One Truth: Gabe was my first and only

January 24, 2013

My close friends and family already know this One Truth.
As time goes by, I realize how rare this one truth is. I have shared this on other blogs, but have not told the tale here yet. So, for today, we will start with just this…
My husband Gabe was my first and only love. My first everything. Even my first heartbreak! But that’s a story for another day…

That awkward moment…How do we pose? I don’t know you go first…

I had some great guy friends throughout high school and college, but you could say that I wasn’t the average boy crazy gal. I knew enjoying life and becoming my own person was the first step to being in any sort of relationship, and I knew my heart was made to give itself entirely to someone. I didn’t want to have it beat up in the process. So onward I went…

When I met Gabe for the first time in college, he stirred up my whole being. It was not the cliche infatuation or crush…I had many of those. But him…something in my recognized him. It scared the crap out of me so I just ignored that something trying to tell me something, and we just became good friends.

We’ll save the rest of the story for another time because really, you already know the rest of the story. I AM carrying his child and all…:)

Things can be crazy in our life but even when its a tornado Gabe is still my calm. I am convinced without a doubt that God created us for each other. I think you all know how crazy I am about him. Besides, I get to be a total goofball around him, and he makes me laugh like no one else. So just in case you were wondering…it IS possible to fall more in love with your spouse each year…

What about you? Have any One Truth’s to share? You know I love them…:)

CLOSED Giveaway: Mes 2 Petites Etoiles

January 22, 2013

You all know I love to discover new etsy shops, so when Sandy, the designer of Mes 2 Petites Etoiles shared her shop with me, I was swept away by the feminine details of her pieces. I would swoon if my husb gave any of these pieces to me for V-day….just being honest. They have that romantic feel don’t they?

What does Mes 2 Petites Etoiles mean? In English, My Two Little Stars – named after Sandy’s two baby sisters that died over 14 years ago. Quite beautiful isn’t it? Suddenly it all made sense why the pieces were each so delicately made. Appreciative to her for letting me share that cool fact!

Today you can enter to win a $50 credit to Mes 2 Petites Etoiles by entering below. All options are easy to complete through rafflecopter. Best of luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

P.S. If you would like to reserve a giveaway spot for your business, email me for more info. Spots are limited and currently full till mid February.

Bump Styled: 4 months

January 21, 2013

<< Jacket: c/o A-Thread, Vest: c/o Windsor Store, Top and Denim: ON, Heels: Zara (similar), Clutch: Gap, Rhinestone Necklace: c/o Hello Fab, Cable chain Necklace: DIY >>

Its about time I introduce you all to my baby bump. I am looking forward to the challenge of not staying in sweats all day every day. It gets me out of my sleepy state and into action mode.

Thank you….. 4th month of pregnancy,

for the fact that you have kicked away that morning icks, and replaced it with a mild case of energy.

I don’t love the fact that the amount of wearable pants is dwindling by the day, but that’s okay. This just reassures me there is a healthy young tot growing inside.

I also appreciate that you have know given me a nifty little shelf to place things on if I so choose to use it. You are pretty cool so far. I may like you best.

Sincerely, Anna

P.S. I dream of a little brother for Gabriel, so when I saw this clip, it had me drowning in my own tears. What a gift those with special needs are to this world!

Style from Dubai with Amy Fohr

January 18, 2013

1 I asked Amy of Leopard and Lillies to visit today and share a little more about her style with all of you (because obviously, she has got it!). I love the variety of fashion she works into her looks all the way in Dubai! Thank you for being a guest Amy..

Do you go by fashion rules, or tend to create your own?

I am a rule breaker; I love mixing black and navy together, wearing white after Labor Day, and think wearing sequins and glitter is always appropriate.

What would be your top 3 layering tips for the winter months?

Living in Dubai, UAE our temperatures don’t get much cooler than 60 degrees, so thankfully I’m use to lots of light layers. Either tanks and cardigans or button downs and sweaters.

Do you have a current favorite color combination?

Black & Tan, I love the idea of mixing those two colors together.

What is an item you think every girl should have in her closet?

A pair of great fitting, you feel sexy jeans. They can be any fit you feel comfortable in, but must be jeans that make you feel like you can take on the world!!!

How do you gage what pieces work best for your body type?

I’m quiet tall and lanky, so I tend to favor items that have more shape in them otherwise I can look quiet shapeless.

Keep up with Amy Here:

Blog | Twitter | instagram

Happy weekend friends!

Make // Wear .01: DIY Gemstone Bracelets

January 17, 2013

Now before we get into all the Valentine’s Day fun, I wanted to share an easy rainy day bling project to fight away the winter boredom:) Since this is the week to introduce new series, I am going to start labeling my DIY accessories the Make // Wear projects…

Supplies:

Chain (long enough to wrap around your wrist 1-2 x.) – MJTrim or Etsy are great online sources for cable chain.

Gemstone beads – 1 inch wide. You can find these at any craft store. I found mine at an antique market and etsy supply section!

Lobster Clasp

Jump Rings – 10 mm should be fine.

Wire – use the same color of your chain and make sure it is thick wire.

Pliers

Instructions:

1. Measure your chain and divide into two equal lengths. If you are doing a double wrap around divide where it would hit behind your wrist. You can divide chain with a pliers or metal snips.

2. Measure out your wire and loop one end tightly around the end of the chain with your pliers. Place your bead through the wire and tightly cut and wind the other end around the second chain strand.

3. Add your lobster clasp and jump ring using your pliers to bring both chain ends together.

Pretty simple if you have the right supplies. I have a whole set of colors I am dreaming of making. Birthday gift for the year:) If you would like a similar necklace, you can check out the DIY cable necklace set and apply accordingly.

For a full list of DIY projects, visit the thumbnail gallery.

One Truth: Why I can’t have chocolate or alcohol…

January 16, 2013

I love to be real with you all, and tend to write on and on once I finally sit down to do so. I think sharing just one thought at a time might be a cool way to real chat, but also learn from you all as well. What is great about the blogging community and women in general is our ability to support and encourage each other through the good and the bad. So for today, here is one truth!…

I have a stomach condition with a funny name.
As I mentioned before I would write more about this.
I have talked to more people about it, the more I realize there are so many people with undiagnosed stomach problems! Here is a little more about my mine….

Gastritis– an irritated stomach lining caused by anemia or stress (I had both in college). How did I find out I had it? My reaction to even a small glass of wine put me in the ER. I would vomit non-stop for 24 hours and border de-hydration. I felt like I was dying! I was sick the day before my sister Maria’s wedding, the day before my own wedding (over a beer!), and the day before my sister Tricia’s wedding. I thought it was an allergic reaction to alcohol, but when it became the same reaction to all forms of alcohol, I knew something was seriously wrong. The ER told me it was an ulcer.

Fast forward 5 years later, I finally decide to spend the money and get it taken care of. I had a gastroscopy and they told me what I thought would be a curable ulcer was an incurable stomach condition that would require a life long diet of all my favorite things in life...(not exaggerating) No caffein – no chocolate, coffee, or caffeineted tea. No alcohol (I have never been a big drinker, but don’t hold me back from a margarita or a glass of vino!). No garlic, onion, or acid based food. No eating heavy meals late at night, and no fried foods (How can I live without fries??).

To be honest I have cheated on multiple occassions. I am weaning myself off of life’s greatest pleasures. Maybe a little dramatic.. Truth is, there are so many other greater physical sufferings and this is just a small thing I can bear and allow it to strengthen me in virtue, right? 🙂 You can imagine how funny the reactions get when I tell people I cannot drink. They usually assume I am perpetually pregnant or breastfeeding (which is partly true)…

TMI maybe? I share this in hopes that if you or a loved one is having severe reactions to foods, look into it before it does too much damage. My stomach and esophagus were really damaged and I have had to work on re-building them. If I had let it go too long it could have lead to cancer. Scary thought!

So now its your turn! One truth to get to know you better…can be light or steep your choice:)

P.S. Gabe is now suffering from somach problems related to food and drink. Funny how you can develop the same quirks let alone physical ailments in marriage!

Fresh Start: Go Go Gronola with New Contributor!

January 15, 2013

As you all know, I think so highly of my sisters. Each have impacted me in a different way, and each of them have been given their own set of beautiful talents. When I thought about wanting to include some new topics on IHOD, I knew the next best thing to Martha Stewart was my sister Maria. She has this ability to bring life to a meal and every family gathering. My philosophy in the kitchen is usually “Just give me a recipe and I will make it.” I don’t have any creative juices left by the time I need to make dinner. I am sure for many of you it is the same! Maria will be offering some new ideas that will hopefully encourage you to not only try something new, but share it with loved ones. So thankful she will now be a part of the IHOD team! (side note-how amazing is her hair?) Now I will let her take over from here…

Anna, my childhood sister-soulmate, prodded me into sharing my passion for cooking and good recipes on her blog. Well, it didn’t take much before I was thoroughly on board!

Since I can remember, I’ve always had a passion for cooking. Good food is important to me. A good meal can be a catalyst in bringing people together and creating happy memories. So much of life’s greatest moments are centered around a good meal: birthdays, holidays, weddings, and family dinners!

So I share My Food Philosophy: Because the effort to make good food is a gift to those around me, it’s happy memories, togetherness, the living part of life.

January always fills me with great anticipation because it’s a fresh new start to a new year. So with all those resolutions to exercise more, comes my resolve to feel healthy and eat well.
It’s a perfect month to share my favorite healthy breakfast recipe: Go-Go Gronola! Loaded with flaxseed and coconut oil and tweeked to be the BEST homemade batch of gronala you will ever make 🙂

Dry Ingredients:
9 C. of Old Fashioned Oats
1 1/2 C. Ground Flaxseed (Engery Booster!)
1 C. Sliced Almonds
1/2 C. Unsalted Sunflower Seeds
2 C. Sweetened Coconut (or unsweetened if you prefer)
2 pkgs of Dried Cranberries (you could also use raisins, but I’m not a big fan)

Wet Ingredients – Warm in a Pot
3/4 C. Honey
3/4 C. Canola Oil (I substitute with Coconut Oil if I have on hand)
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. Cinnamon
1/2 tsp. Salt

Preheat Oven to 325 degrees. Combine all dry ingredients, EXCEPT cranberries, in large bowl. Pour warmed wet ingredients over granola. Stir until well combined. Divide granola onto two large baking and bake in the oven for 20 minutes, stirring after 10 minutes.
Let cool, stir in dried cranberries.

Makes a good large batch that lasts for weeks. I love it in the morning with vanilla yogurt.
Store in large sealed container and enjoy!

Here’s to your health and happiness in 2013!