place is also a goal I have for myself each year, and this time I was able to get to 4 new countries/territories that I had never been to before- Antarctica, Spain, Cuba and Costa Rica. I love that 2 of those were experiences with my husband and son.

On the tech front I finally made it past the 1 year mark with my tablet of choice- my Galaxy Fold 3! After the false starts of the last few years (Surface Duo, iPad Mini, Galaxy Tab 7) it felt fantastic to be able to lean into a solid device and be assured that it would do everything I need it to. I've been my most productive, my most creative self with this device. I would also have stayed with my S22 Ultra as my phone but in the spring my selfie camera had become so scratched up and cloudy that it was unbearable. I moved to the S23 Ultra in May and can see myself making a long go of this phone, too. My laptop quietly hit its second year anniversary and continues to be fantastic. More on my ongoing Samsung love affair in another geeky post later 😁!

With that, and a myriad other items only fit for my personal journal, I am bidding 2023 a fond farewell and am so open to all that 2024 will bring. Here's my highlight reel- thank you for being part of this year, even if just by reading this!

Using Evernote as a Time Capsule

noreply@blogger.com (Lulu) — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 20:38:00 +0000

I've been an avid Evernote user for over 15 years now and it seems like every few years I do a deep dive to find even better applications for it. This one may be a no-brainer, but it has been a nostalgia game-changer for me!

I created a search filter for 10 years ago with the query: (created:day-3650 -created:day-3640) and save it as a saved search in my shortcuts tab. Now, I am able to take a quick look at notes that I created 10 years ago and marvel at how far I have come professionally, personally and technologically.

It's interesting to see that I did have some kind of an ink tablet (I believe it was the Samsung Note 8 tablet) which tells me that even back then I knew that e-ink was definitely the way to go, even if the app development wasn't quite there yet.

In a few years it will be interesting to build another filter for 20 years ago and get a glimpse at that time machine!

Pack With Me: London Fog Underseater

noreply@blogger.com (Lulu) — Sun, 24 Sep 2023 19:46:00 +0000

Shop the Items Shown!

London Fog Bromley: https://amzn.to/457nBmO

Thermos: https://amzn.to/3tcd9gA

Manicure Set: https://amzn.to/45YL5fgP

Portable Monitor: https://amzn.to/3PwknUh

Bum Bag/Fanny Pack: https://amzn.to/463KmJE

Pop Up Fan: https://amzn.to/3rjlUVQ

Handheld Fan: https://amzn.to/3PPsHjd

Mini Kickstand: https://amzn.to/48DGdhw

One Year with My Galaxy Fold As My Tablet

noreply@blogger.com (Lulama) — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 20:55:00 +0000

I almost can't believe it's been a year since I made the switch to the Galaxy Fold 3 for my tablet use. After short stints with the iPad Mini, the Galaxy Tab S7, and even the Surface Duo over the past few years, I feel like I finally found the perfect tablet...and it's actually a phone. Don't get me wrong- I could only consider this the perfect setup with my S23 Ultra as a companion (yes, yes, I traded in my S22 earlier this year) . I have really enjoyed and appreciated having both devices over this past year:

- Being able to fit both my phone and my 'tablet' in my bum bag while on flights has made it easier for me to access everything I need without needing to go into my carryon luggage.

-In some cases (such as aboard my Antarctica cruise earlier this year) having a second device to use in the evenings after taking hundreds of photos in extreme temperatures during the day has been handy.

-I cannot say enough great things about the Samsung synergy. Seriously, I feel like I only now understand die-hard Apple users! When all your devices just work so seamlessly together it makes things so much easier! My phone, Tablet, Laptop, Earbuds and Watch always seem to be in such perfect harmony!

-I love using my S Pen on my fold! From journaling, to meeting notes, to mind mapping...it just lends itself to creativity.

-Sometimes when I just want to be disconnected, I'll use my Fold....I have notifications turned off for everything but if I need to see my texts I use the web version of Google Messages.

It's kind of ironic how the best 7 inch tablet for me has ended up being a phone!

Throwback Tech: Palm Pixi, iPhone, HTC Jasjar

noreply@blogger.com (Lulama) — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 16:00:00 +0000

I can't believe I still have these devices! I thought I had lost my old Palm Pixi and was pleasantly surprised to find it (and the charging puck!). I hope once it gets charged I can turn it on and dive into the old Palm Web OS. The irony is that I recall getting the Palm Pixi in 2010 and being nostalgic back then for my "old Palm days" of 2005 and earlier!

Looking back at these devices makes me miss the days of so much innovation and many different body types. In fact, I think that is one of the main reasons why the Samsung Galaxy Folds and Flips have captured everyone's attention- its different (💡 wasn't that Apple's slogan in 1997 or so?)

Marbella Vacation!

noreply@blogger.com (Lulama) — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 13:48:00 +0000

Spent the last week in July in Marbella, Spain for my birthday Spain and it was glorious!

Stayed at an Airbnb in Marbellamar which is incredibly walkable to tons of shops and the beach.

Very family friendly area but also a close drive to the nightclubs and lounges in Puerto Banús.

I wish I had allowed a longer layover in Madrid so we could spend a day exploring on our way back (it's about an hour's flight) so I'd suggest that to anyone going.

Highly recommend 👌🏾

The Power of Perfect Packing

noreply@blogger.com (Lulu) — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 14:47:00 +0000

As someone who loves traveling as well as organization, it's a no-brainer that I find packing to be such a thrilling exercise. Finding the perfect packing cubes, the best toiletry bags, the hardiest shoe bags... Just all of it- I can't get enough of it!

My gear consists of carefully curated items that I have mindfully sourced over the past decade or so: many of the some form of leopard or cheetah print 😜.

Here are some of the most important take-aways as you prepare for upcoming trips:

1. Keep a separate dry vs wet toiletries bag. My 'wet' toiletry bag includes my body sponge, shower cap and soaps. This means that when I pack up these items on the last day, only that bag gets wet and the other toiletries do not.

2. Take time to plan your full outfits ahead of time. You can certainly plan activity-dependent options for each day, but if you dump a bunch of clothes in your suitcase you will likely be too overwhelmed and time constrained to begin working through outfits at that time. My secret sauce is creating Trip Lookbooks and taking photos of what I plan to wear.

3. Start by deciding if you plan to check a bag or do carry on only. Your entire packing strategy should depend on which option you are choosing. Undecided? Well, do you have dodgy/tight connections and multiple legs to your trip? then plan on carry-on. Do you have a ton you simply need to bring? then plan on checking a bag. Both? then check the details of your travels and select the option that makes the most sense. Personally, because I get 2 free checked bags with American, I nearly always check a suitcase- even for a long weekend getaway. But, if my flight gets in very late, or I am traveling through an airport with very short connection window, I err on the side of carry-on. However, I have to admit, I prefer to check a bag and then use the time upon arrival to get my bearings before I pick up my luggage.

4. Get luggage you love. My current fave is the Monos set that my husband got me for Christmas last year. While it's difficult to keep clean (and the check-in size literally requires me to have a cover on it to avoid scratches), I do love it. The wheels are so smooth and the interior makes it very easy to pack. If you struggle with luggage that you don't really enjoy using, the odds are high that you will eventually associate the not so great feelings with your overall travel experience. Treat yourself!

Throwback Tech: Sprint UTStarcom CD-105

noreply@blogger.com (Lulu) — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 14:22:00 +0000

Full disclosure on this- I never owned any Sprint device.. (other than a brief failed experiment with the Motorola Admiral) , but I was tickled nonetheless to spot this non-functional UT Starcom in a toybox for a friend's toddler. It reminded me of those days, circa 2006 when we were already nostalgic for phones that did the bare minimum. This model didn't even have an external display, but you could play a few (actually, just 2!) java based games if your vision was strong enough to squint at that tiny display.

Throwback Tech: Dell Axim X51V

noreply@blogger.com (Lulu) — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 13:00:00 +0000

The year was 2006 and I was in deep with my Treo 650 as my connected Palm device. I can't recall exactly what intrigued me about Windows Mobile, but I do remember that the Dell Axim X51V was my point of entry. I had been on the Palm OS since 2001 with the Handspring Visor and I guess it was just time for a change.

Fortunately for me, I still have my entries from back then- I remember the excitement of diving into a relatively new OS, the thrill of purchasing accessories for it, and finally, the decision to make my main device a Windows Mobile one (The Imate Kjam)

From My 2006 blog archives:

How about that Today Screen!

Conquering Antarctica!

noreply@blogger.com (Lulu) — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 18:51:00 +0000

I did it! After years of dreaming and hoping, I made it to Antarctica last month and it was so much more than I could have wished for. I hiked a glacier, jumped into freezing cold water and traveled over 8,000 miles by myself! Seriously! Me!

I've been trying to even put into words all the feelings I have about the trip....and I am still working on it. I think I will just work on doing a series of posts to park here in the hopes that future adventurers can refer to.

To start with, if you are reading this because you are interested in going to Antarctica and don't know if it's possible- let me start by saying- YES! You can, and you should! All you need is a ton of patience (including the patience to wait to build up your travel fund as that may take you years like it did for me), and a deep desire to do something a little (or very!) crazy. Start by making yourself a list of at least 5 reasons why you are going.

This guide will help you figure out the best time to go, then you can start looking up pricing based on the time of year you want to go. Look up sample flights around that time and add to that price and now you have your budget....how much can you put toward the fund per month? That gives you a timeline of how soon you might be able to go!

Example:

In this example, you might consider saving $200 per paycheck for 3 years (or $100 for 6 years). Remember when I mentioned that patience? These examples are hypothetical- it is not uncommon to plan for up to 10 years!

My Adventure in Antarctica!

noreply@blogger.com (Lulu) — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 23:01:00 +0000

Perfect Case for the Galaxy Fold 3

noreply@blogger.com (Lulu) — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 13:00:00 +0000

I spent several attempts to find the perfect case for my Galaxy Fold 3 and y'all....I think I found it. This one from Amazon covers the hinges, and is a protective hard shell. This case helped me with all the items on my wishlist:

1. Allow for wireless charging

2. Hold the S-pen facing me when using the fold (not tucked behind).

3. Rose gold. Judge me if you must!

4. Protect the hinge

The only item this one didn't come with is a kickstand...but I was able to add that by attaching this one from Amazon that was pretty inexpensive and still allows for wireless charging with this setup!

Pay annually data plan for "sipping"

noreply@blogger.com (Lulu) — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 13:00:00 +0000

I have always spent some money on a monthly plan for my tablet until I moved to the S7 when I went with the wifi-only version. I then paid $10 for a 5GB block of data on my iPad that would be valid for 6 months last year and really liked the freedom of not paying for data that I decided to try for a more permissive option. What I found was a company called KeepGo that allowed me to buy 10GB for $40 that will keep for a year. Here's the kicker, I can add a $3 top off for 100MB per year and it will extend my data term for another 12 months. That means that I can use as much or as little data as I want and only have to check in once a year to keep my data active.

And, for the final magic trick, KeepGo allowed me to use an e-Sim which means that I could start using the data right away. Perfect!

And the data speeds are really impressive!

(And, just a quick #notsponsored since it isn't!)

5 Months with the Galaxy Fold as my Tablet

noreply@blogger.com (Lulu) — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 13:00:00 +0000

I admit that these 5 months have just flown by tech-wise. I was shocked to find I am barreling towards the 6 month mark!

It's been a great experience- first of all, being back in the Samsung fold has been so refreshing and seamless. I posted in November about the best accessories and I am still finding them all very helpful. On a recent flight, I was lucky enough to get a row to myself and had this sweet setup (listed) for catching up on YouTube videos (Hi, Karl Conrad!) It worked because the size of my Fold lends itself to being able to sit comfortably on American Airlines' half- extended tray table. As I watched, I was able to catch up on my WhatsApp messages on my phone.

For the times when I feel like I need a bigger screen (mainly when working on a complex document or file in Samsung Notes) I am fortunate enough to be able to use my Samsung Galaxy Pro 360 and create what I need. I haven't taken my Laptop on the road with me in over a year- I have been able to use it just at home.

I cannot say enough good things about this combination- I am so glad I made this switch and I really love the Fold in this capacity!

Creative Uses for Samsung Notes

noreply@blogger.com (Lulu) — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Add this to the list of things you can do with your Samsung Notes app- I started using photos to keep track of when I worked out when my LaFitness app missed a few of my check-in scans. For me, it helps me keep track of which of my fitness looks I sported, as well as visually cue me when I need to get back into my workouts.

To use this idea, save a calendar PNG (or make your own like I did) and then take pictures of each gym visit. I use Background Eraser to crop everything else out of the photo, and add a highlight outline when needed.

Not bad for the first month of the new year!

Cold Weather Fashion Prep!

noreply@blogger.com (Lulu) — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 17:22:00 +0000

It's about that time again- where the weather is out of control cold either where you are, or where you're planning to go! For those of us who are plus size, it can feel defeatist to have to navigate through clothing designed to make us appear even larger!

In 2021 I made an epic trip out to Fairbanks, Alaska to see the northern lights and most of that trip's looks were made possible by Garnerstyle's Incredible Ski Collection that year (see top pic!).

This year's travel adventure is going to be a little less cold, but will require layers and flexibility. I found my layers on Amazon, and they should be available to you whenever you are ready to start your ski/extreme cold weather shopping (see, also, Texas Feb 2021)!!

Inner:

I go with the WuHouPro Brand from Amazon- it's not very bulky but keeps you nice and warm. At the low price point, it's easy to buy a bunch of these as they are the only layer you will really need to replace/wash.

Mid:

For my middle layer, I use any pair of sweat pants I can find (or looser fit leggings) and either a workout jacket, like the one pictured or a fleece jacket.

Outer:

Depending on the activity, I either use my travel staple Calvin Klein coat or my newer packable puffer jacket(pictured). The deciding factor is how much of my legs I need to protect from the elements. I just picked up these Arctix pants from Amazon and they are incredibly warm, but still have a great range of movement. They also come in a long length option so that was a gamechanger for me!

Fun Game Alert: Law Empire Tycoon

noreply@blogger.com (Lulu) — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 14:00:00 +0000

My absolute favorite genre of game simulation- not the fast-paced, nail biter, type of simulation, but the sub-category called Tycoon. And in that arena, I discovered latest obsession- Law Empire Tycoon. When I first opened the game I was confused about all the offices, staff and roles. But in no time I had a bustling law empire and was raking in cash, expanding and building. I absolutely love this game- it isn't based on speed, it's just a nice simmering slow burn as you figure out the next steps to improve your Law practice. This is definitely one to download for long trips- you can pop in and out of it and spend as little or as much time as you want in the game! Just be sure to expand your Vault to ensure you can store all the money you make in the background!

Zen Through Tech

noreply@blogger.com (Lulu) — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 14:51:00 +0000

I've been thinking a lot lately about all the ways technology has helped me be more Zen....

1. Daily Affirmations: I recently started using an app called "I Am" which gives you daily affirmations in a widget on your homepage. In the few weeks that I have been using it, I notice that I am more tuned in to the things that calm me. Today's phrase: "I adopt the habit of expressing my gratitude every day.

2. Social Media: I hear a lot of complaints about how Social Media stresses some people out- in my case I find it relaxing and interesting. I follow people and groups who are always doing interesting, unique and fun things that amuse and/or inspire me daily. Pro tip: I quickly unfollow people who use their feed for negativity or vague-booking.

3. Journaling: You'll continue to hear more about my regular journaling journey but I cannot ignore how instrumental technology has been in helping with my consistency. I love the feel of physically writing, but I need the flexibility of being able to do it anywhere. I so enjoy how my S22 Ultra and my Galaxy Fold let me jot down thoughts anywhere I am.

4. Music: One of the most calming songs I enjoy is by Emmy Rossum called "Slow Me Down". Playing it in the solitude of my car takes me to such an immediately Zen place.

New Monos Luggage Set!

noreply@blogger.com (Lulu) — Sat, 07 Jan 2023 14:55:00 +0000

Happy New Year Everyone! I hope your holidays were absolutely magical! I had a ton of fun adventures and ended the year with an incredibly unexpected gift from my husband- a new luggage set from Monos. Now, when I initially unwrapped it, I had a brief moment of panic- I've had my purple Delsey set for over a decade and have my packing routine down to a science...plus, this set is light pink! How on earth would I keep it clean??? But, it turns out that my husband knows me so well that it ended up being the perfect gift! He added a clear luggage protector which is fantastic for my checked luggage, and the level of organizational tools inside both suitcases are going to transform my packing game- and not a moment too soon (spoiler alert- big adventures planned this year!). And, for the piece-de-resistance....the cases allow me to effortlessly wheel both because the carry on rests easily on the larger case- I did invest in a bungee strap that I'll keep stashed in the front pocket. This is huge for me; as a majority solo traveler, I only carry what I can maneuver by myself and ideally with one hand (leaving the other hand free to open doors, show my passport, etc). This setup is a real gamechanger for me! And, as an added bonus, the 3-piece Delsey set now works perfectly for the guys since my teen now needs his own suitcase. What an awesome way to start the new year!

Winter Wonderland

noreply@blogger.com (Lulu) — Wed, 28 Dec 2022 13:00:00 +0000

If you are missing snow this Christmas, enjoy this flashback of my adventure to Fairbanks, Alaska last year to visit Borealis Basecamp.....Magical, beautiful snow all round!

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Lulama) — Sun, 25 Dec 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

Fun Game Alert: Grand Hotel Mania

noreply@blogger.com (Lulu) — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 13:00:00 +0000

It only took me a few months, but I finally played the last level of Cooking Joy2 - the incredibly fun game I posted about so I scrambled to try and find something with the same vibe and energy. I think that Grand Hotel Mania comes pretty close- check your guests in, fulfill their requests, check them out, clean their room and repeat. It sounds very simple, until the guests start piling in with demands and your bellhop has to race around to take care of them before their patience runs out. It's a fun time and even though some of the levels can get a bit hairy, it's not unbearably frantic! Highly recommend!

What the Wordle?!?

noreply@blogger.com (Lulu) — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 16:51:00 +0000

I feel like Wordle just slowly crept into our lives and now, getting it done daily is a must-do task!

I think that the fact you can easily play it on any device makes it so compelling (although I could definitely do without the daily Facebook posts that some folks share).

If you play Wordle, what's your technique: Do you have a go-to word you always start with or do you just pick a random one?

The Best of Both (Samsung) Galaxies

noreply@blogger.com (Lulu) — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 15:00:00 +0000

I feel incredibly fortunate- in a time when so many are trying to decide between 2 powerful phones, I am able to use both of them seamlessly in my daily life. By using the Fold as my tablet, there is clearly a demarcated time and place for each device. Here is how it typically breaks down for me:

Phone Calls: Easy, my S22 Ultra via Verizon plan.

GPS Navigation: my S22 with the magnetic attachment for my truck.

Morning Web Browsing: Each morning I still reach for my S22 to browse the web while in bed and take in some social media.

Journaling & Notetaking: 99% of my Journaling is done via my Fold. The exception is if I am watching something on my Fold, and in that case I will use my S22 to take notes.

Watching Shows: Always on my Fold. Crisp, clear screen and usually with my tablet stand for ease of use.

Work: I use my Fold when rounding in clinics for managing my task lists and keeping up with my email. I have gotten in the habit of using it only in unfolded mode- I find it distractingly flamboyant to be unfolding it on the floor.

Photography: My S22 Ultra. This is one of the best photography phones and I always take advantage of using it.

Wardrobe Planning: I have been using YourCloset on Android for several years (and Personal Closet for over a decade before that!). My current workflow is to build out a month's worth of looks using my Fold, then capture the screen into a Samsung note that I share on the homescreen of both my Fold and my S22 Ultra. It works!

Podcast Consumption: My S22 Ultra. I do have the option and can sync my progress via PocketCasts Plus, I rarely ever use my Fold to take in my Podcasts.

Music: On regular days, my S22 Ultra and Amazon Music are how I jam out, with one exception that only comes out in the summer: when poolside, I typically use my tablet to bluetooth music to our splashproof speaker. Why? Silly reason, really- whenever you take videos using your phone, it interferes with the music playing. So, this became my workaround. I expect that when the summer comes around, I'll be back to this again, maybe finally using my external screen to navigate playlists.

Whatsapp & Text Messaging: My S22 Ultra. Even though there are workarounds to shadow messaging on my Fold, I find keyboard typing much easier on my phone.

Quick Trip to London

noreply@blogger.com (Lulu) — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 21:12:00 +0000

Last weekend I took a quick visit to the UK to see family, friends and to get a bit of Christmas Cheer ahead of the season. It was absolutely wonderful.

This was my first international trip since I started using the Galaxy Fold as my tablet- one of the benefits that I hadn't even factored in is that it can remain in my bag while going through TSA. For the first time, I could simply pass my handbag through security without having to take an ipad or Galaxy Tablet out. Score!