This January, I'm trying to do less and relax more. But, that also includes a healthy dose of time at the gym and hearty, healthy and homemade meals by the fire. With NY Strip Steaks on sale every Saturday at The Fresh Market, I can't help but take advantage of the deal and make a variety of salads that fit the bill for January and also satisfy me on weeknights after the gym!
This has been a rough post to start, work on and even get through. I have started, stopped and thought about it for several months now.
My first child came into my life rather quickly. Almost 12 years ago a family friend needed to find one of his two dogs a good home. At the time I was starting to think about getting a dog and my first thought was ‘I wanted a small dog’ but when I heard that he could no longer keep the two together I thought well let’s just see if I could handle a larger pet. She was a pit bull/boxer mix and just over a year old. At the time I was living by myself but my boyfriend (now husband) and I were going to look into getting one together. I told the owner that I would take her for the weekend and see how it went. At first I was concerned that she would be too strong for me to handle. But after two days I could not consider her leaving my home.
She was gentle, well trained and just the sweetest thing I could have ever of imagined.
I quickly fell in love and took her with me everywhere. She loved to sit in front of the heater soak up all the heat and sunbath at the first sign of the sun creeping out, my little heat mongrel. When we first got her she had an ear infection and a few skin problems. Of course we wanted to take as best care of her as we could.
Her skin issues continued and we were recommended to a specialist. Yes, many people thought we were crazy but we just knew that there was more we could do for her. It took a bit of time but we contained her allergic reactions and were able to maintain her allergies through medications. She grew to love her dermatologist, as did we.
She went with us on countless vacations. Fishing trips up north in the eastern Sierra’s, anniversary trip to San Diego and she even joined us on our quick honeymoon getaway to Santa Barbara. Truly everywhere we could take her she went.
When we first bought our home we were so excited to give her a large yard to run around in. She did do her part since we didn’t have a heater for our home she slept with us and was our personal heater to keep us warm.
We loved to take her on bike rides and she savored every second of it. After every meal she came into the living room and would give us her standard roll around on the ground on her back in enjoyment. Get up and do the whole body shake. This was the time of day that my husband and I would come from the other side of the house just to see her do this.
Those were just the small things she did to make our lives that much better. She taught us patience, family strength and more importantly she showed us how important it is to work together as a team for the better of our child. I never could have known when I first laid eyes on her that she would be capable of teaching me and giving so much back to both my husband and I.
Our lives will forever be changed because she was in our life.
November 6th of 2011 was when we first took her in to the doctor and just knew the signs she showed were not good. It took several doctor visits and tests, but was clear she had a form of cancer that was quickly going to take her from us. We did everything we could to ensure that her time left with us was pain free and enjoyed every moment we could with her.
I am writing this to be able to share her life. To let others including my future human children know that creatures of all shapes and forms can not only make an impact but mold our lives in ways we could never have imagined.
Soy, mine and my husband first child together will always have such a special place in our hearts and souls.
We love you Soy. You touched us, kept us strong and encouraged us to be better people. Till we meet again Linny.
I spent 6 day 3 days in London 3 days in Paris, what did I do? Run!
I tried to get in as much as I possibly could in such a short time frame in each city, but I did fairly well! I was and am lucky enough to have friends in both cities so did not have to worry about lodging which was a huge plus. Except for not knowing how to use my friends key in London and having to wait until her boyfriend came so he could show my how to use the stupid thing, I had no problems with my visits other than that.
Tried to see if I could get a chance to see a live changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace but had to settle for a tour through the palace instead, yes rough time indeed! Truly stunning in every detail. They were also exhibiting a select few of the Queens dresses which were just works of art in themselves. I was able to go through the exact hall where all banquets and parties have been held in this beautiful palace.
Of course I had to have a pint with fish and chips. Yes, a very touristy thing to do but was fun none the less. Another item I could check off my bucket list. Was able to ride a double decker bus, mini scary when your on the second level and the bus driver drove it like a mini cooper! Many more things to do in London but when my friend said ‘Let’s go to Paris!’ how could I refuse?
We took the train just a short ride away and was more than impressed with the beauty/charm/dirty city that it is Paris. Yes, I said dirty, but I loved every part of it! This city should be on every travelers list of places to go. I guess my love for art and all that it stands for makes this city even better in my eyes. One can be inspired by every thing your eye’s touch. It’s not hard to see why people say they fall in love with this place. How could you not?
I tried to fit in as many museums as I could and brought back more books than any other type of souvenir. Yes, books! Books I realize my not have been the best idea since it was a very heavy suitcase on the way back but I will cherish every page.
In the meantime I will cherish the photos that I do have, unfortunately I somehow lost a ton of the photos off my SD card. Another lesson in backing up everything you can people. Now I do this religiously. Hence the post so that I will never loose them here 
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Gotta share a blog I was featured in, buying a rare Keith Haring bathing suit at one of my favorite boutique shops. Always scope the cool cat finds here.
TRIBAL AMULET $119
with Smokey Citrine Quartz and Sea Shell for Energy Clearing, Grounding, Abundance, Root Chakra, Solar Plexus Chakra
For more pics click on the links below:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/151852878/tribal-amulet-with-smokey-citrine-quartz?ref=shop_home_active
Tribal amulet for energy clearing, grounding, abundance, and more… a handmade adorable piece of vibrational energy don’t you think?
Crystal Length with Shell: 1 3/8”
Pendant Length Total: 2 2/8”
Chain Length: 28”
I’m so confident in this dish that I can almost guarantee any brussels sprout haters will leave your table loving brussels sprouts. They’re in season and a great addition to any dinner. With Thanksgiving around the corner, you’ll have time to do a trial run with this dish so you can whip it up, no problem, when it’ll count most. I also learned, as I was typing this entry, that it’s brussels with an “s.” Up until now, I’ve been saying and writing “brussel” sprouts.
I first started my computing life familiar with Apple but for several years worked soley with PCs. Apple started to create the most intriguing designs. I knew then that they were headed down a different path then the PC world.
I would never had imagined what an impact that Apple products would have on my life. My first apple laptop the iBook G4 kept me going for eight years, and for those familiar with computers that is a long time! Of course had to have the device that started the hype, an iPod!! Which I still have (not sure if I will ever fill that thing up)
Held off on the iPhone, not quite sure why I held off for so long, but the iPhone 4 it’s self changed my life!!
Saved my pennies for the master of upgrades, an Apple desktop. Every computer should work as efficiently as my wonderful desktop.
So of course the iPad would be a must have since my now old laptop is being retired. I love this tool more and more each day.
It is amazing to think that in such a quick amount of time our lives could be changed by advancement not all by one man but people whom wanted more, wanted to push the boundaries.
Thank you Steve. Thank you Apple. Thank you to all the crazy ones. With out you I would not be inspired and have the drive to keep pushed the limits never give up and always be learning.
Wonderful display of music, goodheartedness, pride, and strength to give us on on this day. So many lives taken, changed, forever impacted in a matter of minutes. We as humans know and feel this. Thankfully humanity prevails and strengthens because of it. Proud as always to be an American, in our now global nation.
I share with you the latest designs I have come up with using one common piece. This is a great example of looking at anything and finding a few ways of making it your own and original no matter what you are working with. 
Growing up I was always able to enjoy the luxury of going to the mall and shopping at the Claire’s Boutique store. Most of you reading this are probably women and incase you are that occasional man, this is a ‘cheap’ accessory shop for women.
Ok, ok so yes, not the best of places to purchase from, but hey when your a kid and low on cash you need to compromise.
But as I grew older my skin could not take the fake metals and plastic pieces from my go to accessories shops. With all my travels to the fabulous downtown Los Angeles I began my jewelry endeavors!
Starting with beads I quickly taught myself to wire wrap and create original designs. Then I upgraded to the Swarovski crystal world and just fell in love with the possibilities.
Realizing that not all metals were created equal I found a metal smithing class and truly fell in love with this output of creativity. Working with beads, stones, tools have more than expanded my skills in jewelry design.
