I'm Back

Hey Blogging World, I know its been a while since I have actually done a new blog. There has been a lot going on in my life. between a breakup, family drama, work and the Holidays I have just fallen off the writing wagon.

Guess What..... I"M BACK!!! I miss just sitting down and writing and sharing my pictures. I am trying to get back to me and who I am without always having to feel like I need to please everyone around me. I am going to mark my calendar each week and hope to write a new blog anywhere between Wednesday's and Saturday's until I can just be consistent with one day a week for writing.

Blogging has always allowed me to just let my words flow and escape into my safe and comfortable space. I'm going to try and make the effort to get out of the house and blog in new places.. That coffee shop I love down the street, or the Lighthouse that has my heart and the benches I can relax on while writing. I am excited for the coming year of 2017 and adding more to my list of adventurous to do's!!

Until next week Blog....

Happy Friday Yall xoxo

Labor Day Fun

This past Monday was Labor day and it was spent in the company of some amazing people and catered by an amazing woman. 

Brenda is an amazing cook and baker, the word was out that she was hosting for Labor Day and there was no amount of twisting that would keep me away. On Sunday September 4, 2016 the Sweetie B's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/sweetiebs95060/) posted the following update:

"Corm=shucked, skirt steak=marinating. Bleu cheese and shallot butter=chilling, broccoli slaw-in the fridge gettin happy, white chocolate and macadamia cookies=cooling. Tomorrow I add in guacamole, queso, hummus, chips, veggies, iced tea, ice water with cucumber and lemon, garlic bread and possible triple vanilla cupcakes (vanilla cupcakes filled with Vanilla mouse and topped with Vanilla bean buttercream).

Epic, right?

Happy Labor Day Everyone."

I mean come on- How could anyone say no to a menu like that. While I may not have remembered to snap any pics of the magnificent spread that was put out I and everyone else sure did enjoy every last bite. Brenda makes sure that each bite you take is jam packed with flavor and pizazz for your taste buts to go wild over. I did however capture a photo of the MOST AMAZING CUPCAKES I HAVE EVER TASTED!!!!!

Triple Vanilla Cupcake - Vanilla Cupcake with Vanilla Mousse and Vanilla Bean Buttercream!!

I mean seriously, this woman knew that I have an infatuation/Love for Vanilla and made these delicious clouds just for me!! (okay, okay maybe I had to share a little). 

Overall, everyone left with with the amazing feeling of a food coma from all the wonderful things we ate.

We ended our night with lots of smiles and plans to all hang out again soon. 

~Blessed and Happy xoxoxo

TAKING A STAND - #BLACKLIVESMATTER

Today I attended a church vigil service for ‪#‎BlackLivesMatter.... Wow, I am truly speechless and yet filled with so much to say. Yes, I am white but I have the love and honor of being apart of a black family, that I love and cherish and a community of black friends, that I also love and cherish. I will never know what it is like to be black and all I can do is stay educated and an ally and to use my voice to speak up. I have seen much over the years and heard many stories of injustices. It breaks my heart that my family and friends don't get to have the same voice. I have heard it many times that Yes, they have a voice but if people are not willing to shut up and listen, truly listen than what is the point of having a voice.

There is so much that we all as a community can do to take a stand and make a difference. One of the speakers today Curtis Reliford (http://www.followyourheartactionnetwork.com/) spoke about his experiences and the difference that he makes in our communities. He spoke to my heart. If you are able, please help in supporting this man. He makes two trips a year to bring items to those who are less fortunate and able. His next trip with be to Arizona in August. He will be leaving by the 7th to bring items to the Hopi and Navajo Reservations. If you are able to donate these are some of the items in need: Backpacks for children, new clothes, socks, shoes. I will be making a page to promote helping this kind man on his journey and I hope you all are able to help him as well.

Thank you to all of my family and friends who are also so supportive and Thank you to the Garfield Park Community Church for such a Wonderful Service today. Something that was said today that is true to the core was,"Black Lives Matter, Because All Lives Should" pastor of Garfield Park Community Church!

Positive Thinking

Almost 3 weeks ago I received good news and not so good, but manageable news. I don't have Cushing's... Woohoo!!! I do however have Diabetes, and have started taking medication to manage it.

While I was relieved to find out that I do not have Cushing's, I was a bit bummed out about finding out about the Diabetes.

There are going to be some days that are more challenging than others. It will be these days that I will remember that not everyday can be great and its okay to have a bad day occasionally. I have a very positive outlook on my Diabetes diagnosis and I am going to use it as fuel to better myself  going forward. This has all been an eye opener as to why it is so important to take care of myself first. If there is no me then there is not we.

The diabetes is apart of me but it is not who I am and everyday I will live my life as positively as I can make

If you're interested in learning more about Diabetes then you can go to the American Diabetes Association website: http://www.diabetes.org/. I have found this to be a great help as well as other peoples blogs and just some general google searches.


~Strong with Diabetes xo~

Uncertainty of the Unknown

The stress is always in not knowing.. Am I going to be alright, is this all wrong. Last week I went to the doctors for the first time in about 3 years. Not having affordable medical insurance makes it hard to plan regular visits and that partly falls on me since I havnt made medical a priority. For as long as I can remember I have always had "period" and hormonal issues.It's not something that I like to openly share but it has really opened up my eyes to the fact that I need to take my health more seriously.

When you have the cold or flu you know that you will feel better in a matter of days. Having the uncertainty of various syndromes or diseases is not as comforting. I can't just believe that everything is going to be as good as it was before. At my doctors appointment I Found out that I could have what is called Cushing’s syndrome which causes a Pituitary Tumor and could potentially cause other tumors as well.  I was also informed that I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome which is also upsetting because my older sister was  informed not long ago that she has PCOS as well.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared because I am totally freaking out inside. I am scared at knowing that I could potentially have a tumor in my brain. I am scared at knowing that I may never be able to have my own children. I am scared at the possibility that there could be even more wrong with me than just this. For so long I have always put others needs ahead of my own at any cost and that was even at the cost of my own health. 2016 has so far taught me that it is alright to be selfish with myself and take care of the things that I need to for me. It doesnt mean that I love and care any less for anyone but it shows that if I dont take care of myself first then I will not be able to take care of anyone else.

If you'd like to learn more then here are some links:

PCOS: http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/polycystic-ovary-syndrome.html

Cushing's Syndrom: http://pituitary.mgh.harvard.edu/CushingsSyndrome.htm#Diagnosis


Think Positive ~XoXo

Breath and Rejuvenate

For as long as I can remember I have always put my families and other peoples needs before my own. Whether this be financial, physical and or emotional needs I always put myself in the backseat. Over the last year I have had some Amazing Women in my life giving me some of the best advice and support. They have helped me come to the realization that I at the age of 26 need to finally start putting myself first. This is how and why 2016 will be my year to be selfish in a good way for myself. I will do things that will benefit me, make me happy and that will advance me throughout this journey I call Life!! 

Early last week my boss informed me that I needed to just take 2 weekdays and get away to clear my head to take time for myself. It worked out perfectly because I had just spoken with my Aunt and we decided that those 2 days would be best spent together. It was a spontaneous planned trip and I couldn't have felt better. 

On Sunday 1/10 I began my drive up the coast of Hwy 1 to Santa Rosa....

Pigeon Point Lighthouse in  Pescadero, CA

Golden Gate Bridge

On Monday my Aunt and I went and got massages at this wonderful place called ME Spa. For my first massage ever it was absolutely amazing. I never knew I could feel so relaxed before, and while parts of her pressing on my back it felt so good to have the tension released. That night I slept amazingly and felt so rejuvenated! 

After our massages we went back to my aunts house to make dinner and relax. Later in the evening we were talking about family photos and I decided to capture a few.....

I decided to take the coastal route home on Tuesday as well because 1. I wasn't quite ready for my mini-vacation to be over and 2. There is no better calming feeling for me that hearing and seeing the ocean in action. The crashing of the waves onto the rocks and cliffs, washing onto the shore. The life that thrives within is miraculous. Plus, how could I give up driving through San Francisco for a second time so soon. 

I love the charm of homes in San Francisco!

On my way down through Pacifica and Half Moon Bay  I decided to stop and take a few more pictures and treat myself to some lunch.

Fried Artichoke Hearts

AMAZING Clam Chowder 

Overall I had such an amazing time away, time to refill my cup and relax. 

Rejuvenated and Feeling Happy, 

XoXo ~ Chrissy