It's no secret that we have shifted our eating adventures to be more Gluten Free and not just for my Beloved.  Instead of just inhaling salad all every few hours, we had to come up with something with a bit more substance. Seriously, the boy has lost about 30 pounds with all of this. He was ok to lose maybe 15, but yeah. And since the part-time job has required more physical activity of him, he is looking shredded and strong! I would guess he is nearing the low body fat % and weight he was when I met him. Lean and mean, that one and I'm not really complaining. I'm enjoying it, plus, it is motivating me to get it in gear. daydreaming....ahhhh...wait, what? Oh right...

C'mon, I'll admit that I've been a slacker in the researching different foods department. My thinking...you don't want gluten, cool, lettuce. Lettuce doesn't have it. And eggs! Eggs don't have it! and wine! Yeah, wine. Basically, that's been the go-to meal for the past, hmmm...oh, several weeks. If you follow me on instagram, then you knew I'd been blowing it up with food images for a long while. And then, our food images came to a stall because well, there's only so much lettuce (and eggs or Chipotle) I can post. (Except for coffee. Oh man, coffee is like the supermodel of instagram. I can't get enough of the coffee pics! Now I want some coffee.)

Anyway, I sat myself down and said, "Hello Bianca! Duh, go to Trader Joes's because they are bound to have some thing that will give you a jump start. Take the reins and make it happen." And I did just that. (By the way, ol' Wal-mart has even stepped up and has a 4x4 foot space of Gluten free goodies!) I found this awesome Corn Pasta where the ingredients were corn flour (clour??) and water. That's pretty basic right there, so why not.

I prepared it as normal, cooking it only slightly longer than regular pasta. No, that had nothing to do with the fact that I had to go and separate my girls from one another because they were in the background wreaking havoc in the living room and the baby was some how naked from the waist down yelling she had to use the potty and I was praying I didn't find a surprise! Not at all. When did she learn to take off her diaper??

As I poured the pasta into the colander, I thought, hmmm...smells like corn. Obviously, right? But then it looked quite tasty! It felt like pasta. It had every single property of it, except semolina flour, there was corn flour. Amazing!

I topped it with some of our homemade marinara. Don actually makes it! He starts with the San Marzano tomatoes we canned from this summer. Adds some carrots, herbs, and what not. Then, will add some yummy sauteed mushrooms and Kosher salt. It's delish! If you want the recipe for that, I could post it, too...if he shares it. (he he he)

Anyway, this was a win! Great flavor and texture. Decently priced at $1.29 a bag. It comes in spaghetti and penne shapes. We all enjoyed it. Best of all, it is gluten free and he wasn't starving an hour after eating it!!

Over dinner, he and I were discussing how we can spin it into a Mexican themed dish. Enchilada flavored lasagna (mind blown!!) or taco spaghetti. We also thought, maybe we could make our own corn pasta, too! If you have a Trader Joe's nearby and you need some gluten free pasta, and want to try something other than what you have been doing, check this stuff out. While there, get yourself some 3-buck Chuck red table wine, too. You can never have too much wine, right?

Hello Bianca's 2012 Holiday Gift Guide

After reading some tweets and talking with friends, I decided I'd come up with my own gift guide for things I'm interested in gifting or would like to receive. The following items don't even begin to encompass the things I've thought about, but anyway, without further ado...

I have a lot of friends that love coffee. I'm not talking regular coffee, although, there's nothing wrong with some Dunkin' Donuts amiright? These friends of mine are all about the chemical reactions when it comes to the beans, the water...I swear they are practicing high levels of alchemy in their unknown basements. Anyway, I've fallen into the coffee lovin' spell. I'm so entranced when I see baristas use the Chemex carafe drip coffee maker. It's a thing of beauty, I tell ya! $35+

Obviously, if you are gonna give a drip coffee maker, you should give coffee. Well, some of our loved ones will be receiving coffee. Me personally, I like Cuvee Mezzanotte (starting at $13), Oak Cliff Coffee Roasters (starting at $16), Dunkin Donuts...don't judge ($7), and Cafe Britt (starting at 10).

Last year, one of my friends introduced me to Fracture. I'd been wanting to try them out for a while and well, I took the plunge and I am not disappointed. High quality and a really unique gift! 

Very few people aren't a fan of wine or champagne. If they aren't, a craft beer or a specialty spirit may be on their list. Some of the best moments began with glassware clinking to sincere words that were spoken. $15+

Land's End Medium Totes. I received a bag like this when I started my job 5 years ago and let me tell you, this bag is phenomenal and so versatile. I use it for any trip whatsoever. Sturdy, spacious, open, and perfect for me. I'm definitely going to share the love this year and gift it to some of my most special people, filled with their favorite things. $25.50

Make a memory with a loved one. After all, we aren't guaranteed tomorrow. I don't know if you have those friends that you hardly get to spend time with, but they are so very close to you. You know what i'm talking about, right? Well, most of my closest friends are this way. For this reason, concert tickets/movie tickets are guaranteed a date night to spend time with that precious loved one. Focus less time on the actual gift and more time on the gift of your presence! $100+ for concert tickets for two, $20+ for movie tickets

Since my girls don't get online, I feel it is ok for me to share a couple of the things we will give them this year. 

To foster imagination, we bought CitiBlocs for the girls. Already, they like to build things, so I can only imagine all of the wonderful structures they will come up with! $100+

Both of my girls are girly girls. They adore dresses and getting dressed up. Party dresses are essential in our home and not just around this time. $27.99+

Additionally, the Sugarbean will receive a certificate for a family date night out of her choosing. $50+ cost for the whole family.

And now, here is the point where my husband has really made a request for ideas. Yeah, I've added items to my Pinterest board, but when I look at it, some of the things I already have, some of them are things that I only want to dream of having and not really have, and other things...well, I just don't know, they are there just because I think they are pretty. 

Also, I was talking with my buddy and gave him advice that I will share with you: Give a gal you like something comfortable and something that makes her feel sexy. Something comfortable so she can cuddle up on days where she isn't feeling it. A thing that is cozy and like a hug. Something that makes her feel sexy because well, having that extra pep in our step goes a long way. Doesn't have to be extravagant, either. Just little happies that let her know you've thought of her. 

First up, shoes! Imelda Marcos, eat your heart out! ha ha ha...shoes can change a day in a matter of seconds. The best part about shoes, it does not matter your size above the ankle, more often than not, they will fit your feet. When I was crazy pregnant, knocking on 230 lbs, I would go into my closet, pull out a pair of pretty shoes, lay on my bed and wrangle them on my feet. I didn't dare walk on them much, but boy did they make me feel great (albeit a much tighter squeeze, but still). DSW gift card so I can shop and browse and find a nice pair of clicker/clacker shoes. $25+

Again with the Land's End, I know, but whatevs. Last year, my Beloved bought me a pair of these lounge pants and holy wow, do I love them!! The only problem...they are too big. Doesn't matter, I'll still wear 'em saggy. They are so comfortable and immediately when I get home from work, I put a pair of these on and feel great! $50

Solmate socks! Yes, maybe I have a foot obsession. I love socks. Like almost more than I love shoes, even. These socks by Solmate are divine. I don't own a pair, yet. My Instagram friend turned me on to them in a photo she snapped and posted. Immediately, I was in love. These are amazing!! $20 a pair

Back to shoes, I know, I know. Who doesn't love a product with a social cause? I love their basic shoes, even though I don't wear them all-the-time like some people I know. When I saw these wool wedges, I thought, wow, what a wonderful shoe for the winter. Not necessarily the boots that I need (because, yeah, I don't own one pair of boots!! Ok, that's a small lie. I own a pair of white vinyl go-go boots, but that's more of a costume and not for everyday wear. What? You don't have your own pair of vinyl shoes in your closet for costume parties? Well you should! Point taken, I need a pair of real boots. Noted.) Anyway, I love these! $89

Finally, a gift coaster to The Drybar. Nothing makes me feel sexier than a good blow-out! When my hair is fabulous, watch out world, because this girl is on fi--yah!! (Alicia Keys reference. By the way, if you've not checked out her new album, Girl on Fire you totally need to because it's awesome!) $35+ per blowout

To quench my inner geek with gadgetry, I could totally go for one of these stylus pens. Sometimes I want to write with a pen instead of my finger and this would be fantastic! Especially when I write my lists on the go in Evernote! $3+

Voluspa candles are amazing. Not only that, but their subtle and pleasant fragrances make a room feel better, less congested. They are more expensive than some other candles, but they are worth the splurge! $9 for a votive that has 25 hours of burn

There you have it! What other ideas do y'all have or what is on your wishlist? Happy Shopping! Oh, and if you need superb ideas for wrapping, check out my friend Rebecca's "Pimp Yo' Presents Inspiration Week" over at Older and Wisor.

Running and Holiday Lights

It's been unseasonably warm here, like, I'm so glad I'm lazy because I still have my Summer clothes out, type of warm. It has been incredibly difficult to get into the "spirit" of things in the absence of the cooler winds. And instead of wallowing in the absence of what I expect, we decided to enjoy it...at least for the limited remaining days it is here.

Every year, unplanned, we will take a detour on our way home and snake our way through the neighborhood to oooh and aaaah at all of the pretty lights. A couple of years, we were lucky enough to have some hot chocolate with us to sip on while we looked at the lights.

This year, however, we strapped the girls in the jogging stroller and took advantage of the early dark hours. We aimed for a 5K, but would be happy with 2 miles. Off we ran, snaking the neighborhood and looking at all of the pretty lights.

During this run, I discovered that one of my favorite pairs of running shorts were falling off of me. Like, holy moly, I'm about to have a serious wardrobe malfunction up in here. Why? Well, those of you who are runners already know this. For the rest of you, most running shorts are made with built-in underwear. Therefore, you don't need to wear another pair. In fact, if you are a runner, you are probably logging several miles regularly and the added underwear will more likely cause chafing in unmentionable places. It's a runner thing. Same as with body glide, peeing on yourself, pooping in the bushes...runners are dirty folks, but it doesn't mean they are all nasty. Some of us carry biodegradable toilet paper and are never far from a cleaning towel, antibacterial sanitizer, and a change of shorts. Wow, that was a tangent! Anyway, like I said, shorts falling off.

I was so pre-occupied with my shorts, that I was unable to find my rhythm. My little running playlist was putting its best food forward to motivate me, but I was so paranoid with my clothes. And then there were the pretty, pretty lights!

Probably my favorite one of the run was this one:

After all, He is the reason for this season. It warmed my heart to see that. 

Then, it was time to get the show on the road and get our workout really on. I'd finally finagled my shorts so they would stay put. We were about to kick it up a notch, when we had to cross a kinda busy residential street to get to the really busy street. The sidewalks down this street only exist on one side. They just abruptly end 2 blocks before getting to the busier street. While crossing the street (which isn't the normal concrete in most residential neighborhoods, but rather a tough asphalt), I lost my footing on the ground and did a wonderful rendition of a skip ball chain, hop, hop, hop, twist, to forward dive. I gently tossed my phone on the ground and caught myself with my palms and the top of my chest. I tripped and ate it pretty good. 

I took a deep breath, pushed off, tucked my ear buds back in (music still playing), shook the rocks off of my hands and began to run again. My Beloved concerned for me, but not making it a big deal and continued to run. I felt the familiar burn coming with the pain. I was reminded, again of my mortality. As my legs moved, I was invigorated that I had the ability to run. I felt the burn in my palms, the blood slowly escaping my body. I also felt the burn in my chest from breathing. I felt the burn in my legs from the running. In that moment, I was deeply grateful to not only be alive, but healthy enough to run...and yes, pick myself back up to keep running.

When I got home, I cleaned off my hands and here is what my right palm looked like before I added the peroxide and bandage.

And now, with my favorite waterproof bandages, Nexcare Star Wars bandages! I'd posted on my Instagram "yoda heal me!"

The only thing about this particular bandage is that the "tattoo" portion or graphic image wears off rather quickly and then you are left with just a regular ol' waterproof bandage. It's still fun while you have it and it protects your wounds. No, they didn't pay me to say that? I wasn't even offered anything to plug these bandages, I just think they are nifty and next time you are buying bandages and you think, "I'm an adult and I shouldn't get fun stuff"well, I'm here to tell you that if you want a fun image on your owie-boo-boo then by golly, get what you want and splurge! Put it on there and watch how much faster you will heal! (Growing up the decorated bandages cost more money, so Mom would suggest we draw on the plain bandages if we were so bent on decoration.)

What are some of your holiday traditions?

In Memoriam: Mildred Wiggins February 11, 1928 - November 26, 2012

I first met Mildred "Grandma Wiggins" in December of 2003. I'd ventured North to Salina, Kansas to celebrate Christmas with my boyfriend (now husband) and his family. This was no small feat for me to have gone. But wait, let me back track so you have a better understanding. My sophomore year in college, when I came home for the holidays, my parents surprised both my brother and I by saying they were headed to Vegas for Christmas...without us. We were stunned, blinked at one another, threw our arms in the air and set off to spend Christmas with my sister and her in-laws. My folks made it a tradition to jet off around then and I don't blame them. I think it is kinda neat, in fact. Occasionally, they will make plans to linger for us all to be together, but for the most part, this is what they do. I've been fortunate enough to have loved ones who will welcome me with open arms to their homes and their extended families. It's so nice to have witnessed first-hand all of these traditions.

When Don asked me if I wanted to go home with him in 2003, I was stunned, nervous, and excited. This was the first time I would be meeting so much of his family. I didn't have the best experience with meeting family in my previous relationship experiences. I won't go into the detail here. Anyway, he prepared me that we'd have several appearances at the different homes of his extended family. He, being like me, motivated by food, detailed out what would be on display at each place. His face lit up and he told me, "And finally, st Grandma Wiggins' home, there will be steak and shrimp!" I nodded my head in eager anticipation, not knowing at all what to expect.

When we'd arrived, I walked into a home filled with smiling and friendly faces. THESE people...(getting choked up), salt of the earth people opened their arms and gave me hugs and warm embraces. It was an obstacle course getting through the living room to the kitchen where the food was. So many young children running around, playing, laughing...oh the laughter, and everyone happy. They emulated my family and our gatherings. Kids all over the place, hugs freely given, stories exchanged, the uncles gathered around the TV watching sports, the women in the kitchen or on the sofas relaxing for once, knowing their children were happily playing with their cousins. It was so lively, so warm, so exciting. In the very center of it all, on a blue recliner, there she sat. Grandma Wiggins, sitting arms crossed, wearing a button up shirt and slacks, smiling and enjoying the moment. She didn't say many words, but you could see her face and see joy. Each Christmas, I looked forward to that moment. I hoped that someday, I too would be sitting in a comfortable spot surrounded by so many, many of my family members.

And oh was she generous. I was handed an envelope with my name on it. I was unsure what it was until I opened it. Christmas cash for us to get ourselves something. The first time I opened it, I teared up. It was very generous of her. I allowed myself to use the money for myself instead of paying a bill or buying another gift. Each year, upon returning home, I'd take that cash, walk over to DSW and buy myself a brand new pair of pumps to wear for work. I don't know if she knew I did that each year. I don't know if she knew how important shoes were to me. I don't know if she knew how much that money meant that I was going to walk in those shoes and do my best to change my family's life for the better. That old addage, "Change your shoes, change your life." (The second year, however, I spent that money to buy my wedding shoes.---I've never told anyone that before.) Each year, I wrote her a thank you note telling her that I'd bought a pair of shoes. It wasn't just me who received an envelope. Every child, grand child, and their significant others received one. The great grandkids received toys hand selected by her. She took great joy in seeing their faces light up when they opened their gifts. Each year, the Sugarbean has loved her toys. The Sugarbaby walks around with the doll she received last year and sleeps with her.

She touched so many people's lives and she will be greatly missed. I'm so very thankful that I had the opportunity to know her and for my girls to have met her. She was a strong woman and so very loved by her family. She always conveyed unconditional love for us all.

And because the first question out of people's mouths after they express their condolences is, "What happened?" Here is how I know things to have happened (or how I pieced it together from different conversations), since we don't live there. She passed away on Monday. She'd recently been in the hospital for pneumonia. I know that she'd been trying to give her deposition to an attorney here in Dallas when she visited almost two years ago and broke her hip. I don't think she ever gave that deposition, either. Anyway, I say this because not long after leaving the hospital for the pneumonia, she fell and broke her other hip and her elbow. She went into surgery to repair the two and had complications. Last week, she'd been on life support. When they made the call to turn it off, she awoke. It was a literal miracle. She lingered a few more days giving everyone near her the opportunity to say their goodbyes. It was a beautiful blessing. It is my understanding that she expressed that she'd seen the light and was unable to fit in the tunnel the day she awoke. And on the day she passed, she said two men were waiting for her to take her to the light. There at the end, she had her family with her. She is now resting in peace.

While we all are grieving, we are also celebrating her life and her legacy: attempting to live without judgement, with acceptance of one another, and blanketing one another with that unconditional love.

Kylie Minogue: The Abbey Road Sessions

The kind and generous folks over at One2One Network gave me the opportunity to review the new Kylie Minogue album, The Abbey Road Sessions.

Some of you may not be too familiar with her work, well, other than "Can't get you out of my head" (all together now, na-na-na-na-na-na-na....yeah, sorry, I don't like when it gets stuck in my head either). You will also remember at "Love at First Sight." <---my all time favorite of hers!! I totally used to sing this at the top of my lungs with my sunroof open, windows down, hair flapping in the wind, body bopping...everything went from wrong to right...it was love, it was love, it was love...

I totally got carried away, huh? (I'm totally still singing it)

Anyway, I like Kylie. She's darling and what moves me is that she is a breast cancer survivor. What an inspiration, that one. She sings pop music, for those of you who have no idea who she is. She's also from Australia. Oh, and if you watched Moulin Rouge, she was the green fairy.

So let's talk about this new album. She slows things down with this album. I mean REAAAALLLLY slows it down compared to the normal pop music.

Global icon and popstar sensation, Kylie Minogue is celebrating 25 years in music with her new album, The Abbey Road Sessions. The album, recorded in London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios with a full orchestra, features Kylie classics, all beautifully re-imagined and rearranged. 

But you know what is beautiful, her voice! These arrangements really showcase her vocals. And whoa...are some of them so sensual. I feel like I need some blue uplighting and fog blowing in my room. My favorite song, that I can't stop listening to (and singing along with) is "Better the Devil You Know." I melt after I sing! Don't get me wrong, there are some songs, like "Locomotion" and "Can't Get You Out of My Head" that will have you up and dancing. You will also find yourself singing "everything went from wrong to right, the stars came out to fill up the sky...."   My second favorite of this album is "Flower." The lyrics totally make me think of my special little gals.

Anyway, check her out! Get it on Amazon here: amzn.to/SJguae If you are on Spotify, check it out there, too! 

By participating in this review, I am eligible to win one of the following prizes: $50 VISA gift cards w/ a limited edition Lithograph, “Aphrodite : Les Folies Live In London” 3D BluRay/DVD, “The Best Of Kylie Minogue” CD+DVD (21 tracks, 21 videos) I was in no way influenced by my eligibility to win these prizes. The thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Recipe: Gluten Free Banana Bread

Remember the health post? Well, Don has done a great job in maintaining a gluten-free lifestyle. It hasn’t been as tough as I expected, but maybe that is because I’ve not really been cooking? ha! Seriously, the cold front blew in and I had some bananas I had to use. I went to bake and realized that the “regular” flour wouldn’t work for him. Immediately, I was crestfallen at the thought of him coming home to a house smelling like fresh banana bread and he wouldn’t be able to have any. Off I trekked to my local market and headed straight to the Gluten-free section. I’ll be damned if my man wouldn’t get to enjoy one of his favorite treats! I found Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free All Purpose Baking Flour. It cost me $3.99 for this 22 oz bag. Yes it costs more than traditional flour, but he’d actually get to eat some of the same foods! Even better is that I wasn’t going to have to modify my original recipe since it was a 1:1 ratio conversion. Yes! Sold!
When I made the bread, the consistency wasn’t what I was used to, so I added more banana and walnuts because my Beloved likes ‘em. The added “wet” from the bananas gave it a more familiar consistency. He tasted it as soon as it cooled down and proclaimed it to be really good. He said the texture was softer than what he was used to, but still good. There you have it, I recommend the Gluten Free All Purpose Flour!

Gluten Free Banana Bread
1/3 cup butter (softened to room temp)
1/3 cup sugar
2 Eggs

1 3/4 Cups Gluten Free All Purpose Baking Flour
2 teaspoons Baking Powder
1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda

4 or 5 VERY RIPE bananas mashed

Add-ons/Extras: Parchment paper, walnuts, chocolate chips, cranberries

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients. I like to sift mine 2 or 3 times just because it makes me feel fancy. Plus, it adds air to ‘em and well, my Home Ec. teacher told me to do it and I do. Set that aside. Dry ingredients are: Flour, Baking Powder, and Baking Soda.
In your mixer, add your butter. Turn on and add your sugar. While the two are creaming together, you can probably be sifting. That’s usually what I do. When your butter/sugar is nice and creamy, add your two eggs, one at a time. Make sure it is nice and creamy!  Here is where I might add a few drops of vanilla for fun or if I’m sassy. Yeah, I know I didn’t list it on the ingredients, but I’m just checking to see if you are reading.
Now add your dry ingredients in batches of 3, slowly. Make sure it is nice and mixed. Now, add your mashed bananas. See how it is smooth, but kinda lumpy with the bananas. Add your nuts at this point if you want.
Pour into a bread pan. I like to line mine with parchment paper. Bake for 50 minutes.

Devour!

Photo Recap of The Margarita Ball

 

Review: Rent the Runway & Dallas Margarita Society

Hello friends!
I hope all is well out in the virtual world. As for me, I’ve been battling some kind of wacky sickness all week. I get fever, feels like I’m swallowing broken glass, hacking, but the side effects are that I’m incredibly happy and overjoyed. Honestly, I think I did myself a solid by “hiding” folks on Social Media back in July. This has helped to improve my mood and mostly kept me out of the loop during this election. For the rest of you, thank you for your honesty, tenderness, wit, joy, and humor during that time.

Back to the topic at hand…Rent the Runway & The Dallas Margarita Society

I am really big into philanthropy. If you know me, you know this. I also like when players in the philanthropic world unite socially. One of the biggest charitable events of the year here in Dallas is the black-tie, by-invitation-only, Dallas Margarita Ball* put on by The Dallas Margarita Society. I work and am friends with a member of DMS, so I was invited. Naturally, after securing a sitter for our girls, I fretted quite a bit last year over what to wear and after being there, I had more perspective. Granted, wearing an old bridesmaid dress would have sufficed, actually. Nothing is too opulent or over the top. So, what did I wear? I wore a long black gown from White House Black Market and Don wore a black suit. This is what we looked like:


There were so many gorgeous frocks and gowns. I was more impressed with everyone’s creativity. Dallas really does know how to step it up and step out! As a result, this year, I wanted to try to stay away from black and go with some real color. Well, I didn’t want to commit to a color for long term. I’ve bought plenty of bridesmaid dresses, a few of which I only wore on the wedding day. As a last resort for this year, I was going to pull one of those out and make it work, until I found Rent the Runway. I signed up, logged in, was welcomed with a coupon code, and after browsing their site and marking several items as favorites, I had a stronger idea of what I was going to wear. The next week, I culled it down to a handful of gowns and shared my choices with friends. They each gave me their feedback and I chose a vibrantly colored number. I was unsure if the length would suffice my height, but the best part about RTR is that they allow you a 2nd gown of the same style but a different size. I knew I was keeping my size, but instead, I chose the longer version. Speaking of size, I tend to waver on size and I was scared to death that the gown would not fit!!

I had to wait for a month before the event. During that time, I made sure to exercise and eat right so that I could maintain some semblance of the figure I would need to wear the gown. The day came for delivery. The night before, I had fever and chills and woke up with a ridiculous sore throat. (like I mentioned before) But then I remembered it was delivery day and the giant pile of work I had waiting for me, so I sucked it up and went in to the office. That afternoon, I was welcomed with this delivery!!

Inside were the two gowns on a hanger, each with their own plastic wrap similar to clothes returned from the dry cleaner. Additionally, they were wrapped in a long, vinyl travel bag. Hanging on one of the gowns were instructions for returning my items. Items, because I also rented the bracelet. It was a surprise, because I had the option to add on an accessory for a lower price. Finally, there was a large UPS pre-paid bubble wrapped envelope for me to use to return my rentals. They only requested that each item be placed inside of their plastic wrapping which had the barcoded label.

I tried on the gown and initially, it wouldn't zip up!!!! Plus, I was grateful for the longer choice because the shorter one would have been much too short. When I got home, I told Don of my issue to zip up. This time, I took off my bra (you really can't wear one with this dress) and it zipped right up. I was still able to move and dance with ease, so this was EXCITING!!

Tomorrow night, I will wear a $1500 Carlos Miele “Cerulean Duchess” gown, paired with a $210 Lee Angel “Wrapped in Elegance” bracelet, for way less than 10% of the cost of the gown. I’m not going to have to worry about cleaning the gown, what to wear---fretting about the day before or the day of, and I won’t have another special event frock taking up space in my already limited closet space. I am INCREDIBLY excited!

As for my Beloved…he is stepping it up a notch and we purchased a Calvin Klein tux, with accessories and shoes for 50% off total price (thank you Men's Wearhouse!). Now that I know about RTR, I’m looking for any excuse to rent a nice frock. I already have a couple in mind for upcoming holiday events! Check them out!

*The Dallas Margarita Society, Inc., (d.b.a. Dallas Children’s Charities) was formed in 1977 when a small group of business acquaintances decided to host a holiday party for associates and friends.
The Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization whose goals are twofold.  The first is to provide at-risk Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex children with gifts at Christmas time and the second is to help those community organizations that work with at-risk children throughout the year.
The Dallas Margarita Ball has grown over the years and is now believed to be the largest annual invitation only charity black tie gala in the world, providing gifts for more than 6,800 at-risk children each year.
 

I was not compensated to write this post. I just wanted to share a good idea with all of you. If you click my referral link, you will receive $20 off a $100 rental!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween to all you gorgeous folks! Here’s the daytime costumes:



The Red Queen (The Sugarbean’s costume from her 3rd birthday party) and Princess Juliana: What made those two costumes great is that they came out of our dress up closet. No new sewing for me and no money spent!


Holly Golightly: My version of the main character from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. My friend snapped these photos of me as I had breakfast at Stanley Korshak, while I oogled over suit porn!

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Additionally, I was nominated for a Liebster award! Yaay! Thank you Vanessa with Pretty Little Ivy!
When you receive the award, you post 11 random facts about yourself and answer 11 questions from the person who nominated you. You pass the award onto other blogs (make sure you tell them you nominated them!) and ask them 11 questions. You’re not allowed to nominate the blog who nominated you! (To get the button, right click the picture on my page and save the picture to your computer. You can then upload to your blog.)

11 Random Facts About Me:

1. I once sang the National Anthem at a Minor League baseball game. Oddly enough, I was more nervous about having the right outfit than actually singing.
2. When I was in 6th grade, we went to a professional basketball game and at halftime, the women were asked to go down to shoot free throws. The first 25 to arrive were selected to to participate. My mother and I were among those 50. It was a sold out game and I made my shot, earning a $50 gift card to a local grocery store. When I went to the line, I was a tad bit nervous only because everyone who’d gone before me had yet to make a shot. I fired mine off and swish, made it. I was very proud when the crowd erupted with cheers!
3. I was engaged at a sold out professional baseball game (Rangers v. Yankees). The roar of the crowd cheering faded when he planted a kiss on me after I said yes.
4. I can actually be really shy and nervous. When I get around crowds of people, I give myself a tiny pep talk, take a deep breath and put on a smile. Once I get over that, I’m ok.
5. I don’t like green beans. That’s probably one of the few things in this world that I will refuse to eat, unrelated to my food allergies.
6. Speaking of which, I’m allergic to raw onions, red/green/yellow bell peppers, and raspberries.
7. I’m also allergic to Asiatic lilies…really any lily except for callas.
8. I have highly sensitive skin. I have to use unscented soaps and lotions, as well as laundry detergents. I spray perfume on my clothes. I secretly groan when I’m gifted scented soaps and lotions, and will inevitably re-gift them to others.
9. I CAN use Lush bath bombs without serious issue.
10. I am not a morning person. If you know me, then you know this about me. Likewise, if I miss my window of opportunity to fall asleep at night, I’ll be wired for sound until 2AM, then I’ll pass out.
11. I first had my eyebrows shaped when I was 19 years old by my fellow theater friend. I didn’t realize how much of a difference it made until afterwards. In that moment when I saw myself, I was finally appreciative of my brown eyes. (Thank you Nathan)

11 Questions from Vanessa:

1. What is your favorite movie? I don’t have one favorite. I have my favorite(s): Gladiator, Just Friends, Easy A
2. What is the first thing you would you do if you won the lottery?Sit down, take a deep breath, say a prayer, then open a bottle of champagne, if it were a sizeable amount.
3. What is your favorite holiday memory?Opening gifts with my family, not all of which were wrapped with the same paper and mis-labeled for the wrong person.
4. What book are you reading right now? Who has time to read? *sigh* Technically, it is probably Dinorella, Dinosaurs Wear Underpants, or If I Had a Dragon/Si Yo Tuviera Un Dragon
5. Why did you start blogging?To chronicle my memories for my daughter and then it evolved into recording my life.
6. Where is your ideal place to live?Northern California or Denver if my family lived closer
7. What is your favorite thing to do on a Friday night?Slow dance with my husband in our kitchen while we are cleaning up.
8. If you could have one day to do anything, what would it be?Depends on where I am and what money is available. I do like to take mini-chill days where I will go to the Drybar, treat myself to a nice lunch, go to a movie, then plan some kind of craft.
9. Which chore would you rather do…clean house, do laundry or go grocery shopping? Go grocery shopping, easily!! Love it.
10. Did you think you would have children when you “planned” out your life? If so, how many?Yes. It varied between 2 and 4.
11. What do you look forward to most about Fall?Pumpkin scented candles.

Blogs I’m giving the Liebster Award to:
Henthorn Happies
the (mis)adventures of Jenna
The Pajama Mama
Ciao from Texas!

Health Check Reminder

I process quite a bit by writing. In the past several months when I have had the time, I’ve been doing less writing in this forum, and more writing in actual journals. I wrote quite a bit about what I’m going to talk to you about now on small notecards. Little words of encouragement to myself, just as a reminder to keep myself focused and positive.

I know I have it within myself to teeter along the edge of depression. Quickly things can spiral out of control in my brain and fear upon fear upon worry upon sadness down that long tunnel into darkness. It’s at that point where I can see the world around me going on about its business and I feel like a mannequin in a poorly lit window, watching it all. It sucks. For that reason, I lean on my coping mechanisms. I run. I workout. I cling tightly to my family. I inhale loads and loads of motivational and inspirational quotes. I also cut out negativity. I have to. I purposefully stop watching the news. All that to say, the past couple of weeks, I was walking an emotional tightrope.

Let’s back up. After everything I witnessed with my mother last year, I decided to make a dramatic change in our lifestyle and cut out animals from my diet at the beginning of the year. (I don’t say vegetarian because well, there are so many definitions to that. My thing was, if it has a face, then I didn’t eat it. This included fish.) It was supposed to be a six week experiment that has evolved into a mostly permanent thing. I allow myself to eat something with a face one or two meals a week. To say it was life changing is an understatement. For me, this is what happened:

• I lost 25 pounds.
• I’ve shaved off nearly two minutes from my mile pace (multiple miles).
• I have a waist. <---That one, well, I’m square shaped, normally. I’ve never, in my life, had the abdomen lines on my belly. Not even in college when I was an athlete and my body fat percentage was really low.
• My allergies mostly disappeared. I’m the sneeziest person I know. And yet, here I can breathe again. I still have off days, but I don’t suffer as much as I used to.
• My face is brighter, well, the complexion. I thought some of that had to do with the Costa Rican and Californian sun, but no, it is the diet.

Great, right? Well, I must also admit, I took on that challenge because I wanted to increase the time I had to share with Don. He’s always active, making great food choices, and pushing me to be better. Sometimes, it’s exhausting. Many times it is exhausting. There are times where I just want to lazy around and watch movie marathons, eating tortilla chips dipped in chocolate frosting (or Velveeta) while drinking a Coke. Who, in their right mind, wants to get up before the sun to log 3-6 miles, eat only plants, and drink heavy amounts of water? <raising hand>  Yeah, that’d be me. I can bend time and do more in the day because of those choices. I get to enjoy more of him and more of my girls. I have “cleaner fuel” which lends itself to more physical activity. I run more. I run with the girls more. I run after the girls more. And the running gives me endorphins, which combats that evil depression and kicks it in the pants! It also tightens and tones my legs and works my heart. During my runs, I meditate and pray. I try to send out love and light to the world. I also breathe slowly. Gain perspective and chew on things that I need to sort out. I find myself laughing and smiling more. I still cry, but 7 times out of 10, they are tears of joy. There is no shame in showing emotion.

For a few years now, my Beloved has been having pain in his abdomen area. In June, Don finally acted on that pain in his abdomen and had his gallbladder removed. In it, they found polyps, which we later discovered to be benign. (whew) We also discovered that his gallbladder had only been operating at less than 10% efficiency. Hooray, right? Well, mostly, until August when the pain in his abdomen persisted. It kept hammering at him and hammering at him. That month, several people around me (around our age) were new diagnosed and battling cancer. You can imagine my fears. They were creeping in, gaining a stronghold. I insisted he go in to get it checked. Before we made that appointment, he decided to give the non-animals diet a whirl. His challenge for himself was for two weeks. He lost 10 pounds in those two weeks. His blood pressure became more normalized. However, the pain, it lingered. In he went to a GI specialist.

For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been running around with angst, worry, sadness…knocking on that door of depression. My world with him was in jeopardy. Why? Because when we sat down with the doctor, she told us that he would be undergoing a series of tests. Bloodwork, CT scans, ultrasounds, endoscopy, colonoscopy, and even biopsies..they wanted to rule out everything. At the worst, he could have some type of cancer. At the best, he has a food allergy. Talk about a broad spectrum! Shortly after we heard of the news, we had a road trip to Lubbock. We had 12 dedicated hours in the car to discuss, plan, and prepare. I spent three of those hours quietly sobbing to myself as my beloved lay next to me sleeping, our two blessings in the back slumbering. I prayed and prayed, crested over the canyons in the black of night and was greeted by the most amazing lightning storm I’d ever witnessed. For the next two hours, I focused on each bright burst, attempting to gain as much confidence and reassurance as possible for our own personal storm.
We faced each day, holding hands and embracing. His attitude changed from worry to relaxed. He tried to calm my fears by telling me it was ok. When things got to be too much, I ran. (or jumped or danced or cried) My closest loves held me tightly. Their infectious positivity lighting my mood. Their words of inspiration jumping out from the paper, the screen, my phone, all of them lifting me up. Despite all of that, the day before the “big tests” I curled up into the shower and ugly-cried for the better part of an hour. The biggest thing I lamented about that was all of the water that I had wasted. During that time, I considered the people we met along the way during our journey this summer. I reflected back on genuine and loving conversation from a beautiful man who has been victorious against throat cancer (and he has now become a mentor of sorts and a coveted friend). I remembered the sounds of the ocean lapping up the shores of Costa Rica, where the tiny bit of paradise is littered with trash, but in spite of the garbage, it is lush, thriving, and still very beautiful. I thought of my friends who have had other battles and remained steadfast in grace and positivity. I emerged from that shower, braver and ready for what may come. (We won't even discuss the crazy dreams.)

No matter what.

That’s our motto, mine and my beloved’s. I held his hand, he held mine, each of us taking a deep breath. He the calm and steady one with the sexiest antrum I've ever seen. (ok, it is the only one I've ever seen, but still) Me, the nervous wreck, trying to be as cool and cheerful. Why do I do that? Must be my way of coping.

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Results came back and all is normal! (wiping tears) They had found and removed a polyp, which was non-cancerous. All of the other tissue samples they had taken to perform biopsies came back normal. What they did discover is erosion in his stomach and small intestine. Basically, it’s as if someone took sandpaper to them. The acids in your stomach are so strong that with this weaker lining, you are inviting ulcers, which could eventually lead to worse things like cancer. Because the stomach is near all of the other major organs, this poses an even bigger threat. Now, he has to take a pill to coat his stomach to prevent further erosion and ulcers. Eating better is now essential. Additionally, he will undergo tests for food allergies. To start, they encouraged him to eliminate gluten from his diet.  Changes, indeed, but nothing we’ve not encountered before. 

All that to say, please, please, please go get yourselves checked out if you suspect something. The tiniest bits of changes in your body could be indicators for things far worse. Not knowing is scary, but knowing and having a plan is better, right? That’s where we are. Attempting to live our lives, buying more time, and embracing challenges ahead as happily and as positively as we can…together.