August 20, 2013

30 Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know by the Time She’s 30

My 30th Birthday Cake! Red Velvet from Sweet Surrender - Bakersfield, CA


In honor of my 30th birthday (August 11th - woohoo happy belated birthday to me!!), I am re-posting a story that was first featured in Glamour Magazine in 1997 called “30 Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know by the Time She’s 30.”

If you’re already 30, can you check-off most of these…?


By 30, you should have…

1. One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you've come.

2. A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.

3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.

4. A purse, a suitcase, and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying.

5. A youth you’re content to move beyond.

6. A past juicy enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age.

7. The realization that you are actually going to have an old age — and some money set aside to help fund it.

8. An email address, a voice mailbox, and a bank account — all of which nobody has access to but you.

9. A resume that is not even the slightest bit padded.

10. One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.

11. A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra.

12. Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it.

13. The belief that you deserve it.

14. A skin-care regimen, an exercise routine, and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don’t get better with age.

15. A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship, and all those other facets of life that do get better.

By 30, you should know…

1. How to fall in love without losing yourself.

2. How you feel about having kids.

3. How to quit a job, break-up with a man, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship.

4. When to try harder and when to walk away.

5. How to kiss in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn’t like to happen next.

6. The names of the Secretary of State, your great-grandmothers, and the best tailor in town.

7. How to live alone, even if you don’t like to.

8. Where to go — be it your best friend’s kitchen table or a yoga mat — when your soul needs soothing.

9. That you can’t change the length of your legs, the width of your hips, or the nature of your parents.

10. That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it’s over.

11. What you would and wouldn’t do for money or love.

12. That nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs, or not flossing for very long.

13. Who you can trust, who you can’t, and why you shouldn’t take it personally.

14. Not to apologize for something that isn’t your fault.

15. Why they say life begins at 30.

May 6, 2013

*******SIGH*******

My life has been filled with so many ups and downs, left- and right-turns. Eventually leading me in directions I never thought I would go in. And I'm learning - it's great! Right now my life is completing a turn that I never expected. I never imagined. I'm just taking it all in with a smile and loving it! Has that ever happened to you? Something so unexpected, so out of the blue... and then you sit there and just find yourself smiling over it!! 

*******sigh******* 

Wow, life can be so unexpected sometimes, but so great!! 
It's true - seize the day! Carpe diem! Live every minute, love every moment! 
That's what I'm doing. I'm letting it all flow on its own and it's flowing beautifully and smoothly. 

THANK YOU GOD!! YOUR WORKS, MERCY & LOVE ARE AMAZING!!

God, YOU are amazing!!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo


February 1, 2013

Living With Heart Disease - My Story


As many of you may know, I have complex congenital heart disease - I was born with heart disease, it is not something that developed in me later in life. One of my first treatment procedures was a Cardiac Catherization through my groin/femoral vein area to enable the doctors to administer medication and take cardiovascular measurements; I was about 2 months old. This prepared me for my open-heart surgery - a Fontan Procedure - when I was about 2 years old. When they say "open-heart surgery" they really mean it - I have a scar from under my collar bone down my chest and another scar across the left side of my chest to my left underarm. I LOVE my scars, they are a constant reminder of my journey! The surgery was a huge success! I'm on life-long medication - Digoxin - and still have a heart murmur/atrial flutter and some limitations, most of which I have come to accept. (I can't participate in sports like I would have liked to, I have to limit my exercise/workouts, I have to read every single label on every medication - even over-the-counter cold medicine, pain relievers, etc. - I shouldn't get on roller coasters (oops!), I can't go to a dentist without first taking a handful of prescription antibiotics, the list goes on...). The one "limitation" I have had the hardest time coming to terms with is the fact that I will not have children of my own - it's a huge life-threatening risk for me to be pregnant and have children. I have known about this since a very young age and I have never allowed myself to get joyous at the thought of one day becoming a mother, because I know it's just not something I can do (biologically, physically, personally). But I won't lie to you, I still get very emotional about it from time to time and cry - a lot. But I know that God has something great planned for me... ;)

Since day one I have been on a check-up schedule which involves electrocardiograms, cardiac stress tests, holter monitoring and echocardiograms. I had a huge scare in April 1999 and was rushed to the ER and later to the UCLA Medical Center for a few days to undergo specialized testing, but thankfully did not need to undergo another surgery. 

All in all, I am very lucky, very blessed! I share my story & my scars proudly! This is something that makes me who I am. I know I went through a lot, and so did my family - especially my parents. They have been by my side every step of the way, every day, every moment. Knowing what I have endured and knowing that it could have been a lot worse makes me very thankful to God and appreciative of this beautiful life I have been blessed with. 

Yes, I live with heart disease since birth. Yes, I have had open-heart surgery. Yes, I'm on medication. Yes, I have limitations. But... I am alive!! I am thriving!! I am BLESSED & THANKFUL!! 


Never be ashamed of sharing your story. You may be the one person that makes a difference for someone else. 


My February 2010 interview with Bakersfield Magazine for their "Ladies In Red" Go Red issue.

xo

Learn the facts of heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States.

American Heart Association

Get educated. Get tested. Raise awareness. 
Wear RED February 1st - National Wear Red Day


January 5, 2013

Hello 2013 xo

Hello 2013, I welcome you with arms wide open and a smile on my face... and a few resolutions, promises, intentions, goals.......

  • grow, spiritually... more prayer, fasting, bible studying, devotionals

  • take a vocal or piano class, possibly both

  • workout and/or run a minimum of 4 times each week

  • reach my ideal/goal weight no later than my 30th birthday (August 11th), aahhhh!!

  • participate in a 5k or 10k run

  • eat much, much, much healthier

  • participate with a charity (giving out meals for a holiday, visit orphans, donate toys to a children's hospital, etc) - anything, just help a charity!!

  • go horseback riding

  • grow my career

  • finally get my passport - and use it - travel!!

  • blog more often :)


  • I'm sure there are many more things I would like to do this year that will come to mind later. What about you, do you have any new year resolutions?

    Happy New Year, 2013!! xo

    January 4, 2013

    Goodbye 2012

    It feels like if in a blink of an eye 2012 came and left! Am I the only one that feels that way?! 2012 was full of many ups and downs for me. 

    The biggest "down" was definitely the loss of my maternal grandmother, Guadalupe Salgado, on March 16th. This was one of the most difficult experiences I have had in my life. I have previously lost a few other loved ones, but losing my grandma was by far the hardest. I love my mother with all of my heart, and knowing that she had now lost her mother was just so difficult for me to accept. It was a pain like no other I have ever felt. But we know, by faith, that grandma went in peace and is no longer suffering any pain or illness. We sit around and talk about her a lot, sharing stories, memories and photos. Those moments are beautiful and I cherish them. 


    An "up" that occurred for me in 2012 was the move from Arvin to Bakersfield, finally! On August 24th, the very day that marked 10 years living in Arvin, we got the keys to our new house in Bakersfield. I am now only 7 minutes away from my office, instead of 35 like I was when I lived in Arvin. I am closer to all of the shopping, a beautiful park, my friends... and believe it or not, it feels like this move has brought my family even closer together. We have had a few "family sleep-overs" in the new house now; so much fun!!



    And speaking of family, 2012 brought us the addition of two new family members: Daniel Baltazar Leyva, born July 2nd to my youngest sister, Maria and her husband Baltazar. Three weeks later, on July 24th, we welcomed "A.J." Arthur Jacob Ruiz, born to my younger sister, Alma.  They are both so precious, adorable and oh so cute!
    Here they are, doing "baby yoga"!! :)



    We ended the year celebrating all of the holidays in our new home. 



    Goodbye 2012!! You'll live on in the memories you left behind... xo

    April 26, 2012

    God's Love Is Unconditional

    There are no words that can begin to describe the love that I have for my Lord Jesus Christ. His love for me has been unconditional. His care of me has been overwhelming. He has never abandoned me nor forsaken me. He has always been by my side. And in the moments in which I have most needed Him, He has taken me in His arms and carried me through the fire, through the storm. They say that every storm passes, that every tunnel has a light. All I can say is that through God, I have found that to be true. The sun does shine the next day! The storm does pass! You do see the light at the end of the dark and sometimes scary tunnel! And our strength renews! Thank you Jesus! Though others may have failed me from time to time, you never have. Friendships have come and gone, but you have remained faithful to me. Love has begun and ended, but your love has been true from the beginning. Though I can't see you, I know you're here, I can feel your presence, I can hear you speak to me. I know you listen to me and you know my every want, need and desire. You live in my heart and therefore you know my heart. You know me! You love me! And I love you! Thank you Jesus for all that you are and all that you have done. I praise you! Amen!

    January 4, 2012

    Happy New Year 2012

    As I have been saying for a while now - time is flying by! With a blink of an eye, 2011 came and went!! We now have welcomed a new year, a new clean slate - 2012 is here!! What are your goals, plans or resolutions for this new year? I will be making a list of mine and will be posting them in the next few days. I was able to enjoy some new experiences in 2011 and I just know that 2012 will bring many more. I am confident that this year is going to be a great blessing; it already has given me a few great days! I look forward to this new year and all that it brings... I am anxiously awaiting all of the wonderful blessings with arms wide open. Cheers to a great 2012 filled with blessings of every kind - spiritual, financial, emotional, physical, etc. Blessings!! xoxo

    September 9, 2011

    A Broken Heart? - Living With Heart Disease

    As many of you may know, I'm a very thankful heart disease survivor. I have lived with heart disease all of my life, since my condition is congenital, meaning I was born with it. One of my first treatment procedures was a Cardiac Catherization through my groin/femoral vein area to enable the doctors to administer medication and take cardiovascular measurements; I was about 2 months old. This was then followed by open-heart surgery, specifically a Fontan Procedure, when I was about 2 years old. I have been on medication all of my life - Digoxin - and have some limitations, most of which I have come to accept. I'm on an annual check-up schedule which involves electrocardiograms, cardiac stress tests, holter monitoring and echocardiograms. I had a huge scare in April 1999 and was rushed to the ER and later UCLA for a couple of days to undergo specialized testing but thankfully did not need to undergo another surgery. All in all, I am very lucky, very blessed! I share my story & my scars proudly! This is something I have come to terms with and it makes me who I am. I know I went through a lot, and so did my family, especially my parents. Watching the movie John Q was a very emotional moment for me; I was watching it with my parents one night and they were telling me stories of everything we went through when I was younger, and the fact that they could relate to the parents in the movie; I was crying throughout the entire movie! 

    Knowing what I have endured and knowing that it could have been a lot worse makes me very thankful to God and appreciative of this beautiful life I have been blessed with. 

    I recently met a family with a 10-year old boy named Johnny. He, too, was born with heart disease. His story differs from mine in that he's already undergone 5 surgeries, the last one being in 2009. I met him soon after that and the scars across his little chest were so new. I showed him my scars and told him he would heal, grow and be able to live a near-normal life just as I have. This little boy smiled from ear-to-ear. I have shared my story many times, but that time was different. It was special. It was gratifying. I gave him hope. I helped him smile! And now here we are, 2 years later, and little Johnny is facing the possibility of yet another surgery, which will make it 6 surgeries by the age of 10. It breaks my heart! My family and I went to see him & his family last night, we talked to them, tried to comfort them and we ended with a beautiful prayer for healing & protection. Seeing little Johnny scared, nervous, sad... and his parents the same way, just touched my heart so much and took over my emotions. I know what he's going through, but only to a certain degree. I was too young to know what was going on. I don't remember any of it. I don't remember being scared. I don't remember understanding. Here he is, 10 years old, knowing what it all means. Knowing what it involves. He understands the reality of it. Scared. Nervous. Sad. Crying. And all of that makes it even harder on his parents. They know he's scared. They know he's sad. 

    Seeing this family last night and sharing with them just made me realize once again how truly blessed I am. Yes, I live with heart disease since birth. Yes, I have had open-heart surgery. Yes, I'm on medication. Yes, I have limitations. But I wasn't scared. I wasn't nervous. I wasn't sad... I didn't understand; I didn't know. All-in-all, I AM BLESSED & THANKFUL!! 

    And once again, talking to him & relating to him to some degree was just so powerful. You should never be ashamed of sharing your story. You may be the one person that makes a difference for someone else. 

    XOXO


    Learn the facts of heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States.

    American Heart Association


    Get educated. Get tested.


     

    July 28, 2011

    Coming Up...


    Wow, so much has happened since the last post!

    Here are some posts I'm working on...

    • Career Changes
    • A Better Spiritual Life
    • New Roommate
    • New-found Love?
    Be back soon.... :)

    November 17, 2010

    The Breakup :)

    I haven't posted anything new since...January!! And boy have things changed!!

    To start off... I am now single!! Well, okay, if we're being honest... I'm not quite single yet, at least not legally!! (Will I be "single" or "divorced"??) Well, I prefer the term "SINGLE" :)


    After 5 years of marriage, what's-his-name and I separated earlier this year and have since then filed for divorce. I have no hard feelings...anymore...but I just don't want to type out his name! lol. Anyway... I will keep the details to myself. My immediate family and some friends that were around me when this all happened know all the details. And if you ask me, I will tell you; I just don't want to make it public notice to the world. We separated just days before our 5-year wedding anniversary! That was a very rough time for me! :( I admit, I cried A LOT. But I did not let myself fall into depression...and neither did my family! I thank God every day for my parents and siblings that were there to pick me up when I needed them the most! Love you!! :)

    I have great friends that have been there for me and I love them for that. Some have been there for me when I most needed it, without them knowing they were making a difference at all! When I most needed a pick-me-up, a good laugh, my phone would ring, or a text message would come across...and it always made things so much better! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

    Let me tell you, that saying "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger"...really is true!! There were many dark days, but in the end of it all, the sun does finally shine again! =)

    Things are so much better for me now! I have a new-found freedom; a new job; new car (not the car of my dreams, but a new car still); great friends; new friends; renewed faith in God; a bigger, more genuine smile; new hope; and a brighter future!! :D

    When people would say that they were happier or much better off after a divorce, I thought they were crazy, they must be lying to cover up the truth! But now I understand! It's a very tough situation to go through... but you can come out a stronger and better person in the end. And I believe that's what has happened to me. Everything happens for a reason. Everything.

    So, cheers to change...happiness...peace...love...and the future!!

    January 14, 2010

    SCAM ALERT!!

    Here is a very informative blog post I just read on Brooke Burke's website .. it is written by Brooke Burke herself and I thought I should share it! Please be careful when answering your door! And please be careful when being charitable!

    =============================

    SCAM ALERT!
    Posted 1/12/2010 9:52 AM PST
    “May none of us open our hands in need this year, but offer it only in friendship.”

    Crazy story to share. I want to give everyone a heads up. Can’t believe it happened at my house!

    David and I went to a friend’s house for dinner the other night and she was a bit spooked when we rang the gate bell. She began to tell us the story of a young man that paid her a visit that afternoon…

    “A 20 something yr old boy rang our bell, the gate was open so he came to the door.” He said, “My grandmother lives just down the street and I have just come from your neighbor’s home, Mrs. Levy. He said I should stop by. My sports league has just won our tournament and we are trying to raise money to pay for our trip and championship uniforms. We are asking and hoping for any contributions you may be willing to give.”

    My friend called for her husband, and was happy to write a check (she is very charitable), but her husband wanted more info.

    He did not recognize the boy’s grandmother’s name. He asked him what the name of his money raising org was. He stepped away for a moment with the info to check online to verify it. He found nothing. Then he began to drill the boy for anything credible before he contributed…

    “Quality Subscriptions Inc is the name of our group, Sir” said the polite young man.

    “Just give me a moment,” my friend said to the boy.

    He Googled that name and what he found was FRAUD SCAM!!! www.complaintsboard.com

    “You better leave our neighborhood immediately before we call the police!” said my friend’s husband.

    The boy left immediately and they followed him in their car to be sure he kept going and stopped at no other homes.

    Wednesday, my doorbell rang…. I answered by phone from my bedroom.

    “Hi, my name is Bill, my grandmother lives in the yellow house on the corner, I have just come from your neighbor’s house next door (she happily wrote him a check btw) and she suggested that I stop by. My baseball team just placed first in our league….could you come down so I can speak to you on person please, so I can explain?”

    OMG, I thought! I quickly called David so he could handle it, we already knew the drill, but it was still so creepy. He had the fake southern accent that I remember my girlfriend imitated.

    David answered the door. He strongly demanded, “What is your name?!?, Your last name?!? Which house does your grandmother live in?!? What is her name?!?”

    The boy stuttered and had no accurate info.

    David told him to leave our neighborhood, never come back and that he was calling the cops.

    The boy ran off without a word! I spoke to my neighbors and they quickly began cancelling the checks they had written. The stories and pitch that this organization is using is compelling, convincing and backed with neighborhood details.

    We were on our way out and saw the boy after he left our neighborhood. He was taking pictures on his phone of people’s car license plates. Who knows what he was up to and capable of. DO NOT answer your door for anyone! Even the boy in uniform with a great story…

    People are desperate and will do anything to make money these days. It’s scary, but you have to be more aware than ever. Be careful of the sales scams. Ask a lot of questions and then go online in one minute and verify an organization. If the person is legit, they won’t mind waiting for 2 minutes while you check.

    I am telling this story to open everyone’s eyes. If my girlfriend, who lives across town btw hadn’t shared with me, I would not have been prepared when the scam came to my house. This group is crossing the nation and we should all be aware.

    January 5, 2010

    Christmas 2009

    This year went by so fast; Christmas has already come and gone. This year, we celebrated Christmas at my sister Alma’s house. It was a ton of people! We took lots of pictures, of course! And we had lots of presents, of course! I was in two gift exchanges, one with my extended maternal family and one with my immediate family. From my extended family I got a blouse and a coat… which I am exchanging, LOL. From my immediate family I got a coat, which I’m also exchanging, but only because it’s too big on me! My parents also gave me a coat… so pretty, dark gray!

    Here are some photos from Christmas 2009…















    Blast From The Past!

    I just had to post this…

    Here is a picture of me and a great friend of mine (Silvia Lopez), with a classmate. This is when we were in 6th grade, so when we were about 11-12 years old. This is too funny! Look at my crazy hair! The bangs! OMG!! Look at those dark bushy eyebrows!! Hahaha. This is so hilarious!!

    Tristan, Me, Silvia



    Thank you, Silvia, for the photo!!

    Nasty Flu Season!

    As we all know, this year’s flu season hit hard! It was very devastating, to say the least. Many people became sick, hospitalized and even killed by the flu. I hope you all took and are still taking preventive measures against the flu. But even then, the flu may still hit hard. I am one that likes to be clean, wash and sanitize my hands, cover my mouth when I cough and sneeze. I never cough or sneeze in the direction of anyone else, because frankly, I hate when others do it! But even then, I was directly hit very hard with the flu this year. I have in the past gotten a slight fever, body aches and chills, but never anything like this year. It was late September, a Sunday evening. I remember telling my husband and my mother that I felt like I was coming down with something, like I was getting sick. And sure enough, the next morning I couldn’t get out of bed for work. I felt so weak and the body aches were starting to take over. As Monday progressed, I felt worse and worse. I was so tired, so weak, and had lost all sense of appetite. The fever would come and go, causing me to break out in chills and hot flashes. One minute I was hot and sweating, wanting to take off everything, the next minute I was freezing, shivering, looking for something to cover myself with, and so it went on. Then the worse started to happen. It was late Monday evening and I started to vomit. Anything and everything was making me puke till it hurt. I had nothing in my system and yet, I was still puking. It was the worst feeling ever! And it only got worse. I couldn’t sleep that night, from the fever sweats and chills, mixed with the vomiting and the body aches. It was the worst flu I had ever gotten! Tuesday was horrible, lying on the couch all day, vomiting anytime I tried to reposition myself. Any type of movement made me sick. Fever, body aches, vomit, weight loss… and sadness all overpowered me. I was a mess! Wednesday was worse, again. Thursday morning I somehow got the strength to take a hot shower. It felt so good! I thought, maybe this is what I needed. Suddenly I had to get out of the shower, quick. I had not eaten anything since Sunday evening, so I was as weak as you can get! I felt like I was going to pass out in the shower and no one would hear me because of the noise of the running water. I was so scared. I wrapped my towel around me, got out into the living room and just sat on the couch. I was trembling, shaking of weakness. I was so scared. My mother walked into the living room and told me I looked so bad, it was time to go to the hospital. I put on some pajamas and my brother and my mother drove me to urgent care. My fever was very high, I was very dehydrated, I was very tired with little to no sleep in the last 4 days and I had nothing to eat in those 4 days either. They weighed me, I had lost 8 pounds. Right away, they took me into another room where they hooked me up to an IV machine to replenish the vitamins, minerals, electrolytes and hydration I had lost. I was there, hooked up to the machine with a fast drip for over an hour. They gave me pain medicine because my stomach was hurting so bad from all the vomiting. I also got medicine to coat my stomach from any acidity that was causing the vomiting. All was intravenous. I was given a few prescription medicines that would help calm the fever, the vomiting, the pain and help me get some sleep. I was ordered off of work until the following week. I was finally able to walk on my own, and did not vomit once after that! I was well on my way to getting better! FINALLY!! I was able to get some sleep as well!! I was starting to feel better, though still a little weak. But a few days later, I felt healthier than I had ever felt! Every ounce of sickness was gone, out of my system. It was like a system flush. I felt so good, so healthy. But I do not wish what I went through to anyone. I don’t care if people say that it’s a fast way to lose weight, it was horrible! I pray that I never become that sick again! It was the worst time of my life! I’m so glad it’s over… and I’m feeling much better now. Be careful out there, and don’t get too close to anyone who is sick! :)

    December 28, 2009

    Coming up...

    I have been so busy and so out of it lately, that I just noticed that I have not blogged recently. Bummer.
    Here are a few blogs I'm working on:
    -My New Year's Resolutions list
    -Christmas
    -Shopping
    -Reading update
    Until then.... :)

    September 22, 2009

    Guilty Pleasure: Television! Fall Schedule





    Today is the first official day of Fall!! And with that in mind, I decided to put my list together of the Fall television prime-time lineup that I am so looking forward to! I have listed my favorite shows that I have watched year after year, some that I have recently become a fan of, and new shows that I look forward to watching. Now keep in mind that just because I have listed them does not mean that I have all this free time and I just sit around watching TV... sometimes I miss an episode here or there, or I catch the rerun or the full online episode. Also, some nights have more than one show on at the same time which means I either switch back and forth between the two or decide on one and catch the rerun or online episode of the other at a later time. With that said, here we go...

    Monday:
    Dancing With The Stars, ABC 8pm
    The Rachel Zoe Project, BRAVO 10pm

    Tuesday
    :
    The Biggest Loser, NBC 8pm
    Dancing With The Stars Results, ABC 8pm
    90210, CW 8pm
    Melrose Place (new), CW 9pm

    Wednesday:

    America's Next Top Model, CW 8pm
    Cougar Town (new), ABC 9:30

    Thursday
    :
    The Office, NBC 9pm
    Grey's Anatomy, ABC 9pm
    Real Housewives of Atlanta, BRAVO 10pm
    Project Runway, LIFETIME 10pm
    Ace of Cakes, FOOD 10pm

    Friday
    :
    Ugly Betty, ABC 8pm

    Saturday:

    nothing specific except maybe reruns if I happen to catch them on the TV guide

    Sunday:

    Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, ABC 8pm
    Desperate Housewives, ABC 9pm
    Kourtney & Khloe Take Miami, E! 10pm

    Other shows that I like to watch:
    The Jay Leno Show (new), NBC Monday-Friday 10pm
    Chelsea Lately, E! Monday-Friday 11pm
    House Hunters, HGTV Monday-Friday 8pm







    What are your favorite television shows?

    September 16, 2009

    Hair Essentials

    I recently walked into a beauty supply shop, that was right next door to where I was having lunch that day. I was browsing around, simply to kill time during my lunch hour, with no intention of purchasing anything. Well, the sales person knows how to sell because I walked out with a new curling iron... the Hot Tools Pink Titanium curling iron.... which I love! ... and I also purchased this hair oil that I had never even heard of, but was totally pushed to buy, by the sales rep... it's called MoroccanOil. I got home later that evening and put both items in my hair tools bin, not even thinking about them. A few days later I remembered that I had purchased a new hair oil that I had not yet used... so I decided to wash my hair that day and try it on for size! The directions are to apply a small amount to the palm of your hand and work into your damp hair, then style as usual. I did just that. And I fell in love! I could not believe how wonderful this oil was! It not only smells great, it also seemed to have cut my blow-drying time by a few minutes, and my straightener (CHI) seems to be doing a much better job now as well! My hair now feels so much smoother, silkier, shinier, glossier... everything I love my hair to be! I am so glad I bought this MoroccanOil and I know that it will be something that I continue to use and buy for years to come! Go to their website and check out all of their products. I know you will love them! And as for the curling iron, I have been using Hot Tools for years, so I knew it was going to be a great curling iron! And I just love the color!! =) I love finding new hair products... my hair is something I love to take care of and help it look its best... it is a woman's glory!! :)


    September 11, 2009

    CG LashBlast & Basis Face Wash

    I usually don't write about this kind of thing... but I just have to share it with everyone! I recently gave in and purchased a new mascara, I had been using Maybelline for years! I bought Cover Girl LashBlast... and I love it!! My lashes look longer and more curled with just one coat of this mascara! I guess it's the new application brush... it's made out of some type of plastic... so different from the application brush I had been using all these past years! And this is the first time I actually like a mascara that is not waterproof! I love it!! I had been using waterproof mascara for ever... and my lashes would fall out when I would use my make-up remover! No more! This mascara stays put all day long, yet it's so easy to take off at night without having to use some fancy eye make-up remover! And speaking of which, I just discovered this inexpensive face wash that I fell in love with the first time I used it! I recently stayed at a co-workers house and when I showered I forgot to take in my face-wash with me, so I used the one that was in the shower... and I loved it! I loved it so much that I went out looking for it and bought it right away! It's called basis cleaner clean face wash... it is so easy to use! Just wet your face, apply a small amount on your hand and apply it to your face, all over. It removes all make-up, oil, dirt, build-up, and leaves your face/skin feeling super clean! Honestly, I would not be telling you about a product if I did not honestly use it and love it!! =)

    I hope you have a chance to try these products. And if you do, share what you thought about them with me. Are there any new products you have tried and want to share about them? Let me know!!


    August 18, 2009

    Busy, Busy, Busy!!

    O-M-G!! I have been so busy lately! It's not even funny!
    • I work full-time at the radio station office, and besides my normal job duties, I have been recording quite a few commercials lately. I go in to record one and they ask me to stay and record a few more! But I have to admit, them asking me to record radio commercials is flattering in its own way! lol
    • I then go home and continue working on my contract-basis job that I have, transcribing, translating & typing court reports - very rewarding, financially!
    • I go to church a few times a week
    • I organize the kid's lessons for church since I am the "teacher"
    • and to top it all off, I am trying to get away this weekend with my husband, whom I have not seen in a couple of weeks because he has been working out of town!!
    I just pray for time, patience and organization!! lol :) I hope I can do everything I have to do this weekend and not leave anything undone, cause then I won't be able to relax and enjoy my weekend at the coast! ugh.

    Are you busy? What are you up to these days? :)



    August 5, 2009

    No Soda!!

    Okay, so far the past few weeks my brother, RJ, has cut out soda from his life and replaced it with water, orange juice, etc. In the matter of about 3 weeks he has lost 14 lbs!! So I finally said to myself, um, why not try cutting out soda?? So I did!! I did not have one drop of soda at all last week, Monday-Friday (I had one ice cold Coke on Saturday and one during a bbq on Sunday) and lost a little over 2 lbs!! TWO POUNDS!! All from cutting out soda for a few days!! So I'm back at it again... NO SODA for me!!


    I think that leaving the soda behind and losing a few pounds by doing so is totally worth it! Don't you? So, I know I have asked you to join me on pledging to become a vegetarian for 30 days, now I am asking you to join me in cutting out soda from your diet. This is all about living a long, healthy, happy life!

    So CHEERS (with a glass of ice cold water) to you & your health!! :)


    P.S. my favorite bottled waters are: Dasani, Aquafina, & Fiji
    (Arrowhead has a bad after-taste. If you drink Arrowhead water and have never noticed it, take a drink of it and "savor" it, pay attention to the taste and will you notice the bad after-taste! Sorry, I just had to share that!)