Alex Martinez

For me, being an Orthodox Christian means living a Christian life that is deeply rooted in Holy Scripture and faithful to the teaching and practices handed down by the Apostles. The Orthodox Church has preserved the faith, worship, teachings, and spiritual life of the early Christians and continues to live them today. These books have helped me better understand that connection between the Bible, the Apostles, the early Church, and the Orthodox Christian faith. If you want to explore Christianity as it was taught, practiced, and lived by the Apostles and the first Christians, I believe these books are an excellent place to begin. To me, Orthodoxy is not about discovering a new interpretation of Christianity, but about faithfully living the ancient Christian faith that has been handed down through the generations. These are books that have helped me understand what it means to live a Christian life rooted in Scripture, the Apostolic tradition, and the faith of the early Church.

Tea, Flavor & Wellness Healthy doesn't have to mean boring—and it definitely doesn't have to taste bad! This is my collection of teas, tea blends, herbs, spices, tea accessories, and wellness favorites that I genuinely enjoy using and drinking. My goal is to find choices that bring together great flavor, everyday enjoyment, and ingredients that can do our bodies good. I'm a lot like I am with Brussels sprouts: I don't eat them because I think they're medicine—I eat them because I actually like the taste, and I also appreciate that they're a healthy food. That's how I approach my tea. You'll find my favorite green teas, hibiscus tea, dandelion tea, herbal teas, cinnamon, cloves, tea pots, brewing essentials, and other tea-related favorites here. I believe there's something wonderful about finding healthy choices that you genuinely look forward to enjoying. If it tastes good, makes you feel good, and fits into a healthy lifestyle, that's a win!

I've been exploring fountain pens and love finding pens that deliver a great writing experience without requiring a big investment. This is my collection of favorite fountain pens under $50, including LAMY, Pilot, Sailor, Majohn, Asvine, and other affordable options. I've included different nib sizes and styles—from fine and extra-fine nibs to medium and stub nibs—so there's something here whether you prefer precise writing, everyday note-taking, journaling, or a more expressive line. I've also included some of my favorite fountain pen inks. The inks can be used in a wide variety of fountain pens, not just the LAMY Safari, so you can mix and match pens and colors to find combinations you enjoy.

Looking for things to do outdoors in the High Desert? This list is my collection of parks, farmers markets, outdoor markets, and local places to explore throughout the Victor Valley, including Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, and surrounding communities. Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy a walk, spend time with the family, get outside, shop for fresh local produce, discover local vendors, or simply find something new to do, I’m adding some of my favorite local outdoor spots and experiences here. I’m always looking for new places to explore in the High Desert, so this list will continue to grow. 🌻🌳 Local • Outdoor • Family-Friendly • Parks • Farmers Markets • Things to Do • High Desert