SIMPLE and DIVINE

GOING TO HAITI: FEB 19th... Would be honored to have your support on my journey

2010-02-11T07:09:00.000-08:00

This is the email that I sent out to family and friends, professors and colleagues, etc regarding my trip to Haiti. It explains all of the details of the trip, etc. I apologize if this seems rude or inappropriate, but I would IMMENSELY appreciate your help. I am not asking you to donate money, but more so asking if you would put a link on your blog or website. We need all of the help we can get, and this letter explains the donation + sponsorship procedure. All donations done through our automated VENMO system will be 100% tax deductible and secure.
Thanks for your support and time,
LOVE YOU ALL <3
Julz

**********************************************************************************

Dear Family and Friends,

I am writing to let you know that I will be traveling to Haiti with
The R.E.L.I.E.F. Foundation, an emergency and disaster response group
(http://therelieffoundation.org/) over President's Day weekend.

The group was founded in 2005 by University of Miami professors and
students in order to offer humanitarian aid to the victims of
Hurricane Katrina. In response to January's catastrophic earthquake
in Haiti, this same humanitarian group, as well as some new members of
the organization, will be traveling to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The
group has partnered with several non-profit organizations including
Project H.O.M.E., Operation Clean the World, and The Red Cross to
construct an orphanage to support the rising number of homeless
Haitian children. The group is scheduled to leave Miami
International Airport on Friday, February 19 and return on Monday,
February 22, 2010.

Our goal is to construct a tented facility that will serve as a step
down unit for children that have been treated at the hospital and are
ready to be released, however do not have family or loved ones to be
discharged to. Until now, they have been kept in a makeshift hospital
by the airport. The facility that we will establish will become a
center outside of the hospital for the children to safely recover,
sleep, live, and play.

The group traveling to Haiti is comprised of 120 volunteers. They
include translators, physicians, nurses, teachers, politicians,
religious leaders, a security team, and even a college-senior-drawing-and-theatre major
(:-]). In response to an overwhelming outcry for humanitarian aid, all
involved have been asked to raise money and collect supplies to bring
on our relief trip. We have been asked to bring medical supplies,
water, tents, and other aid to help support orphans who currently have
no place to call home.

Our group would be extremely grateful for any sponsorship you could
provide. Please consider supporting us through a donation or
supplies. Instructions on how to donate as well as a list of supplies
we have been asked to collect are mentioned below. The trip will be
leaving from Miami International, so please let me know if you would
like to donate supplies so I can assure that I have the capacity to
transport them to Miami.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, comments, or
concerns. Thank you in advance for your support.

Best Regards,

Julia Wise
jrw5106@psu.edu
625 Harpers Lane
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
fax: 215 938 4289

To make a donation:

Write a check to Project Home and note "In support of Haiti and the
Relief Foundation". If you give it to me, I will ensure that it gets
to our organization.

· Consider texting your donation through a secure VENMO transaction
· A) Text "Pay relief $XX for Haiti from (insert your name here)
in support of Julia Wise" to VENMO (646.863.9557).

· B) The Donor will then get a phone call from VENMO's automated
system asking for credit card information in order to complete the
payment.

· C) After the payment goes through, prompts will be sent to
complete registration.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this email, and for your support.
Love and Light,
Julia Wise

1 Year Later: I write to YOU, my bestest friend.

2010-02-09T18:05:00.000-08:00

Dearest Angel of Mine,
So here we are. I feel like saying "I miss you" has become part of my everyday conversation with you...I feel like it doesn't even do justice to how I feel anymore. I beyond miss you. I long for your voice, your laugh, your smile, your "Julzies!", Your "Billi's Chilly Trilli" Ugh, your everything baby. I miss you so. I love you more than anything, and I PROMISE YOU: I will continue fighting MY own battles, continue pushing forward in my life, because you didn't get the chance to. I PROMISE YOU: Everyday I am fighting for you, reaching for you, living FOR YOU. I will continue to, everyday for the rest of my life, My Sister. I lost a best friend, but I gained an angel, I store a little bit of heaven everywhere I go. I will remember you in the brisk morning breeze, in the warmth of the sunrise, in the rush of the now, and in the hope seen in the eyes of my first born daughter, who will take on your name, with my honor, my pride, and my longing. So until we meet again in person, my BESTEST FRIEND, we will continue to meet up and hug only in my dreams, and I will continue to droop my head in sadness, as the tears stream down my face, and as I must say goodbye, once again. I.LOVE.YOU.SO.MUCH.JILLIAN SIEGEL...More than words could ever express. Love love love you. Forever Your Trillion. And you, My Billion. I got you Jilli. Always have. Always will. And you will always have me. Rest In Peace my love,
YOUR "JULZIES!"
08.30.1988-02.10.2009
Typing this as you rested your head on your pillow, one year ago, tonight. Here's to you baby. I bow. I pray. I love.

Sometimes when I'm Bored I play with Makeup... AVATAR inspired =]

2010-02-06T14:58:00.001-08:00

Please let me know what you think and if you enjoy this type of theatrical, movie-inspired makeup?! I wld love to do more <3>

Hope everyone is well, or at least, as well as they can be!

I will be posting something very shortly about my upcoming trip to Haiti, Feb.19, with how you can donate or pass on the word to others who may have interest in donating, themselves!

Love and Light from me to you all,

Julz

A moment.

2009-10-19T20:31:00.001-07:00

Hi guys-

I hope you can understand that I'm taking a bit of a break. Emotionally, things have been brutally cruel and right now the mere act of breathing seems so daunting. As some of you know, this past year was a hell hole for me and my family, and this past summer was a close call. Right now, I need to take some time to sit and listen to my innerchild that so deeply needs comfort and compassion. So that is what I'm doing. I will be back, of course, but right now I just really want to hide. Thanks,

Love and Light to all of you,

Julz

{ps} PLEASE hold our precious Leng in the light. Please hold her high and keep her in your prayers.

TOMORROW...

2009-10-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

Get ready BBs! I'm gonna start doin a series of Halloween tutorials for all of y'all! halloween is my favorite time of year for makeup! Oh the possibilities! Tomorrow's look...

Well, here's a preview!

Get excited :D

Sweet dreams ;)

For ErinBooBoo <3

2009-10-07T13:15:00.001-07:00

Quick and Simple Tutorial Time!

Erin asked me (this morning in a preshpresh texticle [change the "x" to an "s" and that would NOT a sentence make, yo.]) if I would show how I do my liquid/gel eyeliner. So I did this video. But you can't really see it! Fab.

So I will do another one tomorrow, but if it helps at all to entertain you, here it is.

[Plz forgive my less-than-sweet 'tude in this one. I am totes sick :( ]

Carry on, YoungBulls. Peace.

Good Day, Madame! How may I assist you? Oh, waste 22 more minutes of your time? It would be an honor :D

2009-10-06T09:47:00.000-07:00

GLAM SHOT:

I'm so obnox.

Hey Peeps! Got another video here!

In this one you shall find:

Answers to some questions from my last post!

A lot of dirty verbiage.

Some classic Julz Tongue (aka SPEECH. GROW UP Y'ALL!)

Quite a bit of eff's, sh!t's, and anything else that could offend someone. :D

A lot of organized chaos

22:36 minutes

Awkward.

Anyways, I hope you likey! Tell me what you want MORE of, LESS of, etc. For my next video I WILL BE GETTING THE TIME DOWN, by at LEAST 12 minutes. Don't worry. Ask me questions, and let me hear it all.

I hope you all enjoy this beautiful Autumn day! Love love!

"Yay!"

2009-10-01T12:25:00.001-07:00

Hey Pookies!

I realize that all my videos are makeup stuff, thus far. How vain! But here me out: I figure I have like no one reading my blog anymore (compared to before), but have THE IMPORTANT PPL WHO I LOVE reading! It also makes me happy. Yes, Makeup makes me happy. It does. Superficial shit like that is a great way for me to remove myself from my own crazymaking bullsh, and enjoy being a lady! So let's hear it for helping out the Economy!

Anyway! Today's vidster is quite the trip. I got the time down by about half (still working on this, mayj.), so that's good progress, right? The Dirty Little Gliding Calmster (meooowww) requested that I post pictures of the products I am using and if possible, where to buy them! Well OBVI, everything is possible when it is for her preshpresh lil ass!

So Let's Break. It. Down.

I used (Not including my foundation routine... GC, did you want this too?):

Brushes:

ELF cosmetics:

Eyeshadow Brush (3/8ths of an inch)

Blending Shadow Brush

Contour Shadow Brush

MAKEUP:

NYX Eyeshadow Trio (Right now at ULTA, buy one get one free. $8.00... Each shadow (there are three is the same quality and size as one mac shadow (at $14.50 each) - Fabulous Deal kittens!)

(TS23; From Right to Left; Sweet Lagoon, Aqua, Ocean)

Pigment Quality:

NYX Highlight:

Loreal Paris's Lineur Intense Liquid Eyeliner in Carbon Black:

Maybelline's Pulse Perfection Mascara in Blackest Black:

White Eye Liner:

Aquaphor Ointment:

Revlon Super Lustrous Pearl Lipstick in Silver City Pink:

So there you go!

Love y'all and I hope you have a fabbbulous evening! Tomorrow is Friday! Oh Yay Yay Yay! :D

QUESTION:

What are your MUST-HAVES for this fall's fashion/accessories/makeup survival? Lemme hear it!

LOVER Y'ALL!

Vloggy # Dos

2009-09-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

Y'all this is so effing long, like 33 minutes plus, so break up the time . Or just skip through it all. I was seeing how and what it would be like to do a makeup tutorial of my everyday shiz, but clearly I need to work on my skillz. Wowee. [It would help, too, to not chase the dog for 15 minutes...)

In this video you will find:

ME WITHOUT MAKEUP (look. out.)

Buddha

My outfit (comfy)

My low-key everyday makeup

Quite a bit of Random Verbiage :D

Oy. It is so ridiculously long. Will be cutting it down in the future (the videos, that is.)

Lover Y'all! Happy Monday and i hope all the jewbies are enjoying their holiday!

Meowz!

The lookski:

FOR ERIN:

SEXUAL.

BYEZ!

Shut your front door.

2009-09-28T06:26:00.000-07:00

Seriously! It is kind of nice to come back and see that I still have ppl who didn't delete me from their google readers! Yay! Haha, I think I got a lil cocky thinking that I would get some hater comments. You gotta be a BIG. HUGE. [GIRTH.] of a deal to get those types of comments. Phew! That was a close one y'all. ;)

Anyways! You guys were such cuteness in your responses. I literally melted with each and every one and was laughing so hard. We are all SUCH craycray, right? Luhuuvvv it.

I was glad you liked the makeup and the shirt! As prev. stated, I cannot hold a candle to Erin and Amez , but I have fun with it, you know? I just figure, what the H-E-double.hockey.sticks! Why am I not allowed to feel good? WHO AM I to deny myself the privilege of feeling cute and sassy?! I think it is so important that each of us remember that we must set limits on our self-reflective judgments. Example: Driving to class the other day, I was feeling SO FABULOUS. It was divine and the sun was peaking in, the morning had the precious dew of rain and the breeze of baby autumn leaves and I really felt amaze. Suddenly I was filled with anxiety and self-doubt. And the judgments started to flow. *You met your calorie count yesterday, plz. you have no right to feel so good about yourself --- With all you ate yesterday? You are not focusing. You are being sloppy and messy and you have no point of concentration and you blah-blah-blah-blah-fuck-ing-blah.* And then I realized something: I SPEND SO MUCH TIME WORRYING ABOUT NOT DOING SOMETHING--- Worrying about how best to avoid something. I put so much Energy into avoidance and perfection, that all I do, in reality, is make my focus so small that my entire life comes down to just that- a small, miniscule key-hole world, where I am not living. In situations such as the one mentioned above, we have to be advocates for ourselves. We have to realize that if we do not change how we view our own strengths and our possibilities for achievements, we will NEVER see that those possibilities are even there. This is something I have to coach myself through every. single. day. I am sorry to put this in here, but this is what I am going through right now, and as QUEEN OF FUCKING EVERYTHING told me yesterday, "BE YOU" and "Don't hide who you are." I have spent a long time hiding, both from others and from myself and if I am not honest, I am doing myself a disservice and that shit ain't gonna fly like it used to. So here we are :) *Voilin Concerto over. CUE APPLAUSE!*

[I'm annoying.]

SO, I will TOTES do clothing stuff, makeup stuff, and other fun sheeit. I am kinda irked that I said "fashion" in my video, because I just don't think I am a fashion type person. I have a very clear sense of style that is all my own and I always have. I. LOVE. MY. CLOTHES. THERE! I SAID IT! Like, omg. Love them all and would love to show y'all some of my faves/essentials. Some are hand-me-downs (think Vintage Ralph Lauren Daddy Flannelry) and some are vintage (80's Coach shoulder/saddle), and some are just plain amaze.

What do you want to know about makeup stuff? Would you want me to do tutorials? Show you my favezy products? Tell you what I used for my makeup? TELL ME! TELL ME! I really want you guys to guide me here because it is most fun to do things that others want me to do for them, and plz. Y'all are so important to me I would just love to do anything for you. Mwahz!

Yesterdays EOTD:

WOH. Girlfriend needs to do something with those EYEBROWS! ERIIIIIIIIINNNNNNN!!!

Underneath:

Concealer (Underneath eyes and on lid up to brow bone): Cinema Secrets in PS601S-18 (fave.)

Lid to Brow and Lower Lash Line (bc we did put shadow there with a liner pencil brush) Urban Decay's Primer Potion (great for dry, uber sensitive skin; VERY hydrating

Eyes: Used BOTH Infatuating Rose 6 Shadow Palette (Mac), Vellum (Mac; a reflective white/pearl), and two NYX trio palettes, TEAM SPIRIT and ULTRA CHIC.

-First applied concealer to top and bottom of eye.

-Apply one coat of primer to each eye (gently dab with finger and add to lower lash line)y

-Using an eyeshadow brush (I use Loew Cornell Maxine's Mop in 3/8 of an inch, but any eye shadow brush (in 3/8ths of an inch will work great; this is actually a painting brush. I LOVE IT.), apply shimmery white to lid.

- Take a light/shimmery pink and apply to inner third of eye (close to tear-duct). (Keeping the white clean above ball of eye).

-Blend.

- Take purpley-blue (I used NYX "s spirit": color on far left of trio) and place it in crease (I use a blending brush for this, starting with small circles and then gently working in towards tear duct.).

- Take Deep purple and using a shadowing-contour brush, place in outer "V," by going to the outer corner of eye working shadow down to lash line at 45 degrees and back to corner and work 1/3 of the way in along your crease drawing shadow up (following curve of brow bone but keeping brush along the crease.)

-BLEND blend blend!

- Take a clean shadow brush and use a highlight (I use NYX 02 "White), and apply to brow bone and underneath outer corner as well as inner corner).

-Take shadow lining pencil and take same deep purple we used in outer "V" and line the top 1/3 (upper) lash line and connect it to outer corner/quarter of lower lash line.

-Take a light shimmery purple and line inner lash line of top and bottom.

-Take sparkly silver shadow and place in tear duct and inner crease line (2/3rds way in).

- Take liquid liner (I use NYX "Jet Black" Felt Tip Liner) and place upper lash line (from outside corner of eyeball to outer wing).

- Take boom-boom mascara (I use Lancome Fatale for drama-mama!) and apply to TOP only going thicker on outer lashes.

-I use a light pink Creme Sheen glass from Mac for my lips (not to overpower eyes) in "Fashion Scoop".

WOW. That was so confusing, I'm sure. And it is really easy! I will do a tutorial to make it clearer if y'all want!

Love you!

Vloggy #1

2009-09-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

OkaaAAAAAaaaaAAaaaayyyy :D

Hi! Meowz.

I have [too] LEGIT [to quit] missed y'all so! I decided to do a video, because, well, I really enjoy embarrassing the living shiza out of myself, and figured there was no better way to do this than through a vid! So I did one yesterday morning after texting my Lil Poopoo! Yay!

DISCLAIMER:

After watching this I died. Not because I think I am funny- I actually think I am an asshole and come off really obnoxious. Ewwww. I so hope y'all aren't put off by me- I was truly SO SHOCKED at how I sound, how I come off (QUITE THE LIL 'TUDE! ) and I ain't gonna lie- I look like ass. My face looks like I am going to sneeze, which is a HUGH-JASS pet-peeve of mine.

***Okay, Julia, get over yourself.***

So WORD! As stated in this vid, I want to do fun stuff on this blog! This past year was SO Craycray and I really want to just have fun this year, embracing the things I LOVE and that means all of y'all :D

So tell me what you think in the comments... I am nervous that my first BITCH-ASS-MOTHER-F***ER-HATER comments are going to arise out of this, but whatever. I kill you.

BYEZ!

[ps] Though it most certainly seems to happen, I actually did NOT forget Erin and Amy's names. PLZ. I was just thinking to myself, "I cannot believe I am doing this shit."

K! Purrrrrrrrrrrrr

Someone's gotta be up there...

2009-05-12T10:06:00.001-07:00

Sunday, ten.thirty in the morning.

Everything about the world right now frightens me. Everything threatens me and I don't know how to get away. Where do I go? What do I do? Standing in the middle of my room, feeling as if I am being held under water, unable to breathe, my throat in a choke-hold and no where to go. Two roles: The slave driver and the slave.

"Julzy, Jen's home." My mom mentions through my bedroom door.

"Uh huh," I manage to spew out something other than a cry. My chest so tight, my hands, shaking. My legs weak. I. am. afraid. to. move.

"Any reason you haven't seen her? All of your friends are home."

Any reason?

"No," and that's it. There's nothing else to say, no one understand me, I have nothing, no one, but me and my sea of hatred that keeps me from reblooming after losing her three months ago. Dried up, dying of thirst, the sun runs away from me. How cold the world feels without it.

_______

"You were trapped." Jamie. Jamie, Jamie, Jamie. Her Majesty, Jamie. The Divine.

"That was it. I was buried in my own fleshy tomb, suffocating. Totally and utterly trapped." I whisper.

I feel Amy's eyes on me, her comfort calming my heart, as it always does.

______

"Do you want to come with me to get my nails done, Booboo?" Mom wants to help me. I know she wants to more than anything. But everyone knows I'm stuck inside the world of unforgiving failures, and still no one will say anything. Why is everyone so afraid of me... I'm sorry, Please Forgive Me.

"No," I act like I don't care. But I do. More than anything and I can't go with you, Mom. "No." As if she is surprised. I love her more than anything, and wish I could spend my every second with her, but she is above me. Mom, I love you, but you are above me. I feel undeserving of time spent with you. Do you know this?

***Vibration***

AMY PEARL STONE: "Don't worry. We will take you away from here."

I tell her I trust her, I trust Jamie. I do. With my entire life. I put myself in their hands and feel safe. Safer in theirs than in my own. He can't touch us when we're together. TIme stands still and in an instant I stop shivering.

Driving on the highway, I see a sign for my exit. Finally. 2.5 MILES. And then I think of Jilli. In a battlefield of angst and chaos I reach for my phone and text Jill. I text her all the time. "I MISS YOU. EVERY DAY." And I am discouraged. Everyday I miss her more than the last. "When will it get easier?" Now I'm crying and my chest is drowning again. FUCK I missed my exit. I gather my composure, 'suck it up, don't embarrass me,' my thoughts are cruel and I'm tired after too many sleepless nights.

"I missed my Exit, Ames," I called her immediately. I had to get away from myself.

"Okay, where are you Julz?"

"I don't know... I missed my Exit for 95N." I don't know where I am, but amazingly I'm no longer lost. I'm found and need not utter a worry. 25 minutes away from the Stones, now, but Amy knows. She senses and she knows. "I'm going to stay on until you get to my house. I'm not going anywhere," she tells me. And she does. And I'm totally and completely safe, and for the first time in a long time, I feel loved and cradled with a shelter to protect me, and no one can touch me. I'm home.

Sitting in a coffee shop, on South Street, my worries are nonexistent, out of mind, and I feel the floor underneath my feet and IT. FEELS. AMAZING. Sitting, taking each other in, I look at Amy and Jamie: Queens. I get chills thinking of the two before me. And I laugh at how lame I am, in this very moment. I. Have. Found. Them.

Finally.

The hours spent walking the streets of Philadelphia. PEACE. It's suddenly springtime and the flowers are blooming and the sun, yes the sun, is FINALLY shining. As we leave the city streets, the three of us, in Brooke's Audi, completely united in thought, though silent in sound. There. Is. So. Much. Love.

"I was thinking about something..." Breaking the silence, my words spilling out of me, as I smile, for the first time in a LONG time. "I have been doubting the existence of a higher power, for so long now... But after today, I just know. Someone's gotta be up there..."

I slept really well last night.

Cuddle Fest 09

2009-03-22T03:22:00.001-07:00

Be jeal. it's 6:21am amy and i are chatting our little hearts out STILL. That is all. <333 And we're sobes. Duh.

My First Product Review And Product Reveal...

2009-02-19T08:51:00.001-08:00

Thirsty Thursday is here! (J/K, I don't really drink, but BRING 0N THE VAMPIRE BLOOD! (Who watches True Blood ? Anyone? That show is scary as $%*#.) And while I'm on the subject of amazing shows, IS ANYONE ELSE OBSESSED WITH THE BRILLIANCE THAT IS SUMMER HEIGHTS HIGH ? OH MY GAWD. I DIE, Y'ALL!)

*** And if you don't watch it, GO TO THAT LINK RIGHT AFTER YOU READ THIS POST (ha) AND WATCH THE CLIP AND READ ABOUT THE CAST. You will be blown away.***

"Public School is so Random." - Ja'mie

"Welcome to Mr. G's room, G's room, G's room, Welcome to Mr. G's room, Come Inside." - Mr. G

(That's all I'm gonna say... And I may be randomly inserting lines on my posts... Just to entertain myself brighten you're day, of course.)

OKAY, now onto my product reveal. The FIRST is one that I use ALL THE TIME. It is a so-called "Weight Management" Vitamin, but I have never used it for that purpose, and I guarantee you, it won't do shit to your weight. PLZ. That's such Bullsh. Anyways, I use it as a Thickening Agent, be it for Oatbran, Cheesecake like Greek Yo (yes it can be SO much thicker!!!), Sauces, thickening up plain yogurt, smoothies, etc... The possibilities are endless. (But I'm SO sorry Veg*ns, this product does contain Gelatin... Sorry!!!)

And... ***DRUMROLL PLIZZLE***

Glucomannan Powder

They come in little capsules, which you empty into whatever you are using it with.

Supplement Facts
Serving Size 3
Servings Per Container 33

	Amount Per Serving	% Daily Value

Calories	10	N/A*

Total Carbohydrate	2 Gm	1%

Dietary Fiber	1.5 Gm	6%

Glucomannan (AMORPHOPHALLUS KONJAC)(TUBER)	1.99 Gm	N/A*

Directions:

As a dietary supplement, take three (3) capsules before meals with a full glass of water.

Other Ingredients:

Gelatin, rice flour.

Now, I have NEVER taken them with water (umm ew, thick water, wtf?), so I suppose I can't really give a correct product review, but, to shoutout to MA PEEPS WITH THE BILLS,

I AIN'T NO PUNK.

I will be featuring more recipes with Glucomannan in upcoming posts, so stay tuned and get excited, kiddies! But for now, I bring you one of my FAAAAVES: Greek Yogurt Cheesecake! (Individual servings and no mess, ow Oww!)

Julz's Greek-Yo Chizzlecake

1 indiv. ~ 6oz container of Greek Yogurt (Be it Fage, Oikos, Chobani, Voskos, TJ's 3/4 cup, TJ's indiv. flavored Greeks, whatevskii.)

Cinnamon (I use Organic Saigon... SO INCREDIBLE!)... As much as you likery

About 1/2-3/4 cap full Pure Vanilla Extract (Or you can use a cap full of Vanilla Coffee Syrup)

A pinch of Stevia (-PS- Trader Joe's Stevia is the best tasting eva. Whoops! Another reveal!)

Mix that all together and taste it to see if it fits for you. You can also add in some Maple, SF Maple, or ANY other syrups you so desire!! Have fun with it y'all!

And lastly, take two capsules of your Glucomannan powder (It's tasteless, Yeah!).

*** Be Careful when mixing in the powder that it doesn't come out... Be gentle at first, when incorporating, and then whip it quickly to get air into it. Give it a minute to sit and VOILA! You can also store it in the Fridge for lata***

And Enjoy! And if you hate it, you didn't get it from me! Yeah!

(PS) I know I do this on like every post now, but I have to thank you all again for your support. It's so RANDOM (SummerHeightsReppin.) when the grief hits me. Like last night, I was getting into bed and literally, I just LOST IT. I didn't even make it to the bed. I umm, woke up on the floor. And my heart hurt this morning. *Sigh. Your help has been SO AMAZING for me, AND my family. They have read your comments and were all brought to tears by how much y'all have been here for me, especially during this time. ***ONE DAY AT A TIME, RIGHT? Riiiighhtt??? This WILL get easier? YES, IT WILL. TIME TO GET MYSELF GOIN. ***

Until We Meet Again,

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavanthu, "May All Beings, Everywhere, Be Blessed with Happiness."

Namaste,

Julzie

How did I EVER stay away so long?

2009-02-18T14:57:00.000-08:00

Y'all... Your comments from my last post were EFFING UNREAL. There is no other way to put it. They were so PERFECT, each and every one, and I feel so honored that anyone reads my blog, let alone THE SWEETEST LIL LOVERBUNNIES, EVER! I have felt every single prayer, thought, wish, *hug,* and blessing. I don't know what the hell I was thinking staying away from this community. But I feel so blessed to be a part of it again, and I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for welcoming me back with such warmth and such grace.

I am taking each and every day, one at a time, to keep my face in the direction of the horizon. Yes, that IS a choice. Yes, that IS a choice. Yes, that IS a choice. And one that I have decided to take on FULL-SPEED. Even if I have to take it hour by hour, minute by minute, second by second, in the words of the BLOGGAH,

WHATEVA, I DO WHAT I WANT.

Now... Here's what I want from y'all. And get ready for some OVERKILL ON THE WORD FRONT: I want to know what you want from yo homegirl, S+D (not to be confused with the so ovah sugar-sub S+L). What do you want to see on my blizzlegizz (ew.)? Recipes? Grocery Pics? Animal Pics? Hawaii stories/pics? Product Reviews (I have so many secret faves, y'all... Well, not anymore I guess...)? Yoga talk? Buddha talk? Booty talk? Let me hear it! I want my blog to satisfy ALL Y'ALL PIMPS N HOES!

***Please note: I really have no interest and am not comfortable with making this a FOOD-DIARY-BLOG, though let's be REAL, it's SO MUCH FUN to read them!!! Come on... Who popped their cherry with Eat Like Me ??? ANYWAYS, I'm sorry if you want that. But I'm just not at that level yet. Who knows, perhaps someday I will be, but for now... That'll be a negative. Thanks ferplayin.***

I'm off to hit up some SUPER GIANT for some SUPER GROCERIES! I hear y'all on the Whole Foods front, but I must admit: Any type of drug emporium Food store is cool with me! I love them all and have found the BEST products at every one. I love the diversity of each of the chains, and seriously, little health food stores? I LURRRVE. {purrrr.}

So until we meet again, my pearls, here are some pictures of my PARADISE... The Magical Island of Kona (The Big Island) of Hawaii:

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavanthu, "May All Beings, Everywhere, Be Blessed with Happiness."

Namaste,

Julzie

A very special tagging...

2009-02-15T21:08:00.000-08:00

Today was okay... I felt itchy all day, a lil anxious, but nothing a powerful flow and brisk walk outside with the Momma (and the babies) didn't ease. I apologize if I have been so negative, recently. I am sorry if this past week was annoying for my readers-- Actually, I'm not. It's somewhat surprising how much one's "audience" depletes, when the mood is down. I guess at the time, I didn't think about it, and I'm sorry IF it turned you off; however, I am not sorry for posting about it. It was a tribute that I definitely needed to put it into words, and for those who lent me their hearts and prayers, I thank you so. It meant the W0RLD to me, and was so therapeutic. I love you girls, so.

Anyways, someone who has been A.MAZING this past week (among so many others, <3 ) is the effervescent Synthia . I was tagged and given an Award, and a very dear one at that

This was such an honor. I feel like I've been such a bad blogger, such an UNRELIABLE blogger, and it really makes me feel bad to receive such an award. There are S0 many incredible bloggers out there, I feel like I'm so inadequate and undeserving. But regardless, it feels so comforting to know that there is someone out there that finds my blog worthwhile. THank you so much Synth... It means so much.

In honor of this award, I am to list Seven Things that I Love:

(1) My Parents

I don't even know where to begin. My Dad has always been my protector and my shield, and he is the type of Dad that ALWAYS thinks he can save me. Suffering through Ed was extremely hard on my Father. He shut down and became so concerned and so sad, that he completely lost touch with himself and his pleasures in life. I will always be my Daddy's Girl and I adore him so.

My Momma. What is there N0T to say about her? She is my redeemer, my guardian, my everything. My Mom makes me feel like EVERYTHING will be okay, no matter what it be that frightens my heart. She is the most Beautiful, most Perfect being, in my eyes, and has the most incredible heart of anyone I have ever known. I am so honored to have her as my Mommy and my Best Friend. My mom stuck by my side during Ed, and never ever judged me by my illness. She is my Angel.

I believe, without a doubt in my mind or heart, that I was meant to be My Parent's Child. I am so connected to them, so hopelessly adoring of them both. Ed almost broke my family apart, and my parent's struggled so much within their marriage, because of Ed. I am so thankful for their strength, their love, and their unending support.

(2) My Brother, James

Something else that really suffered with Ed was my relationship with my brother. It was horrible. Before Ed, my relationship with Jimmy was Beautiful. His way of coping was to ostracize and humiliate me. To reject me, in front of others, to make me feel ashamed. I couldn't be around him without being brought to hysterics and it was so hard. Jimmy cried in front of me, telling me he was so scared to lose me. I had never seen him cry before, and it was a wake up call for me. It made me realize that Ed brings out the absolute Worst in EVERY0NE, not just it's active sufferers. We are working towards rebuilding this relationship, and I pray that it will be like it was, before Ed. That someday we can have that Beautiful Bond, once again. All with time...

(3) My Beautiful Grandmother, Grammy

My Maternal Grandmother is someone who has been through S0 much grief, so much heartache, and so much emotional burden that it AMAZES me how positive, hopeful, and loving she still is. She lost my Grandfather to Liver Cancer when he was 60. My Grandfather, Poppy, was an absolute Angel, one whom I have never met in person, but still feel as if I know him. It's very difficult to explain. Anyways, he was the first and only man that my Grammy has ever loved. He saw her at a dance at their country club when she was 16 and walked up to his parents and said, "Do you see that girl? I'm going to marry her, someday." TRUE ST0RY. My Grammy has lost so many of her loved ones and bestest friends to Cancer, and instead of being victimized by her losses, she formed a Support Group for Cancer patients, and their families. She shared with me her passion for Opera, taking me to the MET to see he greatest in the world ever since I can remember. She is an exquisite artist, as well. I just adore her. The most precious thing ever.

4) My Grandfather, Pop

It's so upsetting that I don't actually have a picture of my Pop[sicle] on my Laptop, but I will have you know he is so very special to me. He was raised in a VERY tight shift, and was never shown much love from his father. Going to fight in Vietnam also heightened his tendency to shut out the world, and left him with post traumatic stress. The most difficult thing for him to do? Say the words: I Love You. But her gave me a card for my 18th Birthday that read those words and those words only. I love him so much for that.

5) My Animals

Buddha and Mylo (My Standard Pure Bred Poodle and My Tabby Cat) are my babies. I found Mylo when he was about 4-5 weeks old... Actually HE found US and from the get-go was the sweetest cat I'd ever known. He is so precious and has such a loving personality, he's seriously like a puppy. He is always wanting to snuggle and love <3 . Buddha is the baby in the family. He has been such a light in my life, and for me, reminds me of my life beyond Ed. This is because we got Buddha about three weeks after my first attempt at treatment/recovery ended. I was S0 happy to have a Puppy again and adore him so... And how do the two of them get along, you might ask? See for yourself...

(6) My Friends

They have been there through it all with me. Ed, familial problems, losses, Ed, ED. My friends and I have been through so much and have lost some of our bestest through various tragedies, our most recent loss, of course, being My Bestie, Jilli. My friends stayed in my life during the depths of Ed, when all I did was push them away. They are STILL here... I feel so proud to call them mine.

My friends bring me back to ME, Pre-Ed, and for that, I could NEVER be more thankful.

(7) My Yoga

Despite what some may think, I have only been into Yoga for a little less than a year. Some of my bloggies do know this, but for those of you who don't I used to have BIG TIME exercise problemos. I never considered it to be Exercise Bulimia, but my doctors did, and I guess that's where my perception was/is skewed. I did not binge before I exercised, though. I was severely restricting, WHILE in a zone of Insanity and Obsession. I cannot count the amount of times I missed classes, because I was working out. Would miss an entire DAY of classes because I would be sitting the whole time. It was horrible. For the sake of my readers, I will not reveal WHAT I did, but I will say that it led me to having three fractures in my right foot, as well as bone deformations, and severe blood flow irregularities. When I was casted (for almost four months), all before starting treatment round dos, I was suddenly forced to do N0THING. I'll admit that I was SCARED SHITLESS. Not about my foot and what I did to it, but about gaining weight. My already raging anxiety became even worse, and, thanks to the recommendation of my Mommabear, I turned to Yoga. I will never forget my first practice: I didn't even own a Yogamat, so I rolled out a towel, and checked out Yogadownload (thanks to Jenna ). I ended up partaking in the 20-minute Solar Flow and found myself calmed by the instructor's voice, instantaneously. ANNNDDD I found it to be REALLY challenging! I had NEVER done weights during my Ed, so carrying my body weight through a flow was totally a wake-up call. Most importantly, however, I found that my anxiety had quieted down, tremendously, even after a mere 20 minutes.

IT BROUGHT ME BACK TO LIFE:

Ever since then, I have been hooked. Yoga has been a constant in my life, one at one point, I almost abused, but was able to snap back and remind myself of why I come to my mat each and everyday: BECAUSE I AM W0RTH PEACE AND SERENITY. We all are. Especially within ourselves. And to this day, during my practice, during the time on my mat, regardless of the length of time--- It is the only SINGLE solitary time when I feel beautiful. Where I feel powerful and strong and full of life. It is a time that I am thankful to be alive AS ME, rather than wishing I could be someone else.

And lastly, I can close my eyes, and imagine my life as this:

And honestly, who wouldn't want THAT?

Thank you so much for tagging me, Synth... This was really wonderful, especially during a time when I must realize that there still ARE things to Love, things to Cherish, things to Persue. That Life Does Go On.

And now to tag and pass the award onto Seven Bloggettes:

(1) Chandra

(2) Gina

(3) Erin and Andrea

(4) Miss Gliding Calm

(5) Heather

(6) Jenn

(7) Erica

I love you all! I just chose the first names that popped into my mind...

Have a loverly night and a wonderful holiday tomorrow...

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavanthu, "May All Beings, Everywhere, Be Blessed with Happiness."

Namaste,

Julzie

My Angels...

2009-02-14T10:54:00.001-08:00

Are each and every one of you. The outreach since Jilli's passing has been unreal to me. I know I can do this and I must, for Jilli. Thank you for holding me close to your hearts- I L0VE Y0U ALL.

And we will be okay...

Happiest of Valentines Days, to all of my Amazing Angels... You are, if anything, blessings, in my life. And a very special Happy Valentine's Day, to my little secret cupid-receiver! Check out her blog, girls... She's just precious and has such a loving heart. (But seriously, when do Jenny's ever not...)

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavanthu, "May All Beings, Everywhere, Be Blessed with Happiness."

Namaste,

Julzie

My Heart just aches for you to come home, Jilli

2009-02-12T20:54:00.001-08:00

Today was Jilli's funeral. I have cried so much today. My heart just aches and my eyes, so swollen from tears. My friend Jenny and I wore leopard for Jillibean, today. Leopard was her FAV0RITE! EVERYTHING was leopard. We had to wear it.

Here's just a little taste of Jill's impact on people: There were over 800 people at this funeral. 800. And being one of the first to come in, I was overwhelmed with warmth, seeing everyone from near and far.

As I walked up to the family, I saw Jilli's brother's, Andy and Rob, her Grandma, "Grandma" (ha), her Mommy, Nancy, and her Dad, Phil. Guys, Nancy saw me and fell into my arms. "0h Julz," she cried. She held me so tight. I just said, "Nance, I'm just so sorry, I'm just so sorry," and I held her. And in her hand that had held mine so, I placed this Golden Pocket Angel.

And took my seat. My heart hurt so. It was like I couldn't cry hard enough. It felt so wrong, so cruel, so mean. It was absolutely horrible, and for Jilli's mommy, her worst nightmare.

I was heartbroken. Nancy's heart sang for her daughter. Jill was her everything and I mean, everything.

After about an hour or so, the Rabbi came to a pause. "And now... We will hear from Nancy." I swear you heard the angel's weeping. I couldn't believe she was going to do this. How could she do this?

But how could she not do this.

"I wrote my daughter a letter, because, it was what I needed to do... My Jilli..."

She told Jill that she'll never forget the first time she ever saw her, and how perfect she was. How Jilli never judged or hurt anyone. And if she ever said anything that made another feel pain, she was plagued with such regret so shortly after. She said that she'll never forget when Jilli took her last breath in Nancy's arms, and the doctors took her away from her. She told her that she was sorry to be such a selfish mother, because even though Jilli was in pain, she wanted her back in her arms, from that moment on, and that she longed to touch her soft face, to hold her precious body, and to have her baby with her.

Nancy cried so during this letter, as we all did. As I looked on, I felt so much grief, so much sadness for Nance. This was so unfair. So horrible for her. Just so g-ddamn WR0NG. And I felt selfish, too, because, more than anything, I want my Jilli back. I pray that I'll just wake up already. It is such a frightening feeling. I want to see her there in front of me, holding her hands in mine. I just want to see her smiling eyes again. Not only once more, but thousands of times more. Is that too much to ask?

I found myself overcome with so many why's and how's and WHEN's it going to be over so I can wake the hell up already. Please G-d just let me wake the hell up, already, I can't bare it any longer. It's starting to become real, and it makes my skin crawl, and my hair stand on end. If there's anyone up there just please wake me up, already, I prayed, over and over and over again.

There was somebody there with me, but more on that in a minute.

As the time came near for the casket to be taken, Jilli's brothers Andy and Rob, along with two men from the synagogue, approached the task, with such truth. They were with her and she with them. As they went to lift it, I felt a twinge in my spine and quickly turned to my Mom, "Mom, I have something I need to give to her." She gave me that motherly look of guidance and trust that read, "It's okay." And I reached over to touch Andy's shoulder as he passed us. "Andy," I whispered as he quickly turned to me, "Please give this to her, for me." And in his hand, I placed this Silver Pocket Angel.

He gave me a nod, with the squint of his nose, and off they went.

After the service, a few of us went back to Jenny's house to sit on the couch and be together. At around 2:15 I texted my Mom: "Hi Mommy, I love you so much how are you?" She texted me back: "Hi baby, I'm okay, I love you too." Followed by: "Jill wanted to come?"

I paused, and responded with "What?"

Then she called me: "Why did you write that?" She asked me. "What?"

"My phone only vibrated once but when I went to check your text it had two from you, the first reading, 'Jilli wanted to come.' "

"I never wrote that," I told her, as my voice started shaking. My friends all stopped their chatter and turned to me, as my eyes welled up with tears. "It said, 'Jilli wanted to come?!' "

"I'll show you tonight. Julzybabe, she's gear with you. Hang on a second."

-PAUSE-

"I just got a text from no number reading, 'Julzie' " She quietly murmured.

Chills rushed up and down my spine, as she told me. That was what Jilli called me - "Julzie". It was Jilli. She was there and I had felt her there so strongly. My heart felt alive, my body, free from the constrictions of mourning. She was telling me that she still WAS here. She always would be. She'd always be my Jilli, and I, always her Julzie.

I just wished I could hug her at that moment. It was just so hard.

Later on this evening, we went to be with the family, to sit Shiva . I told Nancy how I wanted to be here for her, That I wanted to have her in my life, and be in hers. I wanted her to still come to my performances and experience things with her, and she with me. I just want Nance to have a daughter again, and while I know I could never be that for her, I want her to be able to watch me grow, see, and do all that Jillian would have. I just love her so much and care about her, endlessly.

But it was just so hard. I didn't want to leave that house. It frightened me to leave. I didn't want to leave My Jilli behind. I am so afraid of losing her. It is an anxiety that I am not sure, will ever heal...

As my mom and I were leaving, Andy approached me. He whispered in my ear, "I just want you to know, I gave it to her."

And with that, I had her with me.

I miss Jill so much. I can't even tell you. I've cried so much, and for so long, I'm afraid I'll never stop. What if my heart just gets so tired, that it breaks? Everything reminds me of her and I don't want anything ever not to. I am afraid to go to sleep. Tomorrow will be another day, gone, without her here. I don't want that. What do I do? How do I just go on? Go to class? Listen to lectures? Hold discussions? How can I when she isn't here anymore???

I need someone to just tell me how to wake up from this...

And just when the caterpillar thought the world was over...

2009-02-11T16:38:00.000-08:00

A Secret Cupid brought her the Butterflies.

0h today... I ain't gonna lie, I got out of bed at 6:15pm. I wouldn't have, only my big brother came into my room to find me sobbing into my blanket, and sat down and put his big arms around me and told me to breathe. It was so dear. He told me I had to get up. I HAD to do something.

Today has been such a hard day. Honestly, the only times I got out of bed were to eat breakfast, and pee. I feel so strange. My friend Mikee (A female Mikee, such a little dove she is) and I have been talking the entire day. We both had the same bonds with Jilli. We just said how empty and scared we feel. I can't make sense of things. I find myself sobbing uncontrollably, then suddenly stopping and feeling numb. I know it will get easier, with time.

Jill was a sister to me. This afternoon I found myself, crying, so hard, with my arms reaching out for her. I was home alone, thank G-d. I didn't even know how I got there. It was like an out of body experience, as this whole thing has been. After many convos on the phone with friends, and some very precious facebook messages from a couple of very very dear dear bloggie babies, I found myself asking: Who Am I? (Thanks, Ames.)

Really... Who am I? I couldn't answer it. It was awful. I had nothing. I realized that not only have I been holding onto Ed, but I have been holding onto a false picture of myself. I then asked myself who Jillibean was.

I THEN began to write. I wrote Jill a L0000NG, L000000NG message. Literally writing for two hours, non-stop, about what she meant to me. About how much I wanted to tell her things I no longer could. Everything and anything. Every memory I could think of... I literally couldn't see by the time I was finished, I had been staring down for so long. It felt amazing. I know she got my message. I could feel it.

When my brother came in, I realized that I needed to do something. Some SELF CARE I had to get onto my mat. So roll it out, I did. And at the beginning, I set my intention: T0 HEAL. To heal the pain in my heart, the stress in my joints, and the doubt in my spirit that I will pull through. And as I was going through my Vinyasas, I felt Jill with me. And I breathed her in. And with that moment I began my healing.

After my lil 22 min sesh, I went to the door. For some reason, I knew my Secret Cupid would be there. And there she was, indeed. My Secret Cupid ... 0kay, well, SHE wasn't there, but her package was! Divine... That's all I's gonna say...

You guys, this girl payed attention with all of her big, beautiful heart. Sarah you made me feel touched and special and loved. I don't have a boyfriend, and with a Secret Cupid, who needs one? 0kayyyyyyy

See for yourself y'all...

(Umm is that card not gorgeous? I wanted to melt into that painting... So beautiful...)

(Is that not the freaking sweetest?!)

(Nice yo.)

(Sorry this one's a lil wonky... But I had to get Buddha in there)

(Luuuuuurrrvee)

(So incredibly thoughtful! Y'all know me and my Watermelons)

(LUNA IN DA H0USE.)

(The Famous GummyVites!!! Def more fun than my 0ne-A-Day Womens! TMI?)

(So pretty!!!!)

(NECC0 SWEETHEARTS! A trip back to my youth... J/K, y'all, I IS A Y0UTH!)

(Yayyy!)

Sarah, thank you so much... From the bottom of my heart. You don't know what this means to me, especially today. It couldn't have come at a more PURRRFECT time. Thank you so, doll!

After a Courageous Battle, An angel gets her wings...

2009-02-10T12:51:00.000-08:00

It utterly breaks my heart, as I sit in a ball on my bedroom floor writing this post, to announce that my JilliBilli, after a courageous battle with Leukemia, passed away this morning. I cannot explain how I feel right now. My heart hurts so badly. I feel so guilty for being here, alive. I have never felt like this before, but I literally am so ashamed of how I have WASTED my life, thus far. Jilli was 0NE IN A MILLI0N. She was one of the funniest, SWEETEST, and BRAVEST people I have ever known. She friended me when I first started at my new school in 6th grade, and ever since then, we were inseparable. She went to Penn State with me, and was my roommate until I left, and ugh--- i just have no words.

JILLIAN SIEGEL, I WILL ALWAYS L0VE Y0U. I know you are an angel in heaven. Until we meet again, someday, Best Friends Forever and Ever ... Rest In Peace.

Secret Santa!!!

2008-12-18T13:15:00.000-08:00

WHEN YOU SEE WHO MY SECRET SANTA WAS....

I KNOW YOU'LL BE TOTES JEAL. (That was a little hint hehe)

BUt...

You'll have to wait until this weekend to find out!! Muahaha...

I know I've been the WORST blogger EVER, but life has been a little WawaWeewa recently. My secret santa was SO amazing, though, it gave me the BOOST to get back to blogginggg (for now.)

SEE YOU IN A COUPLE DAYS! BY THAT TIME MY EXAMS WILL OVER OVER!!! YAyy

CNN: BREAKING NEWS - BARACK OBAMA ELECTED PRESIDENT

2008-11-04T20:09:00.001-08:00

CNN: BREAKING NEWS

"BARACK OBAMA ELECTED PRESIDENT CNN PROJECTION"

GOLD.

PHILLIES BABY YEAHHHHH!!!

2008-10-29T19:02:00.001-07:00

PHILLIES BABY!!! YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FOR ME??!! BLUSH I'd like to thank my HOT-@$$ READAS (Okkkaaaaaaayyy)

2008-10-25T20:46:00.000-07:00

SO like a BAJILLION damn years ago, this lucky girl received not one, but TWO Amazing Blogging Awards! HER FIRST ones, too!! (Ending third person mumjum...)

Now BELIEVE YOU ME (PRIME example of the superiority of the English language--- Err the irony of Ethnocentrism?) I know it's SO late to thank these girls for their acknowledgements, but I was OUT LIKE TROUT for quite some time and I figure Better Late than Never...

THANK YOU TO THE PRECIOUS JENN FROM EATINGBENDER ! Jenn is totally THE TOP, and though I'm not the only one who adores her, I DEFINITELY DO THE MOST OUT OF EVERYONE ACROSS THE BLOGSPHERE (What... You wanna fight?). MAN, Julz is Feisty today! Hehe You Like? So THANK YOU my sweetcheeks! You and your amazing blog have brightened up my cloudy days time and time again, and I think you are SUBLIME! (Love you Mama!) OH and if you havn't yet checked out EatingBender, DO IT OR DIE... Right Jenn? (I gotchu girl!)

I would ALSO like to thank Lexi who used to run the blog Healthy Eating Blog . Unfortunately, Lex did not have the support that she deserved from her readers... Many left disheartening comments on her blog. (Those of which made me sick, disappointed, and SO creeped out. Honestly, in her situation? She was asking for kind words, warmth and love, and in turn received harsh banishment and discouragement. )That is NOT to say, however, that she did not have the support of the Bogging Community! Those of us who blog were ROOTING FOR THAT CUTE KABOOSE OF YOURS ALL THE WAY, LEXI-BABY (And we still are!) Your blog was REAL and exemplified your strength and grace, both of which were particularly noteworthy at SUCH a young age! We miss you, Lex! Thank you for this award and I hope you drop by to say hi, soon! XO

Wanna see the BEAUTIFUL AWARD?? Oh. You don't? Well, good thing it ain't YO blog, cuz you don't havva choice! (Watchout... I'm hot like that.)

Plus, I have to follow the rules! But since I received TWO awards (Alriiiight Alriiight we GET IT ALREADY!), i get to DOUBLE-EM UP! (You'll see what I mean in a sec!)

THE RULES:

(1) Put the logo on your blog.

(2) Add a link to the person who awarded you.

(3) Nominate at least seven other blogs.

(4) Add links to those blogs on your blog.

(5) Leave a message for your nominee on their blogs.

THE AWARD:

Isn't it GORG??!! *Sigh... I just LOVE IT!!!

And here's the Doubling up part, since I already linked y'all to My Amazing HOMEGIRL JENN . (Oh... hehe. Whoops!) BUT I'm going to give the award to not 7, not 10 (Why 10? Bc I needed a third component here, obvi.), but 14!! Hence the DOUBLING UP! Owww OWW!!

I tried to choose some Bloggers that have NOT already received the award! Though, PLEASE know... I wish I could give it to ALL Y'ALL!! (Also, I have to leave some bloggers left to receive the awards of MY recipients!)

PLEASE NOTE THAT I AM LISTING YOU GIRLS IN REVERSE ALPHABETICAL ORDER. Why? Because your S+D has a last name that begins with "W," and because it's my blog, I am OWNING THIS OPPORTUNITY to give the End-of-the-Alphabetters a SHOUTOUT and a reason to smile! (Though please know, I want every single one of you smiling ALL DAY! I know I will be! ) OH YEAH... And please hold all applause until the end! Thank You!

(1) Sammie (Running with a Recipe)

(2) Sabrina (Rhodeygirl Tests)

(3) Mi (Whole Foods for a Whole Me)

(4) Melissa (Trying to Heal)

(5) Meghan (The Inner Workings of a College Graduate)

(6) Jenny (This Winding Road)

(7) Jennifer (Running with Food)

(8) Heather (and Mark!) (Hangry Pants)

(9) Erin and Andrea (Care to Eat)

(10) Erica (EEE)

(11) Gina (The Fitnessista)

(12) Caitlin (See Bride Run)

(13) B-Health (Body. Mind. Soul.)

(14) Amy (Coffee Talk)

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL MY FANTASTIC RECIPIENTS AND THANKS AGAIN TO JENN AND LEXI FOR THINKING OF ME... Eventhough Jenn's list was "selected at random"... hehe.

OH and BY the way... I want to start a NEW AWARD/BADGE!! This award is a reflection of my FAVORITE YOGA SANSKRIT:

"Lokah Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu: May All beings, everywhere, be blessed with Happiness."

THE GUARDIAN BUDDHA

I want to give this Buddha to three bloggers to start--- Now these are some STRONG ASS CUTIES! These girls have kicked some serious ass and have wrestled with some brutal beasts, facing tremendous obstacles -- Many of the same obstacles that I, personally, though I've never mentioned it before, have been defeated by, and many of which I am still wrestling with today (Please don't treat me any differently -- Eep -- Did I just totally make a mistake putting that out there? This makes me WHOA nervous ). WE ALL GO THROUGH THINGS IN OUR LIVES AND EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU DESERVES THIS GUARDIAN BUDDHA BOY with you each and everyday. It was SO hard for me to choose, (I AM NOT BELITTLING ANYONES OBSTACLES... I KNOW YOU ALL HAVE BEEN THROUGH SOME RULLNESS-- RULL-NESS-- BUT I WANT THIS TO BE PASSED ON AND ON AND ON), so I merely went with those bloggers who have shared that struggle with me. I hope that each of you ALLOW THIS BUDDHA TO RELAX/HEAL YOUR WORRIES, freeing you to live a little easier, each day. I know that sometimes, the tiniest daily happenings feel as though they are the HEAVIEST of burdens and that on those days in particular, I need my inner Buddha to lift me up just a little higher. To clear my chest of the weighted emotions that feel so heavy, and to clear my mind of those terrorizing voices. I love you girls, times infin. and I cannot wait for your Buddha to guide you :) Namaste.

(1) Jenny (This Winding Road)

(2) Melissa (Trying to Heal)

(3) Amy (Coffee Talk)

So give this award to 3 Bloggers and explain your "Pay it Forward"ness, if you can. Link the bloggers, leave them a comment and sit back, relax, and allow your LONG-and-LASTING-PEACE-with-yourself to finally lead your amazing and wonderful life. <3

And last but not least, my best friend from childhood is Battling Leukemia (we just found out about two-three weeks ago) and is at Johns Hopkins going through Chemo... PLEASE HOLD HER IN THE LIGHT... If anything happens to this girl -- Man, I have not a clue what I'll do... She really needs all of the light you can give her.

Her name is Jill. She's just the dearest of the dear. Thanks guys...

Here we are a little while back (haha read 4 years!)

AND TO END ON A HAPPY NOTE: GO PHILS N GO BIRDS! I'll be at the Eagles game tomorrow!!!!

Produce is a Girl's Best Friend!

2008-10-22T10:40:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HUMPDAY EVERYONE!! The comments y'all left on my last post... I, mean, Shucks, they just about made me the happiest blogger of all time! I can't say enough amazing things about you all! I mean, it's no surprise that I have the hottest readers EVA, but you guys surriously make my day, each and everyday! Gosh, I'm such a SAPSTER! (Pull yourself together, ol' girl!) hehehe

So yes, this post is going to be ALL ABOUT my OBSESSION--- Yes, I recognize the problem... No, I am not getting help for it... No, I do not want the help... Yes, you definitely have it too... Yes, it's a cult... YES, WE ARE....

PRODUCE CRRRAZY!!!!!!!!!

Now, I know I've pointed out some serious Produce Porn in the past, but I was DETERMINED to make each and every one of you FINE FELINES go C-C-C-Raaazy with this one! So... Without Further Ado, I ask you to get yo booties in that seat, get thee a cocktail nice and refreshing class of H2O, or a lovely hot HUGMUG (you have one, riiigghhhtttt???) of tea, and Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy the Riiiide! (And HOLD ONTO YOUR PANTS, VEGGIEGIRL!)

A Santa Melon (aka Grinch/Dr.Seuss Melon!!)

VIEW #2

Citrusy and Flavorless!

♥Hawaii: A hui kaua, makemake oe

Always eat your Papaya CHILLED!! It makes the world of a difference!

OKAY... Prepare for drool... (PS) Many of these are from spring/summer!

From up-top!

Strawberries (Organic) sale = A party!! Here with Napa Cab, Sweet 100 Cherry Tomatoes, Bell Pepps, HUGE Brussels, Shitakis, and some gorgeous Golden Beets!

Yellow Tomatoes for Gazpacho! (No worries, I peel them first!)

Leeks! So divine with Asparagus!

(PS) How Amazing are the BIG, FAT Asparagus right now!? I am so NOT a fan of the twigs (Any1 else?) ... Rachel Rae is--- What does SHE know?! j/k I just MICRO-STEAM the BIG MAMAS for 2 minutes and they are SO sweet and PERF!

THAT'S HOT.

I love me some BERRIES!

Do y'all like Snapizzles?

WOWZA!

Were the Blueberries not SPECTACULAR this Summer?!

LIKE BUTTA (Hey, Erinhomegirlmamacitawhatup.)

Oh, hey Buddha <3 (NAMASTE HOMES.)

NOW FOR SOME MELON LOOOOVE <3

It kinda looked like a Honeydew from the outside???

THEN LIKE A CANTALOUPE???

It tasted like a Citrusy Honeydew! Talk about Identity Issues... (I wonder what the sex/gender is...)

Regardless, it was refreshing and wonderful!

SEEN BELOW WITH THE LAST YELLOW WATERMELON OF THE SEASON!

Like my Bandaid?

I CANNOT BELIEVE I HAVE BEEN AWAY FOR SO LONG! Thanks for your patience! It feels good to be backsters, but it also felt good to just read YOUR blogs! My GOOGLEREADER is overflowing with juicy-blogging-goodness! I LOVE COMING HOME FROM SCHOOL/WORK/GYM/CRAZIES AND SEEING MY READER SO ABUNDANT WITH POSTS!

My next post will feature product reviews and some AWARDS!!! I didn't forget about them and was TRULY TOUCHED... But more on that next time! (And don't worry, it wont be next month...)

BYE POOKSTERS! HAPPY HUMPDAY!! (IS FALL MAGNIFICENT OR WHAT?!)

(OH and BY THE WAY, I'm loooving all the Facebookings! Keep em comin!)

ALLLLLLL ABOOAARRRDDD!

2008-10-22T07:41:00.000-07:00

I'M BACK ON THE BLOGGING TRAIN!!! STAY TUNED FOR SOME PRODUCE FUN AND PRODUCT REVIEWS!!! LOVE Y'ALL <3 See you in a bitty!

A WONDERFUL SURPRISE!

2008-07-20T10:54:00.000-07:00

CONFESSION: I. LOVE. LACTAID. PILLS.

Yes, loverbunnies, I DO realize I've already made that adoration somewhat public, but here's the deal: I HAVE SOME NEW READERS!!!!

So let's give 'em all a GREAT, BIG S + D WELCOME :)

*** Claps hands and waaaves to everyone ***

Y'all don't understand how much these things just thrill me to the gills (okay, end of cheesie-marathon... psshhh, yeah RIGHT.)!

IF YOU'RE A READER, OR JUST A PASSERBY, OR ANYONE WHO HAS UNFORTUNATELY FOUND MY BLOG INSTEAD OF WA (Watermelons Anonymous), leave me a comment and say hi anyway! I love to have newbies!

(I ADORE THE OLDIES TOO, THOUGH!)

Anyways, as previously mentioned in a past blog post, I adore my Lactaid Pills more than words can say! Because I can indulge in my faaave Greek Yogurts without the nasty side effects! Now mind you, I do have to go for 4 of the EXTRA STRENGTH CHEWABLES, but honestly, I couldn't care less! (And yes, my doctor said 4 is A.OK.)

But being the Greek-Yogurt Obsessed GAL that I am, combined with being SUPER greatful that I AM still able to enjoy the splendor of such a cool, thick, and creamy delicacy, I went on the search for other brands!

AND THUS, In the spirit of Our Cutie Patootie, Miss Emma ...

CAN I GET A "WOOT WOOT" FOR A PRODUCT REVIEW?

***Silence... Crickets chirp in the distance***

ALRIGHT! WOOT WOOT!

Trader Joe's : WE HEART TJ's. Seriously, we do! The staff is adorable, their products ROCK and they have some KICK BUTT GREEK YOGURT ! (Unfortunately, I was not-so-thrilled with their Soy Yogurt... Had to try it for my Vegan Girls out there!!!)

Sorry It's backwards! I took it on with my Photobooth (MAC USERS UNITE!) because I am charging my camera!

At 120 kcals per serving (1 cup, 8 oz.), with a whopping 22 grams of Protein, the nutritional stats are out of this world! (More protein than Fage's !

But how does it taste you ask: D.I.V.I.N.E! Seriously, kids, get yo omnivorous tushies (Veg's, get yo booties out there and buy some yummy WholeSoy if you don't have it in your fridge! Yes, go right now!) out there and buy this yogurt! Cheaper than Fage's and nearly just as delicious (I like the slightly tangier taste of Fage, more, personally)! It's a S.T.E.A.L!

***Clap-Clap-Clap-Clap-Clap-Clap-Clap-Clap***

Chobani : FIRST AND FOREMOST, I NEED TO SEND A HUGE "HI, HELLO, AND THANKYOU!!!" TO TIFFANY GRAY over at Chobani for sending me a BOX FOR SAMPLING! This was SO cool! I'd never been sent anything like that, before, and after failing to find Chobani Yogurts anywhere around Philadelphia, she was kind enough to send me some! THANKS TIFFANY!

I was immediately hit with the delicate smells of Fresh Blueberries!!! That's because, unfortunately, one of my blueberry yogurts had opened! I quickly disposed of the little guy (sorry, fella!)...

... And excitedly returned to check out the rest of my flavors! Weeeeee, just like Christmas!

How cool is that?!

The little ones were very well-behaved for the camera, indeed! :)

REVIEW: Personally, I do not care for sweetened yogurts. It had NOTHING to do with the sugars in them, honestly! I've just never been a fan of sweet yogurts! I like a nice tang to my yogurt, and a refreshing, cool, taste! I tried each of the sweetened ones, though, (my family happily consumed their remains!!!) and I have to say that the smells were D.I.V.I.N.E!!! And there were real pieces of fruit! But for me, there was waaay too much of it. I like to eat fruit with my fage/plain-greek yogurt, but NEVER do I add honey or something to sweeten it. (Just personal pref!)

So yes, fruit is great, but the sweetened, syrup[py] stuff at the bottom? This just had too much of it for me! If you are someone who likes the sweetened yogurts though, I'm sure you'd go GA-GA for these babies! For as I mentioned above, my family members A.D.O.R.E.D. the sweetened ones! Literally, my dad's response after his first mouthful of the peach flavor: "WOW." He is a man who is QUITE difficult to please, especially with his yogurts! (TIFFANY, I'VE NEVER SEE THE MAN HAPPIER haha, thank you! He was in Heaven!)

As for the plain flavor, and after talking to Our Emma about this one, I think the flavor was pretty good! For some reason it tasted a little sweeter to me, but there's no added sugar! As mentioned before, I appreciate a good tang to my yogurt!

[NOTE on "The Tang": This is NOT to be confused with the slightest taste of anything sour! Sour = bad, regardless of whether it's plain or not. If it tastes "sour," feed it to your garbage!]

Nutrition-wise, it's still rockin! The plain, non-fat contains (per 8 oz serving), 140 kcals and 23 grams of Protein! It also contains FIVE active-yogurt cultures (S. Thermaphilus, L.Bulgaricus, L.Acidophilus, Bifidus, and L.Casei), whereas TJ's' contains four (S.Thermophilus, L.Bulgaricus, L.Acidophilus, and Bifidus), and Fage's contains only two (S. Thermaphilus and L.Bulgaricus). I wonder what the difference is with each of these live cultures? Anyone know? (I know that the probiotics are good bacteria that aid the body in absorbing minerals, lowering bad cholesterol, cleaning out the colon, etc... Thanks World's Healthiest Foods !) I'm curious about the individual cultures, though! Lend me your knowledge! hehe

I think this one just had a little less of the tang, which perhaps made it taste a little sweeter... Regardless, it just wasn't as refreshing for me! And after speaking with Miss Emma, I felt that my tasting was not as fair as it could have been, considering that she said it is REALLY THICK AND CREAMY, and mine was rather watery! This I attributed to the length of travel... Though the package was filled with those freezer-keeper things, my yogurts appeared to only be about half full of yogurt, with about another 1/4 of the container filled with liquid!

I hope that, someday, the stores around me carry Chobani, though, because, I sincerely trust Emma's food reviews, and I strongly believe that the length of travel without proper refrigeration caused this to happen! No worries, Chobani, I won't give up on you! We shall meet again, someday :)

What are your favorite Yogurts or Favorite ways to enjoy these yogurts? What are some of your favorite recipes that include your favorite yogurts? Let's chat! I'd LOVE to know!

***Just to mention: I purchased an Oikos Greek Yogurt , at Whole Foods, as well, but my Daddy ate it before I got the chance to do the Product Review! I know the Hottie-Tottie Healthy Ashley posted about loving this yogurt, though! Has anyone else tried it? I'll be sure to include a review this week!***

(Pops and I both adore Greek Yogurt! In fact, we have pretty much the same tastes, in general! We do a lot of the same things, too, actually... Par Example... Do we look alike? hehehe)

HINT FOR NEXT POST...

<3 FRIENDS FOREVER <3

A tout à l'heure, Mes Columbes de L'Amour!

(Please excuse my Sunday Morning Laziness... Complete with PJ's and sans make-up, haha... My apologies, but I wanted to say HI!)

OMG AND I ALMOST FORGOT...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!!!!

NO MORE NEGATIVES.

2008-07-18T21:31:00.001-07:00

Guys (girls, guy, whatevs),

I am just so sorry about all of this negative energy I've been spewing around recently. It is so NOT me! I don't want to lose ANY of my amazing readers and friends, not a single one of you! I absolutely adore you all and am so grateful and honored that any of you even think to click on my blog! Really, I am!

That being said, I sincerely apologize for this week's postings! I don't know if the art exhibit was or was not real and if all of this is/is not real. I do know, however, that there are certain things TO post about and certain things to NOT post about. Considering I've had so few readers these past few days, I definitely see that the latter is something that I should not be so quick to post about. I HAD TO GET IT OFF OF MY CHEST THOUGH! This week has been a little icy for me, and I'm SO relieved that the weekend is here! I think we all need a little chillaxin time!

I have TONS of new pictures to show you all and NONE of them are negative! And none of my posts will be either! They will be all ME and I will try and be uplifting, I promise :)

I felt as though I needed to just get THIS post up and running, because my biggest fear for this blog is losing the community I've gained since having S + D! My blog = nothing w/o you, and I hope you'll come back and continue to see what my silly (and not negative nancy) self is up to!

Again, I'm sorry if I've offended ANY of you this past week... I would never, intentionally, do that, ever. Love you guys!

THIS MAKES ME SICK.

2008-07-16T20:20:00.000-07:00

PLEASE HELP!!! I have known about this for about a month now, but did not know that there was a petition until this evening. I cannot NOT post about this, as I am literally IN TEARS, hysterically, so overwhelmed by the cruelty of this f*cked up piece of worthless shit, who considers starving a poor, innocent dog to his death, "art." I'm sorry to have to be negative, yet again, but I just signed this petition. PLEASE HELP AND SIGN IT!!!! PLEASE!

CLICK HERE!!!

I have no other words. This just makes me SO upset, I cannot even find anything else to say. UGH.

(A HUGE THANK YOU to Gluten-Free Vegan, Renee, for bringing this petition to my attention!!!)

Volcano Erupts without Warning in Alaska

2008-07-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

Before I step up on my soapbox, I want to put a DISCLAIMER out right now: THIS IS A JULZ = P.M.S./upset/in need of venting/Morning swim didn't help issue/blah blah blah post. It is not meant to bring anyone down and if you think it may, please refrain from reading... Spank you :).

***** Steps up on quadruple-stacked soapbox[es]*****

Being that I lived on an island last summer that had an active volcano, I've become intrigued by how they erupt, why they erupt, why they stay active, etc etc. Well, upon checking my inbox this morning, I found a plethora of emails titled "OKMOK CALDERA ERUPTS IN ALASKA WE MUST HELP TO FIGHT GLOBAL WARMING," all having been sent by my friends on Hawaii. I felt ashamed that I had not been following Kilauea more closely, as she, too, has been showing an increase in her activity. ONTO OKMOK: Yesterday morning, around 11:45am, the Okmok Caldera crater erupted, sending ashes shooting 50,000 feet high to the nearby fishing port, Dutch Harbor (only 60 miles away).

I felt as though a brick had dropped into the pit of my stomach. While I woke up this morning worrying about how low on fruit and fage we were, there were people on Unalaska Island who were worrying about how they were going to get help and more importantly, how they were going to evacuate (families, pets, $, homes, personal belongings, THEIR LIVES). I feel horrible about this. THIS IS GLOBAL WARMING, yes, but it is also personally effecting so many families and ANIMALS (yes, I'm one of those people who think about the more helpless and too often abandoned animals). The pictures are truly heartbreaking and frightening to me. They show the recent increase in lava flow from Llaima volcano in Chile, Kilauea, and will soon be showing Okmok, too.

But what can we do about this? GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES could be H.U.G.E. for our Country's Energy Power Supply (up to 25%). Sorry to bring politics into my blog, but Senator Obama is the only candidate, of whom I can recall, who's even mentioned the geothermal power supply (during a speech about alternative energy policies in Nevada). If there is any proof to Global Warming/Plate Tectonics, it could very well be the recent increase in Volcanic Activity (from all over the world). I'm sorry but I just had to vent on this.

The pictures of the aftermath from the eruptions in Chile (June, 2008) are devastating, and frightening. It makes me think about Kona, and her Volcano, Mauna Loa, which happens to be the Largest Volcano on the planet. It has recently become active again, after being inactive for nearly 2 decades (this due to a volcanic bulge/mass found underneath her summit). Anyways, it just makes me think, and this eruption of Okmok Caldera caught me by shock. I feel ignorant and annoyed with myself, because I have been neglecting a situation that is SO important to me. I'm really disappointed in ME and I feel as though I have let my friends/family in Hawaii down, but even more importantly, I feel as though I could do so much more with my fortunate, FORTUNATE life. Do you guys ever feel this way??? I have always been someone who worries about situations that are WORLDLY and BIG (bigger than I, personally, can tackle), and I find myself feeling so overwhelmed by said situations, that after spending copious amounts of time fretting over them, I end up pushing them away until I receive emails or notifications from loved ones, reminding me that they don't just "go away." (Sorry about the longest sentence ever...)

Anyways, I wanted to post more pictures today, but I am really feeling shapoopy from this. I know that I could do SO much more to help with global warming and instead of "wishing, waiting, wanting, thinking, watching," my goal for myself is to JUST DO.

*****Steps down from Soapboxes, hides NEGATIVE-NANCY face, RUNS BACK TO COMPUTER*****

Well, now that that is over with, and I sincerely apologize for this if it brought any of you down! I didn't mean anything of the sort, but figured, 'hey, my blog is for me, right? My friends are there to support... ' I have to go GROCERY SHOPPING right now, UGHHHH.

(hehehe, just kidding!) This is something that I KNOW will brighten up my mood. I put my cranky butt in the pool this morning to swim away my stress, which definitely helped, a lot, but I think this helped even more. So, thanks for letting me vent to you guys! And if you'll now excuse me, I have a date with Whole Foods Market and T-JizzleJazzles!

I hope you all have a WONDERFUL Sunday, and again, I'm so sorry if this post brought you down! If it did, I give you permission to never read my blog again? Or I can bake you a cookie and send it to you? I can do birthday parties? Sweet sixteens? (Sorry!!!)

ONCE YOU GO... YOU NEVER GO BACK!

2008-07-11T14:58:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has followed my blog (LOVE YOU!) knows that if there's one thing I love more than life, it's this baby:

For Though I have only been alive for 20 years, I have caressed MANY... MANY a Watermelon:

SUGAR PIE, HONEY BUNCH <3

Recently, however, I came across a new specimen. As the title says, "Once you go... You never go back!" Well, not quite...

No, it's not black... I've never seen a black watermelon before and to tell you the truth, I'm really not so sure that I'd want to. But I HAVE SEEN, SMELLED, AND CONSUMED THIS:

*** Insert suspenseful music here***

SCRUB-A-DUB-DUB! (ALWAYS before consumption!)

["But Julz," you cry, "that just looks like any old watermelon to me!"]

... Hint ... Hint

INSTANT FRIENDS! (I mean, how could we NOT be?)

AGAIN!

CELEBRITY SIGHTING!!! OMFG!!!

CAUGHT IN THE ACT!

The Cradle <3 (Also referred to as the "Watermelon Wagon"... You and me, Mons, baby, you and me! BTW, I know you're just about sphitzing right now...)

BEAUTIFUL BUDDHA CAMERA CASE (I just had to show you!!)

Close-Up

YE [BEAST OF A] MELON KNIFE: MUST BE SERIOUS. (trying SO hard... haha, notice the squeezing of the cheeks)

Just kidding! It's still me guys, see!!??

*****CUTS OPEN WATERMELON*****

[GASP!]

*****CUE: HALLELUJAH CHORUS*****

BUT WHAT DID I SEE??????????????

...

....

........

.............

....................

...........

......

....

...

BAM!

YELLOW WATERMELON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(THE KEYS TO THE PERFECT WATERMELON: (1) L.O.V.E. (OBVIOUSLY!!! If you don't love watermelon, how can you expect them to love YOU!) (2) Hollow sound when knocked on (Must pick up for proper knock-age) (3) Base, as seen in the photograph above, must have a flatter shape and oval -shaped white/off-white/yellowish color!)

REVIEW: (In the spirit of Miss Emma!) Umm, there are no words that exist in the English Language (pshh, yeah, big surprise there... ----- Sorry, I digress...) that could ever ATTEMPT to describe this. I'm serious guys. When I bit into my first piece, I starting laughing, that's how amazing it was. Actually it was more of a freakish dance (I refuse to put this on the internet) that I tend to do when consuming a piece of fruit that is SO MIRACULOUS, my body goes into HAPPY OVERDRIVE! Honestly, I screamed for my family to rush to the kitchen! (They all thought I sliced my arm off) And after tasting this baby, they too knew that this was a special moment. We were in the presence of the 8th Wonder of the World.

I will NEVER forget you YELLOW WATERMELON OF LOVE . You were sweeter than the sweetest of honeys, more refreshing than a tall glass of ice water, and more orgasmic than EVEN....

(no, sorry, def not)

BUT YOU WERE SUBLIME <333

THANK YOU TRADER JOES FOR CARRYING SUCH A STALLION OF A WATERMELON! TJ'S FOREVS!!!

Some Eats and Some Fleurs!

2008-07-11T14:00:00.000-07:00

As previously mentioned, I have not been taking pictures of my cooking, WHICH IS SO GOSH DARN UNFORTUNATE!!! Basically, I've been conjuring up all sorts of goodies and... GETTING PAID! Yessir, I have been cooking meals for couples and families! It's so much fun! This week I made lots of (DIVINE) Yellow Tomato Gazpacho, with roasted yellow (!!!) and red grape tomatoes, some fage and a tiny drizzle of balsamic reduction, Crabcakes over mixed greens with a peanut vinaigrette, Crispy Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps, Smoked Salmon Pizza-Tartlettes, and LOTS AND LOTS of freshly cut fruit and crudite platters! It's been such a blast, I cannot even tell you guys! (Not to jinx ANYTHING, but I'm also in the process of completing my interviews with... Drumroll please...

WHOLE FOODS MARKET!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tell me that's not SUPER exciting??!?! I am hoping I get the job... It would be as a "retail specialist" for prepared foods/general grocery consultant! (OKAY, now we're changing the topic of conversation because lord help me if I am jinxing myself! Eeep!!)

Anyways, as I stated above, I've been cooking A LOT, and making all sorts of delectable goodies (even more for my family, of course)! Here are some pictures that I managed to snap. Although they leave much to be desired (sorry!), I'll briefly give y'all the LD on those shown!

UN-EFFING-REAL Thai Green Curry!!

(IT WAS REALLY GREEN! Just didn't photograph well... at all... ew, I'm sorry.)

This is my recipe and unfortunately, I didn't write it down! I could smack myself silly for this, but I will definitely be making this soon enough, so I will write EVERYTHING DOWN when I do!!

It contained: Sauteed: Cauliflower, carrots, red onion, fennel, garlic, Lite Coconut Milk, a touch of Coconut Extract, Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk, A touch of agave, green curry paste, curry powder (the veggies were all sauteed with curry powder, as well), dried cilantro, pureed LeSeur Peas, whole LeSeur Peas, LOTS of cinnamon, some ground cumin, Chicken stock (You could use veggie stock), some glucomannan powder for thickening, nutmeg, lots of cracked black pepper (fresh, obvs), some red pepper flakes, ground cloves... umm.... There was more (I think!?) but I can't remember. Just trust that my mom said: "This is definitely among the best sweet curries I've ever had! "(SHE LIVED IN INDIA/NEPAL!!) BTW, I covered this and cooked it for probably around 2.5-3 hours stove top! Though the veggies were too soft for my liking, the flavors were beyond amazing... I can't wait to get the recipe out!) -PS- Topped with fage = ideal.

However, I find that it is most fun to add your own toppings to dishes such as the one you see above, so...

(Vertical View.)

(Horizontal View.)

Sauteed Zucchini and Yellow Squash, Green Peas + LeSeur Peas, Sauteed Tofu (everyone devoured this!), sauteed artichoke hearts (mmmm), and these GORGEOUS 16/20 Shrimp that I cooked in a saute pan, as well.

This part was SO fun! The peas were perfection! In the future, I would add in raw zucchini and squash (but cut like spaghetti) rather than sauteed... Just personal preference.

ODD LITTLE NOTE: This is random, sorry! Recently (the above photos are from not-so-recently, I don't have a taste/appetite/desire to eat cooked foods. Like AT ALL. I haven't eaten any meat in quite some time, other than fish that I had and didn't care for. Shrimp = my only "meat" type of food. Cooked veggies have totally been replaced with finely julienned raw veggies that I prefer to eat with a little bit of Whole Foods's Roasted Vegetable Tomato Sauce. I am EXTREMELY picky about tomato sauce, and tomatoes, in gen. --Always have been, and though I've been eating them by the DOUBLE PINT FULL (great for my reflux... Actually, my reflux hasn't been saying much recently! Maybe I overcame it?? Is this possible?), I only like sweet tomatoes. Cherry Tomatoes = ICK! Grape Tomatoes = L.E.R.V.E. (No, I haven't gotten Salmonella... And no, I have not stopped consuming tomatoes!) Anyways, I don't know why I've been like this, but the only veggies I want to eat cooked are broccoli! Steamed (DOI) = amazing. I ate some with my brekkie yesterday and they were SPECTACULAR! Oh and I also had some asparagus today that were steamed, so maybe I'm completely lying to you. No, I'm not. My taste for raw food has DEF become stronger (Carrots? Just bought my second 5 lb bag of the WEEK. My fave <3)

ODD LITTLE NOTE DEUX: "Tomato Contraversy" = Jalepeno Contraversy? Seems to me like someone invented this to take down Salsa lovers everywhere. BETCH. I love me some salsa!!YOU CAN'T TAKE ME DOWN!!!

OKAY, TIME TO MOVE ON TO MORE FOOD:

"HONEY-OAT-RAISIN" SCONES!

(again)

A Couple Random Snapshots:

The incredible orchid I picked up for my mommy at PRODUCE JUNCTION for $11.99!! It was HUGE! (5 months old here, too!!) I heart orchids, so!

More Angles!

Last one!

Truly breathtaking, in my opinion!

You want more flowers? Here are some!

We love flowers here at my house! My mom is ALWAYS planting, buying, and gawking at flowers... My parents were married inside of the horticultural center, after all!

A SNEAK PEAK AT WHAT'S TO COME...

Y'all know an entire post will be devoted to this beauty <333

SEE YOU SOON! :)

How are the kiddles doing, you ask?

2008-07-10T20:18:00.000-07:00

My children have been doing spectacularly well! They much adore their mother being less active (still boot-bound... Will address lata), and have been enjoying each other's company, as well!

As Boo has gotten older (he is now 1), we've noticed, more than ever, some pretty peculiar behaviors. When, for example, someone comes to visit the house, rather than running up to them with a chew toy in mouth, he runs up, tail-a-waggin, and rubs up against them... like a... umm... CAT. Yes, that's right. Buddha has officially become My's "mini-me" and spends much of his time indoors, watching the birds through the windows. He also has taken to Mylo's catnip and though he totally fakes it, we allow him to "trip" right along with Mylo. [Sometime, if you all so desire, I will video record Mylo "on" Catnip. You will NOT be dissapointed. It's WONDERFULLY entertaining!)

Anyways, below are some photos of the kids! Enjoy lovebugs!

The Buddha Bear...Hair quite full, but not out of control... (yet)

OUT OF F-ING CONTROL!!!!! ROCK ON!!!

See the distinction? Poor little guy, he couldn't see ANYTHING... Can't see what he is sitting on? Oh well, allow me to show you how he "sits" atop my dad's favorite chair... (Quite unusual, no?)

I just adore him <33333

(Snuggled up with Jim)

Now, not too long before the above two photos were taken, Boo's hair got to this point...

Notice the reverse mohawk... Complements of Le Gravity :)

And the other child? Oh, he's been splendid! His hair? Always in order... (Complements of Le Shedding)

Perched atop his bear in his room!

Camera-Ready! Such a beautiful cat, I have <3

Perfect hair, PURRRfect socks! (Wuv the socks!)

Together: (Though they firmly believed each was having his own photoshoot... Shhh! Don't tell them!)

Doing it in segments this time... PLEASE SAVE!!

2008-07-10T15:22:00.000-07:00

Okay, so for the sake of saving time aaaand because I want to blog about HERE and NOW, I am going to do a quick photo-recap of my life since we all last spoke! I don't want to bore any of you, so if this leaves much to be desired, I apologize and will refrain from posting the rest! I have rewritten this post multiple times today and am getting a tad bit annoyed with blogger... And my flickr account wont connect the two! How can I upload pictures without having to reorder everything/resave in a new post?! (I apologize in advance for not having many food pictures on here... I didn't take any at the restaurant because they would have all been of meat on stakes, and I knew that there were one or two (haha) blogging babes who would not be so appreciative of those (Include yours truly in there!) LOTS MORE PICTURES TO UPLOAD AND LOTS MORE POSTS TO COME! MUST HOP TO <333>

A WONDERFUL 20th Birthday, indeed.

Cris[tin] (Brother's soulmate), S+D, Mommy, Grammy

Tres Generations!

James does this quite often

Normal and Lovely!

My Daddy and I!

Now with my Beautiful Grandmother

They look so weird here, the picture didn't come out so well, I suppose (Sorry guys!)

With my flan! (Unfortunately, I don't like flan... So this was the only downer)

Being silly with my dad's specs

The restaurant was Fogo de Chao and while it was lots of fun, the food was a little overwhelming for a non-meat eater! I wanted to go because my mom, dad, brother, and Grammy all love meat, and they have the "best salad bar in the city" according to the 4-seasons concierge (Basically free-411...). (For anyone who doesn't know... I LIVE FOR SALAD BARS! My mom and I go crazy for them, and we hold our calibers quite high! haha) I would have to disagree because while it is WONDERFUL and BEAUTIFUL, Fogo's got NUTTIN on.....

My Whole Foods Market <333

BE BACK IN A JIFFER!

(Man, I love Never Been Kissed SO much! Good times, good times!)

Blogger and I are not friends anymore :(

2008-06-30T09:11:00.001-07:00

Yes, Julz has been busy, but she has also been working on two super long posts with loads of exciting pictures and stories!!! And this morning when I go to finalize said posts... Well, here is what I find in those spots:

[photo]

...

(on and on and on and on..... (the beat goes on) )

BLOGGER BABY?! What happened? What happened between us? Has anyone ever had any problems with blogger? I know that Ems always talks about her problems with Wordpress, but blogger seems to always be fine for me! I mean sure, it takes me waay too long to organize my pictures once I've written my post, and often it won't save (or says it cannot autosave), but it usually pulls thru!!! That is... until now. Shapoops!

So I wanted to let y'all know, I am SERIOUS about this, I need something fast and efficient to get my stories and pictures up for all of you to see! I want to move on with my blog and have SO much to tell you all! Ew, I really don't like feeling so behind (on ANYTHING) and I know blogging should be relaxing, fun, and light-hearted/easy going, but I'm totally upset about this and frustrated (as I'm sure YOU ALL ARE WITH ME ALL THE DAMN TIME!)

(PS) What is this Window's Live Writer business I'm hearing so much about these days? Can us Mac-users (UNITE! rawr!) participate too???

Y'all know I love you. Goodness, I can't believe you still read "this"... But I'm so thankful that you do, because honestly and truly, I adore having it and sharing it with you and I adore reading your blogs (like wohh)

CRAP! I BROKE A RULE!

2008-05-29T12:31:00.000-07:00

Whoops!!!

Okay, I'm tagging Healthy Celiac, Ashley from On the Move Again, Cassandra from Delishish, Monica from Run, Eat, Repeat, and lastly Real Food for Us! Whew! Okay all better haha. :)

So much to discuss!

2008-05-21T09:59:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am still alive and cast-bound and YES, I am officially a b.a.d. blogger!!! This makes me SO mad, because not only have I been neglecting my own blog, but the blogs of all of the supportive friends I've made across the blogsphere and that is just not okay. I apologize, sincerely. This post is going to be quick, as I have so much I have to get done today, but in a nutshell here's what's been taking over: My 20th birthday was May 19!! I had tons of friends over and it kicked butt! Oh yeah, and my family and I went to this really cool restaurant! But more on that later... (next post, sorry!!!). My cousin Wendy was diagnosed with Stage IV Ovarian Cancer only three weeks ago, and she has yet to come out of her surgery that was four days ago. It's been a very heavy month and the last thing that I thought anyone needed was to focus on my 20th birthday, until my parents reminded me of something: Just because someone else's life is ending does not mean that you can suddenly abandon yours. And it's so true. They told me that I should celebrate my birthday as if Wendy were there with me and that I should celebrate my life. My friends totally helped me to celebrate (possibly a little too hard, lol) and made my birthday amazing. And of course, my family was there by my side (err- inside... we were all outside -- the "kids," I mean). So that's where my life has taken me... All of my friend's are home although my bestest girl friends are leaving me soon! Jenny's off to Camp Cedar (she's a counselor at an all boys overnight camp... Haha, she ADORES it!), Jaclyn's living in Manhattan and taking classes (n I will be crashing her apartment during the weekend... Totally her idea, not mine ) and Kristina is doing a Fellowship in Germany. I feel like such a waste of life compared to them, some times. Haha, no I'm joking, I lived in Hawaii last summer, I know how fortunate I am, no worries. All my best guys are still going to be around though, and my girlfriends who I'm still really close with, just not as close. I graduated from a small private school with about 86 in my graduating class. (I think!!!) So at my birthday were about 25-30 of my closest friends from that class (and then some outside of school too, of course!), so it was like this humongous hug! I loved that feeling! As previously mentioned, my friends are MY LIFE (aside from my family) and having them around me makes everything seem okay.

Okay, well, with all of that being said, I have so much to do today, but I'm sorry, once again, that I've been so annoying about this blog and just in general. I apologize for not keeping you guys updated on my M.I.A. status, as that would have been a much more responsible approach (rather than just NOT blogging). I've still been reading yours though! (Even if my comments have been M.I.A. too.)

Here's what I've loved (aside from just "hearing" your voices across the blogsphere):

Linds (Love Of Oats): All of your experimenting is making ME so excited for the summer weather! With new weather comes SO many possibilities (or so it seems like it), as everything is growing, learning, and the world seems so much more alive :) And your decision to try out eating based on your intuitive hunger cues is a huge step and quite courageous! Love it!

Karen (DoBetter): HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!! I believe we shared the same one! Sweet! Oh, and I basically was near to LICKING my computer screen when I saw that Man's Mud Pie. Umm, SUPER YUM!!

Liz (Veggiegirl): Those Lemon Gem Cupcakes are so delicate!! I can only imagine the fragrance that surrounded you as soon as you scooped out the top! Yummmm! And I loved the Mother's Day pictures! So sweet :)

Melis (Melissa's Journey): Way to go on your 5k!! That's HUGE girl! Aaaand those pictures of you at the race are beautiful! If only I looked like that after I run! (haha) Oh yeah, and that Carrot Cake? Beyond Words

Jennifer (veg*n Cooking and other random musings): Your garden looks AWESOME!! You've inspired me to try growing tomatoes this summer!!! Thank you!

Kristie (Lighter Portions): I've loved reading about your adventures with both your meals and especially your swimming! I've swam my entire life. My mom swam in the pool at our gym the day she gave birth to me! In fact, everyone thought she'd give birth to me in that pool! Haha I can swim for a while, but I definitely notice that the biggest part of swimming is your breathing. My lungs are pretty big from swimming, but the sport is similar to yoga in the sense that you have to focus your strength in your breaths, core, and lengthening your body with each stroke. And just as important is your form. (Just like with running, yoga, etc.). Keep it up though!!

Twin (Chocolate Covered Vegan): Those little ducklings!! So precious! Oh and don't let me forget to tell you about my love affair with a white bird that was so sweet! Just like a puppy!

Chandra (One Body, One Life, One Chance / Chandra's Shenanigans): Your 20k is so close! How exciting!! And your vacation is even closer! (Can we say only a few hours!!) Your roll-up pizza inspired me to make one and all of your veggie burger-esque meals got my butt to Whole Foods to purchase some of my own! (They're having a $6.00 sale for any two products from Boca Burger!) -PS- I have a couple of Sauced Dance Videos to show you... Haha they are ridiculous.

-PPS- Now that I'm editing this post, your 20k is SO soon!!! That's so awesome!! Can you believe how far you have come?! I honestly am awe struck by your "mind over body" attitude, as you always carry through your day with such positivity! I adore that about you! Move to Philadelphia!!! ;)

Ash (Healthy Ashley): Your selflessness is a quality that makes you such the marvel that you are. Your open-minded approach to Kelsey's comment about the youtube video was truly honorary, and I thought it was so respectful of you. Also, I thought for you to publicly discuss the error of your way, was fabulous. I find that too often, bloggers (especially recently!) are becoming SO defensive of themselves. I almost find it rude. One cannot expect that he/she will not receive comments and questions about his/her decisions if they are on the internet, you know? Anyway, enough of my digressing, I just think you kick ass. But that you know already OHHH, and before I forget: WAY TO GO ATHLETE! That's hot man!

Linds (Chocolate Coffee Kitchen): Your excitement over that Jocolat bar was too cute! I loved that little moment. You're such a foodie, really!! Aaaand your little Grilled Fiesta totally got me on the bandwagon with Tomatoes! Especially during this time of year (and August being the best!!) I go CRAZY over tomatoes! I live so close to New Jersey, aka home of the best tomatoes ever, and the grapes right now are borderline extinction because of me! And because of you, my grill is now being cleaned NIGHTLY from all of the tomatoes! y.u.m.

Lisa (Lisa Speaks): Love the new blog wallpaper! So pretty

Emma (Gliding Calm): Welcome back! Your family time sounded so nice and relaxing for you, and though I cannot imagine what it's like to have to say goodbye to them for so long, just know that you have all of our unending support, as well, with your skating, classes, blogging, etc. Plus, we're all selfish, especially me, and I am glad you're back so I can see more skating pictures, and hear about more of your endeavors!

Seasun (Seasun's youtube clips and Choreography): I miss you guys!!! I'm still in my cast, but am doing just fine, thank you! It's been a little awkward not being so active though. The Broad Street Run didn't happen, obviously, but I've been enjoying being lazy. How is everyone in class? I should come visit haha. I feel like I've been gone FOREVER! And how are your twinkle toes doing??? Still in pain? I hope not! I can't imagine what it's going to be like coming back to step! I'll feel like I'm starting all over again, haha, but I suppose that'll be the fun part of it, right! Give everyone my love!

Urban Vegan: Yay! Another Philly blogger! I love reading your blog and especially loved those pictures of your precious cats!!

Monica (Runeatrepeat): Ewwww, Food Poisoning from Whole Foods?!?! That's so horrible! And even moreso that the manager didn't react like he should have. I would have gone into my Whole Foods, personally, as I shop there all of the time. How Awful! I hope it's completely left your system though! Oh and how good is the watermelon right now? Last summer I remember finding Yellow Watermelon at the Whole Foods in Center City Philadelphia (well, on South Street). It's fantastic, by the way, so if you're ever in the area, GO! Anyways, they always have the most exotic produce and they had Yellow (I mean, YELLOW!) Watermelons! They claimed that they were the sweetest and best watermelons around. I bought a quarter of one. It sucked. Total Bummer. But regular Watermelons are still my heart's content hehehe

Romina (Vegan for One): THOSE COOKIE PICTURES!!! Amazing! I love getting close up shots of cookies and other baked goods, because I find that they always photograph SO well with their uniformity! I made INSANELY GOOD vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies and they turned out INSANELY good! I'll post the link soon! You'll flip for these I just know it!

Happy Herbivore: CONGRATS ON PASSING YOUR BAR EXAMS!!!!!!! What an ENORMOUS accomplishment! Daaaaaamn Giirl (PS) I can't wait for your cookbook to come out! And thanks for pointing out the recipe search bar! I checked out that pad thai recipe and may be making it tonight! (If I am feeling up to it... am fighting a little sick bug right now). And I am still interested in recipe testing so I will get on top of that email, I promise!

Irbas (The Only Source of Knowledge is Experience): How's your foot??? I hope quickly recovering! Ohhh and I love the new blog! About you and pb's wedding plans!! Weeeee!

Heather (Heather Bakes): That little sister of yours is TOO cute! If only you lived closer by, my little brother could play with your little sister!

Bonnie (Eating with the Rabbits): Umm can you send me some icecream? And EVERYTHING else you make?! Even your baking catastrophes! I'll test 'em all!

Cara (I Don't Believe in Diets): Can you post your Pseudo-Pad Thai recipe??? I've been searching for a healthier version to make at home! I'd LOVE to hear what you do to yours if you wouldn't mind sharing?

Kate (You Can Win Friends With Salad!): Umm, try everything that you make inspires me!!! Seriously, you should be my instructor on how to eat balanced and healthily! You do it with such ease and the positive outlook that you always demonstrate is so marvelous!! Your blog always makes me feel brighter! (nerdy mcnerd over here.)

Katie (Good Things Catered): You are out of this world!! Your passion is so contagious and your creations always end up bookmarked in my recipe collection! (Don't worry, I totally give you all the credit though!) Christie's birthday cake was one of the most beautiful/delicate cakes I've ever seen. She must have been so touched. And that Brandied Cherry Tart took me right into the French Countryside. Goodness, I could go on and on!

Tofufreak (In the Kitchen with a TofuFreak): You are so fabulous! Every time I leave your blog, I am so impressed with your love for the culinary arts, and even more impressed by your tender age! You remind me of myself at 13, except I was not a vegan, lol, but I looooved creating, especially in my kitchen. Keep on going! Maybe one day you can personally sign your cookbook for me (wink, wink.) And congrats on your Superior Award from your science fair! That's fantastic!

Roni [the Great] (Greenlitebites): I must admit that when I read that comment about your son, I immediately turned on my defenses for you. I felt like writing a comment back to her, and even typed one out, but then stepped back for a second. I realized that by leaving a comment in the heat of my upset, I was not at all helping you or the commenter. In fact, that comment wouldn't even do anything for anyone, except add unneeded stress. I found that it was wonderful how you approached that comment and I also felt that it was very honorary of her to openly return a comment in response to her first one. We all do things that we wish we could take back, and the fact that you saw that, despite having the urge to defend both your blog and your adorable son, was mad impressive to me. Your recent recipes have been SO perfect for the oncoming summer weather, especially that Watermelon Ice! I can't wait to make it!

Danielle (Around the World in 340 Days): As I said in my last comment (though it was quite some time ago... So Sorry!), your honesty in your blog is something that each and every one of your readers admire, endlessly. It is so important to be okay with oneself, in all of his/her achievements and steps forward, but even more importantly, through the setbacks and stepbacks. Personally, I felt that your "wednesday night event(s)" was/were not a set back for you, but rather a giant leap forward, because you were able to step outside of yourself and release all that you had been feeling. That was huge. Oh and how could I forget... HAPPY 20TH BIRTHDAY!!! I wish you nothing but the very best! (By the way, we're SO close in age, as my 20th birthday was on May 19! Don't you just love having a birthday in May? I adore it)

Kate (Winning Friends with Salad) and Cassie (Fast Fresh Fit): Thanks for the Tagging!!! yayy!

Kate (Winning Friends with Salad): I think I missed something here... Surgery??? Are you okay?? This isn't surgery on your vocal chords right? For some reason the way you described it echoed that for me... If so, we must discuss! I am still in therapy for mine!!!!!!!! (If not, please disregard, lol.)

Heather (Trust My Intuition): I support you 100% in your decision to move away from the calorie counting. I think it is incredibly courageous and that your meals always look incredibly healthful and nutritious. Honestly, if I were just reading your blog for the first time (thank goodness I'm not! I would have missed out on so much!) I would think you were a nutritionist already!

Ashley (Healthy Ashley): You are the cutest. Ever. (See below for more M.I.A. explanations). And by the way, YOU totally rock my socks with your openness and honesty too! And just know that life is not an end-all, be-all deal as far as your health is concerned. Remember that your body is incredibly strong and when you take in things that it does not like, it will work extra hard to rid itself of the undesired substances! You are SO young still, and it should relax you to think about how you have your whole life to experiment with what works for you. Gosh, I wish you lived close by! I feel like we could chatterbox FOREVER, I don't know why, I have always felt that way though. Like brothers from another mother...

I've Been Tagged!!! My first time Ever! Saweeeeeeeeet

(Insert themesong: "Ohhhh Happy Days...")

So, both the beautiful Kate and the lovely Cassie tagged me for the 5 fun facts game! I was so excited, as I have never been tagged before! (PS) I've loved reading all of your facts too! They are all so interesting and it's so wonderful to get to know more about all of you! (And thanks for the tags girls!)

RULES: (1) Link your tagger(s) and post these rules

(2) Share 5 unknown Facts about yourself

(3) Pay it forward! Link 5 more bloggers and include their names in your post

(4) Leave them a comment on their blog and let them know that they've been tagged!

FACTS: (This is so fun!)

(1) My new breakfast OBSESSION/fave: Fage with Chilled Mango. (And I eat the skins! They are so delicious, you must try them! Plus they have fiber and nutrients, yummy!) Fage used to be too intense for me, but now I prefer it to my cottage cheese! I had lots of chilled honeydew and cantaloup and watermelon this morning with it too, which was fabulous, but nothing holds a candle to the chilled mango and fage combo! (Champagne Mangos, also called Yellow Mangos= the only skin I've tried... They are perfect for a personal mango size-wise and taste like Hawaii). Ohh and Rasberries and Fage = Amazing too. But I accidentally bought conventional ones at Whole Foods (why go there and not get the good stuff, right?! Well they were all out of Organic and I had a friend coming for the weekend who I knew adores them, so I bought some!) and they were yucky! I even smelled them to make sure they'd be good and they did, indeed, smell like perfectly ripe rasberries. Well, they weren't. Ick. (That was my face after being slammed with sour, bitter, mcnasty.) But don't worry Rasberries, I won't abandon you! (I could never).

(2) I have always adored Fresh Produce and always thought that fruits and vegetables were SO beautiful. I always craved fruit when I was little and Steamed Broccoli was always on my toddler tray! I couldn't get enough! Recently, however, my passion has gotten ahead of me and I have forgotten about my health... I have severe Acid Reflux to the point of losing my voice for weeks at a time. This most likely stemmed from the fact below, which I will leave in suspense (yes, I am perfectly aware that one could merely scroll down, or even glance down and read it, but it's more fun this way!), but because of my reflux, I had to stop eating Ketchup which since I was a wee little one, has been my favorite condiment E.V.E.R. It was definitely hard for me to ween myself off of the stuff, but I have successfully done so! Woot woot! Anyways, recently, I have resorted to topping my chicken and veggies with tomato sauce (or jarred meat-sauce and I find that jarred sauce tastes 1,000,000X better with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano (Yes, the REAL REAL REAL stuff from my Whole Foods's Cheese Department... It totally would blow your sh** out of the water, let me tell ya! So not only have I been eating this tomato-based sauce that is no better for my throat then Ketchup, but I have also been eating tons of the A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. Grape Tomatoes that are SO sweet and SO refreshing right now! B.A.D. I have also been battling a massive cold/sinus infection/virus like WOHH and my mom has it now too! I have been sleeping a TON or at least attempting to/resting a lot because I am not sleeping too well at night. I need to watch my acidity right now B.I.G. T.I.M.E.

3) When I was little, my favorite food was Cheese. That's such an understatement, too. I used to always want string-cheese or chedder cheese or swiss cheese when I was in kindergarten even! I used to LOVE LOVE LOVE Whole Wheat Bread Sandwiches with one-slice of really intense Swiss Cheese. And that's it! Haha, SO GOOD. In fact, I'm kind of wanting one right now, how funny is that?! It's probably been at least 5 years since I've had one!

(4) I have always been a perfectionist, even when I was little. Like an extreme-o perfectionist. Example: I used to practice my scales for hours and hours when I was little (vocal) and would even practice my handwriting for hours, as well. I played tennis (rather seriously, did tournaments for 6-7 years) or rather, practiced at a 9 week-long tennis camp every summer for 7 years, for six hours each day doing drills, matches, clinics, strength training, swimming (endurance), sprinting (endurance), etc. I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT and remember always being sad when the day was over. I still play... Well, not currently, due to my stupid foot, which is not doing too well, I'm afraid... Anyway, my summers are often spent playing tennis during the day and night (sometimes even around 10, 11 o'clock), and I have been missing it, terribly. SIDENOTE: Due to playing so intensely when I was younger and being the perfectionist that I am and was, I stopped playing due to the stress that the sport began to give me, emotionally. I became obsessive-compulsive about winning and the love I had for the sport faded away. My High School coach was also an abusive coach and I quickly associated the sport with her. She sucked. Anyways, I can (THANK GOODNESS) play now and keep my stress and anxiety at bay, but I only hit. I do not play matches and I refuse to. (I know I should try and get over this, but it is a very sensitive area for me and one that I do not want to return to... I got really angry not just on the court, but in my life outside of tennis too, and that was NOT me! So needless to say, if you want to play sometime, I'd love to! Just not a match haha

(5) I have been studying music since I was a toddler, literally. I did musicals in Philadelphia when I was really really young, and thought it was TOTALLY normal to be in front of tons of people singing and not being nervous. Funny thing though: Singing in front of 5 People or even MORESO 1 person scared the crap out of me (luckily that didn't happen too often... ). Anyways, I started taking private music theory and voice lessons at the age of 8 and was singing at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia shortly after. I loved it. It was the joy of my life and the sunshine of my day. Even at school I practiced roughly three hours a day, with a voice coach in both singing and music theory. I always assumed I'd go to college and pursue it. As I got older, Jazz became my passion and my range became even wider, especially with all of my practicing. During my Junior Year of High School, however, my voice began to change and the high notes that used to be my forte, suddenly became unreachable. It was honestly like an all-of-a-sudden thing and the more I trained, the more pain I felt in my throat. My range became none existent, as did the strength to even speak. I would wake up in the mornings with the most horrible pain, unable to utter a single word. I would lose my voice for two weeks at a time. I became very depressed and my confidence plummeted to nothing. After seeing Dr. Robert T. Sataloff (the same Doctor who operated on Julie Andrews after a doctor ruined her vocal chords leaving her speechless), and working with his speech therapists, psychiatrists, and vocal/music therapists, they found that I have vocal nodules, which are cysts that develop on the vocal folds/chords due to overuse and overstrain. Mine had developed from overuse and fragmented growth and formation due to overuse at such a young age. I knew what nodules were and I immediately broke down when he told me. They slowly paralyze the range of movement for the vocal chords and I knew about Julie Andrews' nodules. She had hers operated on and the operation left her unable to use her voice at all. I knew that any surgery had a 50/50 recovery chance, but I also knew that I was seeing the best doctor in the world (or so it's been said) and that I could not have been in any better hands than Dr. Sataloff's. Long-Story-Short = I did not get the surgery and have not sang since. The Musical Theatre Director at Penn State was amazing and came to Philadelphia to hear me sing in twelfth grade, for the last time, at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia and it was so touching. I sang a jazz song that left me and my whole family very emotional, and she took a long time to talk with me after my performance about what I was going through. It was one of the most tragic performances for me and experiences, because I knew that I would be saying goodbye to something that had been the light in my life, everyday, for my entire life. She told me that I could call her at any time and talk to her about it, as did the rest of the professors there, but up to this point, I have kept this struggle very private (between my family, friends, and therapists/coaches/teachers only). This summer I hope to get up the courage to pursue the surgery getter-done, as they say! Currently, however, as stated above, I am not in the best shape (health-wise, I'm sick, and my health needs to be 200% for this surgery's outcome to be at its best!!!) and have been sick! I'm hoping to get better sooon! Send HEALTHY VIBES my way guys!!!

(This is fun, I'm continuing!)

(6) Lactaid Extra-Strength Chewables are my LIFE-SAVER! Although I am not a huge cheese eater anymore, there are certain cheeses that I A.D.O.R.E. My Whole Foods has an incredible Cheese Department. I'm not talking a little table. No, like a department, a legit d.e.p.a.r.t.m.e.n.t. with five Cheese Connaisseurs (four or five) at any given time. It is so beautiful and makes me wish that there was a wine cellar next door! My current favorites include Chevre which is a fresh Goat's Cheese (tangy and divinely refreshing and decadent at the same time!), Goat's Cheese (Traditional Crumbly one, perfect for Spinach Salads with Rasberry Vinagrette!), Parmigiano Reggiano (When they cut open the HUGE wheels and you smell the nutty, warm, and full bouquet'd body of this cheese, it is OUT OF THIS WORLD! And if you have only eaten this cheese in cooked dishes you are MISSING OUT! With a sweet, aged, reduced balsamic vinager, mache (a very tender, sweet, and nutty green leaf that looks like a baby-baby spinach... If your store does not carry mache, use baby spinach), pears (not too ripe) and toasted walnuts? Oh my goodness Me!! Such a healthy and PERFECT salad!! And it's always impressive for entertaining. Note: The pears should still have some (slight) chew to them and it should still be easy to get clean cuts out of them! No mushy pears here! (Unless, of course, you prefer them that way... Ewwww). The Parmigiano Reggiano is also best in thin slices here. Just a little bit of the cheese as nothing should overpower here. One should be able to taste each of the fabulous ingredients!! I promise you'll love it. (You can also substitute the Goat's Cheese here too!)

(7) I never went to Pre-K. I'm not sure why, I just didn't. In fact, when people would mention "Pre-K" I'd be confused as my Pre-School didn't have anything called "Pre-K"... I suppose then, that they included the year of education, but not the name? Hmm... I'll have to ask my parents about this one!

WHEW! I am exhausted after this post! I have some pictures from my birthday and of some food! (Really? No Way!) And some recipes that I have to post for you guys to try! Some are my own and some are not, but I'll be sure to give the sources for the recipes that are not mine, no worries!! And OH, I almost forgot! If anyone knows how to create a sidebar for recipes or a tab for inserts like recipes, frequently asked questions, etc., for blogger then please let me know!!! HOPE EVERYONE'S ENJOYING THEIR THURSDAYS! SATC COMES OUT TOMORROW!!!!! AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

And thanks for reading my blog, despite me being a bad blogger! I love you guys!

Double the trouble....

2008-04-30T19:09:00.000-07:00

Aaaand the 2nd MRI showed us...

A fracture in the heel! Yes, that's right folkies, yours truly, has a double fracture, oh, and possibly one towards the inside top of my foot right below the ankle... Jolly good! What is happening here? Honestly, this is just getting ridiculous! (PS) I totally forgot to put my walking cast on tonight and hyped up on 800 IBU and Percocet I was walking around the house BAREFOOT! Mind you I may be 5'9/5'10, but I'm not really a "big" person. Half a glass of wine= Me on the FLOOR! One shotgunned beer? Peace out! A glass of champage? Au Revoir! This is not safe guys! I could've probably done backflips under those drugs and I wouldn't have felt a thing! Thank G-D I was without company! (Other than Boozy and Mylo, of course! But they won't rat me out... At least I'd hope not!) If my dad saw that he'd be "P.I.S.E.D".... Someone please name this movie! ... In the comment box I'll be waiting to see who the movieholics are ;) . So yeah, after today I definitely need a good night sleep!

Dinner tonight was good... Could've been better but I didn't have much of an appetite. I had some Turkey Meatloaf (faaave) and some chicken and about a bite of a salad. What's going on here Hulia?! Get it together girl! HOWEVER, Dessert was increddddible and made my night! I was laying in bed working on my paper and feeling insanely dehydrated! So to the fridge I went! --er, Crutched! Aaand I pulled out the fruit "wagon" and into it I went. I sat there eating mounds of Watermelon and Rasberries along with some Honeydew and a little Mango all with my favorite little fork that I've used forever! I know what makes me happy and fruit -- Makes this girl happy! So my fruit and I had a lovely little soiree, all while reading about my favorites on WHFOODS . If you've never checked out this site before, you MUST! It's one of my ALL TIME FAVES and it's so much fun to read it WHILE you're consuming said world's healthiest food! I loved this so, and it totally hydrated me AND brought up my spirits! I'm so ready to "hit the hay" but thought I would give y'all an update! I'll be awaiting a call from my podiatrist in the morning to see if another MRI is in order/ when I get to see him next! I'm PRAYING that the words "surgery" and "cast" are no where in ear's length. Let's keep our fingers crossed!!!

OMG and Tomorrow's THURSDAY!!! Thank the LOOOOORRRDY LORD!

Never Have I Ever...

2008-04-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

Hurt myself! Oh, except for when I was little, I fractured my foot (circa. 1992) kicking my brother's door. (Not sure if it was the same foot though). He wouldn't let me in to play, what was I supposed to do, right? Ahem... Anyways, I went to the ER that night that I blogged about my foot, because my dad was not having it. No sir. And let's be honest here, I wasn't too happy either. For lack of a better term, I was literally, bawlin'. I never cry when I hurt myself, and I NEVER HURT MYSELF! So, long story short, I have a stress fracture under the ball of my foot, towards the side of my big toe and have been doing step aerobics, tennis, etc on this injury for the past three months. GooOooooOOOoOooo Me! I have an MRI tonight at 7 to make sure I don't need surgery (please oh please oh please don't make me need surgerrryyyy!!!) Oh goodness, that would be awful! The MRI is also going to see if I have any of the foot "itis"'s... Tendonitis, Fasciitis, Bursitis, etc. etc. So since Saturday I have been doing... umm, nothing. I mean I've been hanging out with my podiatrist, went to a play, hung out with my friends, and Buddha (who is doing SO much better!!! Thanks everybody!), Mylo, my Grandmother, my homework, my bed... Yeah, nothing active! OH Except for my CRUTCHES! I never thought that they'd be so tiring, but I'm totally sore from using them. Lol, I know, wimp. There is a guy coming over to the house today to size me for a walking cast (I insisted, and do NOT want to be on crutches for this whole time!), which I'm so greatful for! I was out yesterday, literally, from 9-5:45 running around on my crutches and when I got home I was exhausted. But I got some AWESOME stuff and I can't wait to show you guys! It'll have to wait until my mom comes back from Mexico though because my camera battery is dead and she took my charger with her accidentally! She's at Le Blanc with her best friend, Nancy, for a week and I'm SUPER jealous and SUPER SUPER missing her right now!!! Hiii Mommmm Hahaha, I'm only kidding, I'm not crying (maybe only a little) but I def do miss her!

(Here's a quick picture of My Beautiful Mother from our trip to Le Blanc back in March. She was watching the sun setting over the lagoon from a Polynesian Hut...)

The view of the Lagoon <333

I looove this picture of my Mom so!

(Note: Buddha just came over to my bed with his invisible fence collar in his mouth... I'm assuming he wants to go out. I'll be right back, I need to go crutch my tush over to the door and let him out! Smart little guy, eh?)

My Current View... In my room (TV is above what you see in the picture)

Anyways, I need y'all's advice on how to do this whole "not moving" thing. One thing that's IRKING me b.i.g. t.i.m.e. is that I can't go anywhere. I mean, sure, if I really wanted to I could go crutch jog my way around town, but that's ridiculous and --- Ok, no, I actually can't do that. But I can't drive my car (it's my right foot), and I can't even go to class by myself because I can't carry my books and crutch at the same time! But you bet your bottom dollar I sure did try! I mean, Sunday night I went with my Grammy to Whole Foods and it took us FOR. EVER. I'm just trying to remember to take it one day at a time. It's not the pain that is bothering me as much as the having to have so much done for me that I'd normally not even think twice about.

Sunday night I was on the phone with my mom, quite bummed with a lack of endorphins and depressed about my foot. (She left for Mexico with Nance on Sunday morning). And she reminded me that this is not going to be forever and that I can do other stuff if I want to relax like paint (which I Looooooove, but only really do on vacation, so I liked the sound of pretending I was on vacation, hehe), sing (do it all the time, anyways), draw (same as paint, ushe only done on vacay) etc. etc. She reminded me that in a little while I could also probably start swimming and see how that feels! I'm a little nervous about getting back on it too quickly though, because it's definitely tender. Sorry if it seems like I'm totally NOT understanding the fact that I fractured a bone in my foot, but that's probably because I don't understand this at all. What happens now???? Lol, HELP ME! Kath, if you're reading this, you said that you injured your foot/ankle at one point... How did you do it/What did you do to keep yourself sane?

I did realize, today, that I if I really feel the need for some cardio, I can totally do the rowing machines! Have any of you ever do

ne them? I have a few times, but I don't think I did them correctly because I didn't feel like I was really "working out." SUGGESTIONS PLEASE!!

Something else that's been rather hard has been not being able to be outside with Buddha, but he can't do too much anyway, so we're kind of stuck together. LUCKILY, the weather has not been too nice, and COLD!!! So I haven't missed out on too much, and since I was running around like MAD yesterday, I definitely felt like I got in lots of movement. And I've been pretty okay with not going to step, even though I missed it this morning. I think having tons of work to do has helped me with the end of the year fast approaching these days! I've been cooking tons (hopping around the kitchen, lol) so that has definitely allowed me to relax a little too!

Anyways, I need to get back to writing my paper, and Buddha wants to go out again! But before I go here are some pictures from forever ago: LOTS OF SOUP when I was sick /all the time because my Grammy's chicken soup (matzot ball soup) is heaven and let's face it, it makes my day even when I'm not sick/injured! (I don't eat the matzot balls though bc I H.A.T.E. Matzot, ewwww!) And with Kashi TLC Ranch Crackers!? As I said... HEAVEN Is anyone else in love with this flavor?! It's my favorite, although I don't buy these guys often because I can't stop eating them once I start! What are your favorite flavors of Kashi TLCs?

Soup! (This isn't vitamin water, btw...It's somethin

g else that my mom got me from Walgreens, but I don't remember what it is! Sorry!)

Ranch Kashi TLC Crackers!

And here are some pictures of when I made my parents a romantic dinner of my AMAZING (yes, I do say so, myself) Turkey Meatloaf with Roasted Portobello Mushrooms, Onions, some Sauteed Spinach+Garlic and some Greenbeans that I cooked in stewed tomatoes! Y.U.M. The "sauteed" veggies were just in a little NO HFCS Canola Oil Spray (how I've always done them!) with salt, pepper and a little garlic! Oh, and does anyone know how to add in a recipe section on blogger?? I've been trying to figure it out, but I don't like how it comes out! Help! I really want to post my Turkey Meatloaf/Turkey Burger Recipe for you guys and so many others! It's honestly incredible and S.U.P.E.R. healthy too, of course! (Please note that my adorable parent's ate on trays on their bed (it was covered with a blanket so they wouldn't spill anything, lol), all snuggled up together!

(First a picture of my parents in Hawaii last summer!)

Oh and here's one with me and my parents! For good measure...

Turkey Meatloaf= Y.U.M!

(Did I mention that I hate the word "m-e-a-t-l-o-a-f"? E.W.)

Need I say more?

And Check out this BEAUTIFUL(!!!) Heirloom Tomato that I spotted at WF a few weeks ago! These pictures do not do her justice! She was exquisite and deeeelicious!

(PS) I'm SO bummed that this first picture didn't come out well! Don't be fooled! She was perfect, red, and fabu!

*COMPLIMENTS OF MY MOM'S PHOTOGRAPHY SKILLS*

This is a painting that my mom did when she was younger! It hangs in one of our hallways and is so special to me. Her lucky/favorite number is 4, in case you couldn't tell

Gold Leaf!

And of course we have T.O.N.S. of fruit in the Wise house right now! We have 2 watermelons (not cut), 1 watermelon (cut last night in the fridge), 3 honeydews, 2 cantaloups, 3 mangos that I cut up this morning, Rasberries, lots of kiwi (I looove these! I used to call them "bikinis" lol), Strawberries (which I'm totally sick of now, due to that RIDICULOUSLY HUGE container that we bought: Strawberries are the only fruits I really get "sick" of... I literally am nauseous just thinking about them right now. Yuck.) , Apples, Oranges, and Bananas (my brother and dad love 'em), Yellow tomatoes (!!), and Lemons and Limes (I also received my free sample of True Lemon in the mail yesterday and I can't wait to try it out! You can do SO much with these guys!). You think we like our fruit? Yes, I'd say so! (PS) In case you didn't already know (many people don't!) the way to pick an amazing watermelon is as follows: FIRST THINGS FIRST: Give it a good knock! You want a hollow sound all the way around the green top! Check for a hard exterior...NEVER EVER SOFT IN ANY WAY! And it should be a beautiful and vibrant green! Like fresh cut grass in the spring (dork.). And lastly, turn that baby over and look at the bottom! You want to look for a flat bottom with a nice oval of white skin. Yes, I said white. Or creamy white. If there's no white, the watermelon wasn't grown properly and it's not going to be as amazing as it could be! (Not the melon's fault here!) And of course, it's ESSENTIAL to look for the biggest one too ! Aaaand make sure to enjoy every. single. bite! It's my faaavorite, especially with sweet honeydew! D.I.V.I.N.E.

Watermelon, oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Strawberries GALORE!

Whew! Done!

Okay, well, I need to work on my paper before my MRI! Plus that dude is coming to the house to size me for my walking cast/"boot" so I want to be ready when he comes so he can come and go! LOL... Thanks for the warm and sweet wishes everyone! Hope you all had wonderful Tuesdays! (Tomorrow's Humpday! Weeeee!)

Please let me wake up pain free tomorrow!!!

2008-04-25T18:10:00.001-07:00

OK, something y'all should know about Julz... She never gets hurt! I really don't get hurt easily and I'm the fastest healer ever! However, yours truly is currently laying on her bed with her right foot elevated and an ice pack over the ball of her foot.

Something feels SO seriously wrong with the region under my big toe right now and it's so scary because I've never had anything like this before! The pain is downright terrifying me and I hate that I am in this state. It's so uncomfortable. I feel so out of control! I've never had to be on bed rest like this. WTF?! I don't know what it is, exactly, but it's the region under my big toe that is paining me so, and every time I put my heel down/the outside of my foot down, I feel the muscle under my big toe stretch and pull and it's overbearing. What the hell is going on foot?! Come on! Pull through for me here! My dad wanted to take me to the ER (he came home from work and though I thought I was walking perfectly normal/trying so hard to he goes, "what's wrong with you Julz? Waaaaiiiittt come back here, why are you limping like that let me see your foot"). He came home from being on business (all week long! It's awful!). I show him my foot and it's SO red and swollen. It scared me! And right when I put it up to show him my muscle under my big toe felt like it was ripping my joint in half. GUYS HELP ME!!! I don't ever get injured! Aaaand I don't understand this because I was walking a TON today and constantly running around doing errands and it felt fine! It started to urk me a bit when I got home, but Jim and I played tennis around 6 for 45 minutes or so (nothing too long though!) and I was bouncing around just fine. I felt the irritation, but I didn't pay it much mind. I'm nerrrvous now though! And I really don't want to go to the pediatrist! PLEASE LET ME WAKE UP TOMORROW AND BE PAIN FREE! Does anyone know what's going on with my footsie?!

Buddha Update: My little man is doing MUCH better! Thanks SO much for all of your sweet, sweet wishes and prayers! You guys are so wonderful, I can't even tell you. Every single one of those comments touched me so, and I'm so lucky to have you guys! Thaaanksss!!! My boozy tested positive for Lyme, and they gave him medication/pain killers and they've made SUCH a big difference for him. It's so hard for us to keep him from bouncing around like the Tigger that he is, but it's so important. He could pull a muscle so easily right now, so we have to be careful!

Blog Update: My project for tonight/tomorrow is to get all of my pictures up and loaded! Ohhhh and (PS) I baked Banana Bread tonight because we had 6 small/medium bananas that were SUPER ripe! My dad bought a bag of 15 organics for a dollar (!!!) at the produce junction right by us LAST WEEK. I know I know, ridiculous! Anyways, Each loaf has 3 bananas and they were super ripe/sweet so the sugar was kept to a MINIMUM. I put in a little maple syrup, vanilla, almond, and coconut extracts, cinnamon, whole wheat pastry flour, redieggs, almond milk, baking soda and I think that's it! OMG and a half of a container (I don't know the serving... It's the 80 calorie portion?) of Fage 0% went into each loaf too! Y.U.M.!! I actually have yet to try one but am SO excited to!!! My house smells of warm banana goodness! I have to be careful though, because bananas + my digestive system= Party over. Unfortunately ! (-PS- I don't keep passover past the first few days... Whoops! ).

Anyways, I'm going to chill out for a bit and try and get my mind off of my foot (blogging's helped though! All thanks to you guys, I'm sure!). I'm watching the new Real World Hollywood and it's SO intense! Gosh I love this stuff. I mean who even says something like, "watch where your sleepin tonight hoe!" BAHAHA! So awesome... Except for the fact that the stupid girl from the South is ignorant and keeps saying, "Let's not get ghetto!" and then, "I don't care if you're from the most inner-city Blackville!". It's people like her that give Southerners a bad name. My cousins live in the South and they don't act like this girl! Ugh gross! Anyways, I hope everyone's Friday nights are eventful, fun, and S.A.F.E.! I'll be here, on my bed, watching reality tv and trying to think of anything but my foot!

Patience, please :(

2008-04-24T08:12:00.000-07:00

I'm so sorry everyone, but my blogging is going to have to wait until I get home from class late tonight or tomorrow! This week has been C.R.A.Z.Y. with classes and work and tons of errands to run/things to do! My friends are starting to come home from school/abroad studies, and it has been AMAZING to see them!! (Cue Violin) My friends are literally my other halves and I feel so whole and complete when they're around! (And end scene.)

I have some bad news though (big reason why my blog has been neglected, ONCE AGAIN.): Buddha is not doing well, and I'm so upset. He's been very lethargic and hasn't really eaten much and last night when he ran outside to see Jimmy and his girlfriend Cristin (he A.D.O.R.E.S. Cris more than life, itself) he jumped up a couple of times and then let out a whimpering cry and I knew right away that something was off. He'd been acting so strange since I got home from work yesterday. He wouldn't jump up on my bed to say hi, and merely just collapsed against me and I thought it was strange, but figured he may have just been tired. I FEEL LIKE SUCH A BAD MOMMY! Honestly, I am getting teary-eyed just thinking about it. I feel like I've neglected my baby and it's making my heart hurt and I just don't know what to do. What if he ate an onion or a grape or raisin or something??? What if he has lime disease? He's been limping and has been so sad. Ugh and he came up to me yesterday when I was in the fridge to get him something and he just put his head between my legs and leaned against me as if to say he needed me to take care of him! I KNEW DEEP DOWN that he was trying to tell me something and I ignored it. I should have called the Vet yesterday. I don't know what to do guys! He's my little man! I'm so worried !

As we speak my mom and Grandma (Grammy) are at the Vet with Boo. Our vet is A.MAZING and we have a wonderful relationship with both he and his wife. I'm just so nervous to have them come home and tell me something bad. But I'm trying to be optimistic here! So please help me! It's absolutely LOVELY outside, and Boo should be out there playing! Instead, he's in pain and is sad. I mean, he cried this morning when he was laying down on my bed (I put him up there)! I'm sorry, I'll be back to blogging soon! The weekend's almost here, but I'm not even thinking about it right now. I need to shower as I'm sweaty and gross from step, and get to class. I hope my Boozy's okay!

NO TIME

2008-04-21T05:33:00.000-07:00

Blogging Buddies I'm super sorry but I don't have time right now for picture posting! I'm feeling a bit sluggish recently from all of the holiday overeating. It's amazing how different my body acts when I'm eating more crap. I am so relieved that the holidays will be over soon! Haha... I can't keep up with them! Anyways, yesterday's step class took me a little longer than usual to get into my rhythm, which was annoying. And it had never really happened to me before, but I KNOW it's from my fuel sources. Poor body :(

So yeah, I'm about to go to my class and then I'll be heading to the gym! I usually prefer to go before class, but it'll be nice to change it up a little bit :) I think I am going to *TRY* a MACHINE today! Eek! As in machine, btw, I'm referring to the stairmaster. Don't Laugh. I told you I'm NOT a gym rat and don't ever use machines. I've used the treadmill and the ET, and aside from those a few weight machines. I'm pumped for this trial though, so we'll see how it goes! I love new things --- Foods, Shops, cities, EVeRYTHING!

Ok, time to get to class! I hope everyone has a fabulous day and that all who celebrated Pasach spent wonderful time with their families and friends/aren't too constipated from the Matzo. Ewwwww. See y'all later!

warm weather makes me hungry!

2008-04-18T17:43:00.001-07:00

Man was it beautiful out today! My brother and I played tennis which was SO fun! I looove tennis! SO much :) And I wore shorts and a teeshirt and I was sweating! YAYY haha can you tell I love the warm weather? Well... I do!

But something else also happened today... I ATE... ALL. DAY. LONG. It's a good thing that I don't blog my meals because I think, all together, I had like 6-7. I just snacked like my life depended on it (lots of Kashi Crackers mmm! Ranch, my fave!) and it was so odd because I did a much less arduous workout today than usual! Wow... I'm very full now. See, the thing is, I love to eat so much that sometimes I get so excited (warm weather) that I cook and eat and eat and cook and ... well, y'all get the idea. But no worries! It was a good mix up from my usual habits (very rarely do I/have I eaten this much! lol), and should rev up my metabolism lots! Tomorrow's a new day and no doubt an absolutely b-e-a-uuutiful one! Aaaand it's the first day of Pasach (the first of eight). Lots of cooking/baking to do! I'm getting up at 6 to be at step by 8, then showered, to whole foods, and home to prep for Pasach dinner! Whew! Should be a fun, and action packed day! I'm so looking forward to it though! I'm making Butternut Squash Casserole (A.MAZING!!! Yes, I'll post pics! Of the whole pasach spread too! Get excited!), Julz's Fabulous Coconut Macaroons (Mine have dried cranberries, chopped pistachios, sliced almonds, oats, tons of coconut, and half have bittersweet chocolate chips in them!), And my Passover Flourless Sponge Cake with Rubarb-Rasberry Sauce. NOW...All of these recipes were inspired by other recipes; however, they were completely changed/modified to fit the needs of myself and my family. I cannot WAIT to get into that kitchenn! I made the pecan bars and they were meh... Not something I'd eat again, though having surprisingly low caloric counts, they didn't resemble the pecan pie I know and love. My brother really liked them hot out of the oven and over froyo, but agreed that they aren't too "Pecan Pie-y," If you will. So, I'm thinking whether or not I should just go ahead and make them both or choose one from the other. Well, as previously stated, I am not one who likes to choose one dessert from the other, and will most likely end up making both! Yeah! Haha.

Anyways, I'm already home from being out! I'm a loser and have so much to do tomorrow and want to be rested for step! Tomorrow is a brand new day and I love that. A clean slate, a new morning. And I just have that feeling that it's going to be absolutely spectacular.

Love and sweetest dreams to all of my blogging buds!! Can't wait to read all about your weekends and read your comments too! They are my favorite part of this experience, as well as all the friendships I've gained from you. Thanks guys :)

Off to dreamland! Happy Friday and I'll see y'all later this weekend! xo

HUMPDAY post =) and holding a blogger in the light

2008-04-16T07:48:00.003-07:00

I just got back from class and a quickie at the gym (Sadly, no, I'm not referring to a quickie.) I have a bunch to update on but all will have to wait until later this evening when I get back from work! I got a 95 on my history exam, which isn't bad. It's GREAT, don't get me wrong, but I think he only gave me a 95 because he didn't want to give anyone 100% on their exam essays. Psshhh... College Professors. Anyways, I am about to jump into the shower (another quickie; gosh I'm so lame!) and then I'm off to work!

I'll be taking my lunch in the car : Waldorf Chicken Salad...I made with Grilled Chicken, some Fage, Dijon+Grain Mustard, Celery, Red Delicious Apple, and some Toasted Walnuts over Spinach Leaves! I also threw in a little thyme for the chicken and some cinnamon, because I love Thyme with chicken and Cinnamon rocks!).

*Attention Veggies and Vegans: I've also made this with fake chik'n and Plain Silk Soy Yogurt and it ROCKED! The plain is only available in family size, or at least that's the only size I've found it available in, but it's AWESOME in things like this and in Smoothies... Yummy!*

I'll also be bringing the rest of the apple to eat too! Happy girl here, I'll tell you that! I ALSO have a couple of Lactaid Chewables that I'm taking now to help me digest the lactase in the Fage (Shoutout to Veggiegirl: My Lactose-Intolerant P.I.C. )

OK, sweetpeas, I'm out to conquer the world! Aka, Culinary Concepts (my work) and then WF because my brother (!!!) gave me some items that he would like! Yaayyy convert! LOL.

I think there are quite enough Exclamation Points in this post but today is going to be a FABULOUS day! I can just feel it. For me and you.

(PS) Don't forget to hold Jenna (from EatLiveRun) and her family in the light today/tonight. Her grandfather is not doing too well and our prayers and thoughts should be with them during this time. Jenna's kept up such a beautiful blog for all of us and is always there to lend a kind word or thought. If you've never seen her blog, click on the link, and definitely offer your best wishes if you can. I'm sure she'd really appreciate it! We're thinking of you Jenna!

2008-04-15T05:41:00.000-07:00

Very short post -- Sorry!

I think I'm bummed out from being sick. My mood has shifted and this morning I woke up feeling rather pms-y/fragile and irked. BOO. :( I'm sorry I haven't posted much! I have a report to do on those pecan bars an other things as well, but they will have to wait until later, unfortunately. I'm going to be going to step this morning although I'm a bit nervous about it. I'm going to take it easier than I normally would tho ;) I got this, right?!

Anyways, the weather is supposed to be in the 40's and maybe going up to the 50's (thanks Good Morning America!), I think, BUT... The sun should be shining and if that'll be the case, I'll be a happy camper =) Gosh, I just love that sun. OK, no lie, my mood is getting better at the mere thought of some sunshine! Love that!!! Friday it's supposed to be in the 80's!! Ohhhh baby ;)

OK, time to get ready for step! My house is F.R.EEEEE.Z.I.N.G. this morning! A little while ago Kath posted about how it's hard for her to put her gym clothes on in the mornings because she's always freezing! So true! But I love sleeping in a cold house! I like to get all snuggled up and toasty under my yummy blankets+duvet =)

I hope everyone has a wonderful Tuesday! I'll be back to post more laterrr <3

I'm feeling better already!

2008-04-14T06:16:00.000-07:00

THANKS TO ALL OF MY BUDDIES!! You all are so sweet and I adored reading each and every one of your comments over the weekend, ever so much. If I didn't respond, I'm so sorry and I'm just only getting back into the swing of things, although I'm not quite 100% yet . I am not going to class today, but I have work to do, so I'm going to try and get that done now! Unfortunately, I have been sleeping a lot less than usual, so my mood's a little schlippy, but --- Wait, is that a word? --- I'm so happy to be feeling somewhat better, finally! *Sigh of relief!

I hope everyone has a great Monday!

I'll be back laterrr! xo

Uh oh :-\

2008-04-11T19:59:00.000-07:00

Good evening lovely bloggers <3

I was supposed to go out with Mike tonight, but guess who's caught the sick bug...NOT ME! (Ok, I'm trying to do what my mom said..."Julz, visualize yourself not being sick. Don't even mention that you are!" Haha, I love you Mom.) She loves the book/cd(s) called The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. She also knows the collaborators personally, but she is a HUGE believer, and a success story. But I'll go into that some other time. Anyways, after working out/showering I felt fine. I mean, I was a little spacey, but nothing felt necessarily (and dare I say it) sick (shh). Come dinner I realized I did not feel well. How did I know? I hadn't eaten all day and didn't think about it ONCE. After breakfast, that is. OK, this doesn't even happen to me when I am sick! Well, I made dinner, after finally being hungry and now my throat is really irritated, my ear is plugged, and my nose is stuffy. Get this though: It's all on my right side. So I'm thinking it could be allergies? Ughh. I NEVER get sick! And I refuse to get sick now. Hmph! Plus, I need to go to WF tomorrow so that I can make my first batch of Passover Pecan Bars!

Where did this come from?! Not Mike, he had it last week but I haven't seen him since! Grrr. I think I'm going to go to bed and see how I feel in the morning. I wanted to get up early and go to step so that I can get my day started. That will probably get it out of my system, too. *Sigh. Well, with that, I leave you. Hope everyone had a wonderful night. And visualize me not having an itchy/scratchy throat, plugged up ear, and runny nose/sneezes! Oyy

Much to discuss!

2008-04-11T06:45:00.000-07:00

Good morning Lovebugs! FRIDAY IS HEEERRREEEEE

SO on the agenda this morning (discussion-wise) is the following (so I don't miss anything!):

-Bender Ball + Commercial

- Seasun Zieger

- Paper Plates!

- Hydration Talk

- Feet Talk

- Passover Pecan Bars or Matzot ButternutCrunch?

- Lust/Caution

The Bender Ball:

Yes, the infamous Bender Ball, by Lesley Bender. First of all, I would like to discuss the commercial for the DoubleB. EW. I do not like this commercial. I feel so bad saying this, but it's all because of that girl who goes, "I love my belly, I love my abdominalZZZ." Ew. Ew. Ew. Something about her is so odd. Do you agree? I mean, when I first saw this commercial I nearly DIED laughing... At, um, her. But now I'm just feeling downright sorry for her! Do odd, and my friends and I have discussed this girl. Am I insane here?! Do you guys watch the commercial and think to yourselves, 'Is this girl for real?' Anyways, I really hope she's not reading this! Who knows, right?! If she is, well, I'm sorry. No hard feelings

Now, onto the Bender Ball, itself! I don't know if I've discussed this before, but our Step Classes last 75 minutes, the first 60 being step and the last 15 being weights/core work and then stretching for the last minute or so (we usually go a little over). Recently, however, our club purchased Bender Balls and this past week and a half we have been trying them out. When I tell you that you can do anything with these guys, it's so true. We did regular sit-ups, planks, push ups, everything. And everything that we did with them was awesome! If you're looking for something that's small, portable, and unlimited in its use, go for the Bender Ball!

Seasun Zieger:

Yes, this is my fabulous Step Instructor I am speaking of here. But guess what I so recently discovered about her... She has workout videos, her first of which "Rock Steady Step" won "Best Workout Video for Step Routine" by Fitness Magazine?!?! She released her first video in 2005 and she has three out so far. She has also had 3 kids!! You can see her live classes on YouTube also. I was so shocked to hear that she had these videos out because she's so low-key and is as sweet as the day is long! Anyways, isn't this so cool! Surprisingly enough, I don't think of her any differently. She never discussed any of this with us, but one of the girls who comes to class sometimes asked her if she'd released anything since her core Bosu video. Apparently, everyone else knew! But then again, most of them have known Seasun since she was 13! My mom's even known her that long... Sheesh! Anyways, I thought I'd share and thought that some of you, including Robs may want to look at her videos! If you don't know, the beautiful Robin, from Hungry, Happy, Informed, and Fit is also a Step Instructor! So cool =)

Paper Plates= Breakfast Party?!

Ehh, not quite. Last week Seasun told us that she was bringing in Paper Plates for our Thursday Step Class. "Get Excited Girls!" She exclaimed to us as we were heading out the door. We all looked at each other, quite puzzled, but definitely excited! We thought a breakfast party was goin down! Yum! In the back of our minds, however, we knew that Seasun had other plans in mind. 48 hours later and we came face to face with the "paper plates." Seasun used these plates as if they were Gliding Discs, which if you have not used before, are incredible. The moves that you can do are, like the DoubleB, endless, and they kicked my butt. I am no "buff" by any means, and I am not very strong, but Seasun and her sister-in law Heather are S.T.R.O.N.G. and they were screamin. Haha. Don't be afraid of these though. And in my opinion, don't buy the discs. The paper plates worked perfectly. I can't really explain what you can do with them, but check out the link! Lunges, Squats, Push-ups, Abs, etc. They're awesome!

Hydration Talk:

So I've been meaning to discuss this for a little while now. But I'm a big fan of hydration. I try to drink as much water as I can, for the obvious reasons that we all know of... ESSENTIAL for life? Yes, that's a big one. However, I really don't like that feeling that I get between 10-11 where I feel so dehydrated, it's nauseating. This happens to me when I don't work out first thing in the mornings (Fridays). All of a sudden, I get slammed by this very ill feeling. My body telling me it needs something, and that something always happens to be water. Ironically, however, I do not feel this way when I workout in the mornings. I feel so much less dehydrated throughout the day after I've sweat a lot. Isn't that so weird!? Does anyone else ever get this way? It's so uncomfortable ! But I suppose if my body can tell me it needs something and I can recognize what that need is, I should be happy. And for that, I am.

Feet Talk:

No, this is not going to be about smelly feet. LOL. I've never had that problem. This is, however, going to be regarding blisters and other painful feel problemos. Athletes, Dancers, or anyone who works out! HELP ME! I have amazing sneaks: Asics GEL-Nimbus 9.

I love Asics and have worn them for about 3 years now. HOWEVER, my feet always have blisters (on the bottoms, especially) and they always hurt so bad! I don't know why! My sneakers are amazing and there isn't a shoe out there with more cushioning! I tried Mizuno, New Balance, Brooks, etc. You name it! So here's my conclusion, but I'm asking for EVERYONE'S advice. If you read the blog, or even if you're just passing through... Please leave me a comment. (Have I ever mentioned how much I love getting every single comment from you guys?! It makes my entire day, I'm not kidding. I adore them all. *Blogsphere Hug*) Back to my conclusion: Socks. Could this be possible? I wear good socks, but I definitely don't wear any type of marathoner-esque ones. Should I be? Someone help me out here, please! My feets hurt

OK, enough workout talk. So funny, I'm totally not a workout-aholic, but it probably seems that way from my blog. I'm not at all. I don't know how to use half of the machines in the gym, it's not common that I'm actually in one (maybe on Fridays?) and other than working out, I sit on my tush all day. Actually, at work I'm standing the entire time, but other than that! (lol)

Anyways, if I have been coming off that way, it's not how I am. O.K! Done! Phew!

Passover Pecan Bars or Matzo ButternutCrunch??

What to do?! What to do?! As previously mentioned, I don't like Matzot. I really don't. My digestive tract and I both agree with that! (If ya catch my drifty...) But it's a given that it needs to be substituted for ingredients that leaven, here. Whatever, this is dessert we're speaking of here! I'm thinking at this moment that the Passover Pecan Bars are going to be it, but don't fret, I have been known to do two recipes! I'm so intrigued by the Matzo ButternutCrunch. Hmph! Oh, gee, I don't know, I mean I guess I can do both! I wanted to ask all of you EXPERT bakers out there (Yes, Liz, I'm BIG TIME referring to you! Jenna, you're the baking professional! Help!) how do sugar substitutes work? I DO NOT MEAN ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS. I'm talking, maple syrup, agave, honey, applesauce, etc. I want to make these healthier so that they are especially delicious, and I am going to try and make them today because I know I need to give them a trial run (or a few) before I make them for the offical Pasach dinner! I'm not against using Brown Sugar at all, but I'd prefer to cut down on it due to the fact that there is, in total, 2, 1/3 cups in the recipe! I'm sorry, but that's insane. I want to taste the pecans in these (I'm totally toasting them pre-baking... If this is allowed?) as I adore them. I am planning on substituting Earth Balance for regular Butter as I am Lactose Intolerant. I was pleased to see that the recipe called for mostly Egg Whites which is so much better than most of the other Pecan-Pie-esque recipes out there! Kudos to Cooking Light! You can view the recipes here, and I hope that you all do! I need all the help I can get!

I was going to post about a movie we saw last night in my Advanced Japanese Cinema class: Lust/Caution. It was incredible. I urge all of you to see it. It has an NC-17 rating, but it is in no way a porno of any sort, and every smidgen of the sex is 100% essential to the entirety of the film. It was directed by Ang Lee (Crouching Tiger, Brokeback Mountain, etc). I don't have too much time to discuss it right now, as I am about to run to Target because I want to see if they have Seasun's videos! I'm so excited! And I'm intrigued by this Turbo Jam talk that I'm hearing from Chandra's blog and others', as well, so I may look at them too! The sun is trying to peak through the clouds, and I may go for a run, although I'm feeling like I really want to do step! Hmm... I don't have my own, are there any ways to make an imitation step? LOL. I'm such a dork. OK, I'm out! I hope everyone's enjoying their Fridays! See you all later <3

70 degrees!?

2008-04-10T05:41:00.001-07:00

Today it's going to be in the 70's! I'm SO excited :) Something else I'm so excited about? Step in 20 and most importantly, PASSOVER is coming up soon! Passover is a Jewish holiday where some religious stuff goes down (no eating Leavened Bread, etc.) and yummy food is consumed. By yummy I am not, by any means, referring to Matzot. Ewwww. I've hated this stuff since I was old enough to chew (which I'm proud to say I did at a VERY early age, hehe). But I looove making fabulous recipes into Pasach friendly treats!

This year I am making the desserts, that is, two of the probably 5 or 6 desserts that will be at the house! Insanity... I know. Haha, I'm SO excited though :)

I really want to tell you ladies what I am making, but I also want it to be a surprise! I'll give you one hint: The two recipes are from Cooking Light, although I will be making some variations to make them more accessible for everyone's dietary needs (I'm lactose intolerant, as prev. stated)... In other words, I'm selfish and want to be able to eat them too! Haha

Okay, sorry this post sucked and was super short, but I just wanted to say HI and I'm so excited for my Passover treats! Happy Thursday! Friday is only one day away =)

Counter Surfing =)

2008-04-09T05:22:00.001-07:00

Good Morning from Budha, Mylo & I! This is Boo's "counter surfing" that he does all. the. time. He travels around the kitchen this way, surfing via countertop =) Haha! He knew his treat was waiting on the counter and didn't even let me take his leash off yet! (Note our kitchen is not this gloomy! Stupid camera ) We need to train this dog better, I think...(PS) He's going to be a year old in just over 1 month!! I can't believe it!! But how cool is this: His Birthday is May 16, and mine is May 19! Cute, right?

Anyways, I am about to get ready for step but wanted to leave you all with a little mood lifter for the day! I hope everyone has a wonderful day! The weekend will be here before we know it!

Busy as a Bee!

2008-04-08T11:56:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon! I can't believe it's 3:00 already! I feel like today is really flying by weeeeeee! I've been studying/doing crazy work all day, but woke up, ate my ushe for bfast and got my tush onto writing my paper early so I could go to step! Fabulous, as ushe, and I just finished writing a huge paper for English that is due at 4:30. I'm going to go proof read it one last time in a little bit, but I just wanted to say hi and apologize for the lack of pictures recently! I don't have much time but felt that a grocery trip picture show was in order!

Sunday I went to WF and it was so great! Well, duh, it's Whole Foods, my mothership, of course it's going to be! I went after working out and eventhough it was around 12:30-ish they had an omelet bar set up! It was so pretty. They had regular eggs, eggology eggwhites, eggbeaters, and even egg substitute for Vegans! And every type of veggie/cheese/soy cheese/meat/soy-meat and anything else you could ever want. I overheard one woman ask for something (couldn't hear what, exactly, she was asking for) but they noticed they didn't have the item and replied, "that's the beauty of being in a supermarket!" How cute is that? Unfortunately, I didn't get an omelet, seeing that I had already eaten breakfast and had just finished my workout/wasn't hungry yet (I told you my classic cc+fruit fills me like nothing else!). We were really low on food, so I stocked up, and didn't have time to take a picture! However, I did manage to snap a few from last week's trip! So enjoy ! (Keep in mind that this is for a family of four and despite the fact that it probably looks like a ridiculous amount of food, I'm always having to run out to supplement a couple of times throughout the week... Not complaining though; I love being my family's market bitch. My dad also goes to our regular supermarket to get other stuff: My brother's cereal (he's a cereal freak...I'm going to take a picture of his Cereal cabinet in the kitchen just to show you guys! It's ABSURD) and Lactaid CC (yay), Lactaid milk (Jim's), etc. That stuff is so much cheaper at regular markets! Ok, enough of $ talk... Sorry, I, personally hate talking about $. It drives me nuts and it's not very polite!

Fruit :) 2 Watermelons, 3 Honeydews, 2 Cantaloups, 2 containers organic strawberries, 5 kiwis, 2 containers grape tomatoes

Cut fruit for James' lunch! (He likes to keep this at work)

Mangos!

Veggie Freak Alert! (PS) Do you like the rose? Just for you!

We Have: Asparagus (I wanted to get the purple ones, but maybe when they go down in price a little...$7.99 a lb!), Kale, Brussel Sprouts (<3!),>

Protein stuff: Eggs, Ground Chicken Breast, Turkey Meatloaf, Firm Tofu, Smart Strips Chik'n + Beef, Quorn Cutlets, WF Turkey Breast, Mahi Mahi Frozen Fillets

Prepared Stuff: ANNIE's Rasberry Vinagrette Dressing, Quorn Cutlets, Smart Strips Chik'n + Steak, 2 WF salads (the best salad bar ever): 1 for my dinner when I have class til 9pm on thursdays + 1 for my mommy's lunch!, WF Cranberry Tuna Salad for Jim's lunch, 2 X WF Ginger-Shitaki Chicken Salad (UNBELIEVABLE.) Great for quick lunches/dinners! And two types of sushi (for the brother): Spicy Tuna + Avocado (Brown Rice), Eel + Cucumber (Purple Multigrain Rice...so pretty!)

Sushi Close-up

Salad Toppers for my mom to take to work!

Organic Pastry Flour, Z Bars, LUNA bars (Jim/Dad takes to work), Zone Bar

The first time I bought these for him he was like, "Umm, These are for women..." LOL, I think that's weird and kind of discriminating...

Nosey Mylo! (He loves WF too! Obvi...He's my cat!)

Many of you have heard me discuss the GNU Bars...I'm obsessed with them. Their nutritional stats are unbelievable, in my opinion, and these two flavors are my favorites. The Orange Cranberry literally smells and tastes just like orange zest/juice! It's fantastic and I highly recommend them! (I get mine at GNC/Vitamin Shoppe because my WF doesn't always have them...laaaame )

New bar! Really bad...Refrain from purchasing, lovebugs...

Good Nutritionals though! (Shame they stank)

My Multi-Vitamin

And last but CERTAINLY not least! The most A.mazing tea ever! I am already 1/2 way through the pack and I drink decaf tea all day, all the time. I don't do caffeine as a general preference so I love tea for its flavor not it's "boost"... It's such a relaxer for me. I let this tea steep for hours sometimes (if I can stand it) and the smells are out of this world. The taste is pure joy. Mmm! You must try it! (It's times like these I wish we had blog-smellivision)

I took my test and did very well! Yay! I'm now off to bed. Step tomorrow morning, so excited. And then work, home and more work! I'll be posting food pics tomorrow!

Night night

(PS) I cut my finger at work today... And I'm not posting a pic bc it's G.R.O.S.S.

Unless you want me to

Everything Happens for a Reason

2008-04-07T09:26:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning eager to get my day started! So weird though... I kept waking up thinking it was 7! I woke up at 4, 6, etc. SO strange. But whatevs. I got up at 7, made myself some tea, ate breakfast (the ushe) and then lied down for a bit/digested. I kept contemplating whether or not I should go to class or go to step because my mood was still a little iffy. (By the way, thank you all for your sweet, sweet words... I really am not sure what's going on with this girl! But no worries, Buddha's here to cheer me up hehe). Anyway, I felt like I needed to go to class or STUDY for my bio exam tomorrow night, and though this sounds SO weird, I swear it's true. I said, "give me some sign here... Help me out!" I couldn't decide: Class, Study, Step. Well, a certain someone decided to help me, indeed, and killed my car battery. Lol. LUCKILY, about 2 blocks away (sort of) is a place that fixes cars so my dad drove me over there! I would've gladly walked with Boo, but my dad wanted to talk to them, haha. He was on his way to work anyway. Well, I walked home with Buddha and my car battery is being replaced. So today was probably supposed to be a rest day, I suppose. Unless, I get out with another short (VERY short) walk with the little man. I think it was meant to be. You know, everthing happens for a reason? *smiles.

So that's no class and no work for me today. I think this means that I really need to study for Bio, haha. So study I shall! I'll update later on... OH and shoutout to Erica from sweeteats, as I read that she is home today too!

I'm feeling so iffy...why?

2008-04-06T19:29:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling quite yuckers n I'm not sure why. OK I knoow exactly why. Class 9am, work 1pm, studying=tomorrow. no step :( unless I skip class. NO! I totally can't do that! Can I?

Today/tonight I didn't study enough, nor did I listen to my body at all. I didn't eat badly, just way too much and am feeling bloated and overheated and just blech. Ewwwww. I want to shower but it's late and I really should get to bed soon plus I'm quite sleepy.

Things just feel off---I'm not my usual chipper self and I just have this uneasy feeling like something bad is going to happen and I've never felt like this before. Ew I HATE being a Negative Nancy (sorry, nothing personal to any Nancy's out there!!!) and I don't like to get into too many personals about my past/sappy drama, plus I'm blessed and don't have anything bad about my life, plus I want my blog to be a mood-lifter for everyone including myself. Come on Julz, shake this feeling off! Hmph...

FORBIDDEN TRAIL

2008-04-05T20:32:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! I got up around 8 and have step at 10, so I wanted to try and post some of my pictures from The Forbidden Trail! However, my uploader is, yet again, not working so tomorrow morning it will be! (Fast forward to today...)In my über long post, I discuss what occured on this innocent (and someone deceiving) Saturday! If you have yet to read it, feel free! (I know it's looong)

I didn't want to eat too much, as I really can't before a run, but I felt really low on fuel and felt indigestion creeping! Ewwwww! So I had a baby apple! These are so little! I love eating little things. Their just precious and these were from a local apple orchard so it felt extra special! Suprisingly, I didn't get hungry throughout my run. On the second thought, I wasn't thinking about food on this run, it was more along the lines of, 'Will I make it out alive' lol

(Note: About an 45 mins/an hour after my run...I was STARVING)

While taking this, I had my bag on my back, his leash in my hand, and everything set to go. This was the, "MoooooOOOOOMM!" (Love those puppy eyes!)

Mylo wanted in on the pictures too!

I was trying to take a picture while driving. But don't worry! As you can clearly see here, my eyes were on the road, not the camera lens!

How cute are they?!

Here's Buddha after 5 miles...Totally cool. Lookin up at me like, "Hey ma, what's up, alright, that's real..." (For those who know, I'm not finishing this quote bc it would be innappropriate eww...Anyways, shoutout to ma man CAM'RON)

Here's me after 5. As you will see, there's quite a bit more light in me in this one (compared to the 10 miler where I look pretty tired). I felt good! (But ready to peace out)

And here is yours truly finally back in my car after 10 miles! (Betsy how do you do this?!) I was so happy to get my tush into that seat, I'll tell ya that! Like it was a Gold Mine <3

Scenic Pictures!

Throughout the entirety of the run, there is the beautiful Wissahickon Creek. Quite melodious!

If your a runner, you'd love this! The second half was completed sans headphones and listening to the water really helped me to relax and refocus. It was very calming.

I'm off to 10AM step and then....

Whole Foods (Oh yeah baby.)

Ma true love muffin... Sorry M.

See you hotties later!

A Fabulous Day

2008-04-05T17:14:00.000-07:00

I am babysitting for two of the most precious girls on the planet right now. In fact, it's 8:14 and both Remy (6 years old) and Haley (9 years old) are already in bed and asleep. It was my first time babysitting for them too and they are little angels. And I'm getting paid really well! Their mom is an absolute DOLL and their dad owns a catering company in Philadelphia! Although it's not mine, there's no awkwardness about the "competition" and he was totally impressed that I work for Culinary Concepts! Score !

Anyways, today was a fabulous day! Although I didn't get to take any new pictures (other than my breakfast -- And my photo uploader is working, but I'm using their computer because my battery was low...hmph), or get any studying done, it was divine. The Bridal Shower was SO nice! Nancy looked so beautiful and everyone there was so excited and so happy. It was such a wonderful meal too! They had a b-e-a-u-tiful salad bar set up and another table with fresh grilled and warmed pita bread triangles and these little wheat bread rolls, along with a gorgeous poached Salmon (my favorite!) and an A.MAZING grilled vegetable platter with carrots (my real favorite, lol... Everything was my fave actually, let's be honest here), red onions, zucchini, eggplant, and peppers! Omg, SO good! They also had blueberry/banana wheat bread and bran muffins. I had (as my early lunch!) A beautiful salad with mixed greens, carrots, bell peppers (yellow, red, orange), shrooms, hearts of palm, chick peas, and some fresh tuna with this amazing balsamic vinegar (straight!). I also had a huge piece of poached salmon, and tons of veggies, plus I ate my mom's Salmon (she doesn't love Salmon but got it for me hehe) and her veggies! The cake was so gorgeous and unfortunately (or maybe, fortunately? ha) I left before they served it! It was white cake with white chocolate chips and had a lemon/rasberry creme with a vanilla buttercreme icing on top! Talk about decadent Y.U.M!

The opera was so amazing. I cried, as I always do with La Boheme. I've seen it about 13 times at the Met and this performance was by far the best I'd ever seen (in person!). Oh. My. Gosh. This cast was so moving and so united that they full on cried at the end! And still sang the most magnificent arias. I can't even begin to explain it. Angela Gheorghiu played Mimi and Ramon Vargas (who was beyond) played Rodolpho! Oh man. I understand that Opera is not for everyone, but it is for me. I've always been in love with it and it brings out emotions in me that nothing else does. Except for when I, myself, am on stage singing! But being at the Met is a blessing that I treasure, immensely. I love it more than life, itself. The end.

Anyways, I have GOT to get to my studying now! For dinner I have a WF salad but I'm not hungry yet...I got home and was STARVING and stuffed. My. Face. with tons fruit and seafood salad and had four bites of my brother's turkey meatloaf. It is one of the few meats I adore, and I love the texture and flavors in this one! I think my Jim's totally starting to love WF! yayyyy Welcome to the Mother Ship...muahaha

It's true though, is it not? We're totally a cult Whole Foods Lovers <3

OK, love to all and I'm going to post pics tomorrow morning or when I get home tonight! Step was so great, as ushe, and tomorrow morning step=10AM! I'll be up studying before hand, probably. I need to study tomorrow! No dillydallying Julz!

Seeing the Light (literally)

2008-04-05T04:09:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Everyone and Happy Saturday!

I woke up this morning around 6am for my 8am step class (Hey Robin!!!) and it was so dark outside! And so warm and cozy inside of my bed! Haha, I laugh so hard now thinking about it, because at the time it seemed like the WORST POSSIBLE THING for me to do was stick my hand out into the harsh, cold air. Lol, just to turn off my alarm clock. Like, it made me contemplate life/death. OK, not really, but it's still so hilarious to me! Maybe I'm just an oddball! Anyways, I got up and made myself a huge mug (do people still say "mug"...I wonder where it came from? Maybe because it's big enough to "hug" so you, "hug your mug?"). WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME THIS MORNING?! Haha, I'm easily amused to begin with, but this morning it's a whole nother story.

Anyways, in the mug (ha) was my absolute favorite Decaf EB tea with an S&L (I know, B.A.D.) and I had a huge bowl of watermelon, cantaloup, and honeydew with some kiwi, strawberries and mango! Unfortunately, the mango was not up to par despite being really ripe! Oh well, the rest of it was divine. And of course, I had it with some Lactaid Cottage Cheese.

(PS) Can we all try and come up with a name for Cottage Cheese? Like a cute/spunky nickname? I've been trying to think of one for some time because I don't particularly enjoy saying "cottage cheese"... But "CC," "Cott," "Cocheese," etc were stupid. I'm sure you gals (and guys? Any out there?) will think of one!

So now I'm about to get ready for Step! I'm so excited...It's really ridiculous how much I love it. Like, I feel like a kid about to go play tag, or capture the flag or something like that. If you've never done it before you really have to! My instructor is really hard... Or so others say. The instructors from the other health clubs around here take her class, lol. But I took my first class with her about a month or two ago (1.5 maybe?), so she's all I've ever known and I love her and her classes! I have so many pictures to upload today and I'm going to get to that asap!

Oh and my mom and dad just reminded me that I have my cousin Nancy's wedding shower at 10:00 with mom, and then I'm going to see La Boheme with my dad at the met at 1:30 (we have season tickets. I have seen it more times than I can count (my family= Huge opera buffs), but I adore it and I can't "not" go. Ahh I need to study though! We'll see, we'll see.

Have a wonderful morning! Oh, and Boozy just came over to say hi :)

SIMPLE and DIVINE

GOING TO HAITI: FEB 19th... Would be honored to have your support on my journey

1 Year Later: I write to YOU, my bestest friend.

Sometimes when I'm Bored I play with Makeup... AVATAR inspired =]

A moment.

TOMORROW...

For ErinBooBoo <3

Good Day, Madame! How may I assist you? Oh, waste 22 more minutes of your time? It would be an honor :D

"Yay!"

Vloggy # Dos

Shut your front door.

Vloggy #1

Someone's gotta be up there...

Cuddle Fest 09

My First Product Review And Product Reveal...

How did I EVER stay away so long?

A very special tagging...

My Angels...

My Heart just aches for you to come home, Jilli

And just when the caterpillar thought the world was over...

After a Courageous Battle, An angel gets her wings...

Secret Santa!!!

CNN: BREAKING NEWS - BARACK OBAMA ELECTED PRESIDENT

PHILLIES BABY YEAHHHHH!!!

FOR ME??!! *BLUSH* I'd like to thank my HOT-@$$ READAS (Okkkaaaaaaayyy)

Produce is a Girl's Best Friend!

ALLLLLLL ABOOAARRRDDD!

A WONDERFUL SURPRISE!

NO MORE NEGATIVES.

THIS MAKES ME SICK.

Volcano Erupts without Warning in Alaska

ONCE YOU GO... YOU NEVER GO BACK!

Some Eats and Some Fleurs!

How are the kiddles doing, you ask?

Doing it in segments this time... PLEASE SAVE!!

Blogger and I are not friends anymore :(

CRAP! I BROKE A RULE!

So much to discuss!

Double the trouble....

Never Have I Ever...

Please let me wake up pain free tomorrow!!!

Patience, please :(

NO TIME

warm weather makes me hungry!

HUMPDAY post =) and holding a blogger in the light

I'm feeling better already!

Uh oh :-\

Much to discuss!

70 degrees!?

Counter Surfing =)

Busy as a Bee!

Everything Happens for a Reason

I'm feeling so iffy...why?

FORBIDDEN TRAIL

A Fabulous Day

Seeing the Light (literally)

FOR ME??!! BLUSH I'd like to thank my HOT-@$$ READAS (Okkkaaaaaaayyy)