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Shout out!

This photo belongs to Sarah Ray Vargas and the people at Fashion to Figure.

I am sure that some of you have noticed that I am a bit of a YouTube junkie.  I love being able to listen to music, watch funny clips, and watching vlogs are a highlight in my day.  

Today I wanted to give a shout out to one vlogger/blogger in specific, Sarah Rae Vargas.  She is a Mother of two beautiful kids, who makes a wide variety of YouTube videos on topics like plus size fashion, beauty, lifestyle, self empowerment as well as blogging and much more.  She is definitely out spoken and I think she is a great role model and is a big part of the body positivity movement.  

As a plus sized woman myself who just like anyone else had an extremely hard time embracing my body and loving myself for who I am, it is great to see so many people stepping up and sending out the message that you are beautiful just the way you are.  It wasn't until recent years that I finally started to accept my body type as a chunky girl.  While I definitely support a healthy diet and lifestyle I also completely believe that its OK if you are not skinny if you are a 'fat girl' and you should be happy with yourself no matter what.  

As a teenager I hid under baggy clothes not only because I was a rebellious little goth girl but also because I simply had the thought in my head that fat girls can't wear form fitting clothes and look good.  Even when I started going to college I would often where a hoodie over whatever outfit I had picked even in the summer too insecure with my body to go without it.

It wasn't until I hit my 20s that I finally started to embrace who I was and all my curves.  I wouldn't necessarily say I am fashion forward (not even a little bit) or even 100% confident with my body but I have definitely come a long way since high school.  As cheesy as it may sound it really does encourage me as I am sure it does many others to go outside of my box and say you know "I look damn good in these jeans that hug my hips and butt I am going to buy them." or actually getting the top that shows off my arms, thanks to all these amazing vloggers/bloggers who are plus sized women and GORGEOUS.

Anyways I could go on but I am sure you get the point.

I just wanted to give Sarah a shout out and share THIS interview she did with Fashion to Figure because I love everything she said and don't think it could have been said better.  

If you are interested you can check out Sarah's YouTube Channel and she also is on Instagram.

I hope you all are having a wonderful week so far and I will hopefully be back soon to update you guys on giveaway info.

100th Post!

Ok so I have been avoiding actually writing a blog post because I wanted to do something super special for my 100th blog post.  Yep barely getting to my 100th post ahahaha!  But it is still exciting I feel as though I am surely but slowly making blogging progress.  I know that I am not the most active blogger but in the last year or so I have doubled my followers almost hitting 30. ;P  I have also made some great friends.

So I really wanted to do something special for all of you with this post.  Really, I wanted to do a giveaway.  I didn't know what to get all of you though.  I found some great Halloween decorations in a little shopping center but then thought nooo Halloween is over don't do that.  Then I considered something from Etsy but again I had no idea what I would pick.  I am such a random person loving all things whimsical, artsy, handmade, metaphysical and then also things like makeup and unique jewelry.  So I was buzzing with ideas yet had no idea what you, my lovelies, would actually like the chance to win.  I would love to do multiple prizes I was thinking three or at least three winners with different prizes.  But I need a little help.  Tell me things you are interested in, things you would be excited to see, favorite Etsy sellers or some favorite items, I'd even go for gift cards if that is something you would want.  

Of course I make no promise you will get exactly what you list, though I would love to give you all everything you desire.  My wallet is likely not that deep.  ;)

I know this was a short and to the point post but I just couldn't wait any longer to post and say hi.  

Things are still going good with the new job.  It is getting so cold!  I had to do a bit of winter shopping since I literally had nothing suitable for cold weather.  Thanks to Veterans Day Sales though I was able to get quite a bit without breaking the bank account.  

Well I need to go ahead and start getting ready for bed since my alarm no matter how much I beg it not to goes off WAY TOO EARLY!

I hope you all had a great weekend and that this week is a happy one.

New Job...

Seems like every time I get a full-time gig I disappear from the blogging world.  Sorry about that.  In my defense it is really taking an adjustment working from 6:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. Long, long days.   I really like my new job though.  The baby I take care of is adorable and the family is great.  It makes the long days much easier.  We also have found my back up sitter!  In case I ever want a day off or have a sick day she will step in.

I have tried writing quite a few different times this week and just haven't been able to get a post out.  Which is odd to me because I was very excited to share with you guys a few different recipes we tried out not too long ago.  A homemade vegetable stock which was used to make homemade vegetable pot pie and we also made a vegetable lasagna.  All of which were delicious.  Only downside to the pot pie was the neither of us knew how to make the crust so we bought one and it was a tad on the sweet side.  I am very excited to try it again though.

The other exciting news is I won one of Magaly Guerrero's hosted giveaways for the Magical Working Oil Set.  I have had the set for a while now.  Sorry this news has not come sooner!  I just wanted to give a huge thank you to Magaly for hosting the giveaway and to Sharon from Touch of the Goddess for sponsoring.  So far I am in love with the set.  

I was wonderfully surprised also to find that Sharon had thrown a few extra goodies into the box as well as the oil set.  She provided cards that I will be able to keep on hand and give out to recommend her products, as well as an adorable book mark that will definitely be put to good use.

On top of those things she also gave me a coupon for a reading.  I can't wait to take advantage of this.

She also sent a few small crystals which are beautiful.  I was super excited to see a Tiger's Eye stone which is easily one of my favorites.

Last but not least she also sent this Question Feather.  It is a little hard to see in the picture but there is a black and white feather to match a gorgeous black and white bead.

"The Question Feather is a useful tool for finding answers.  Choose your feather, hold it in your hands, and gently blow across it.  Now, ask your question.  Keep your feather with you throughout the day.  Your answer will come to you in your dreams, or as a sudden "aha" moment the next day.  Thank your feather and release it back to Mother Earth, or set it in moonlight to cleanse it to use for another question."

This is very interesting and definitely something new.

I am very grateful for all these beautiful gifts!  Thanks again Sharon and Magaly.

So far out of all the oils Air, Fire and Luna are definitely my favorites.

So other then that nothing too new is going on.  I had the day off today and spent the majority of it with a new found friend exploring.  It was a bit chilly out today but was still a nice day to go out and walk around.

I was able to get a few pictures.  Other then that we went to a few shops and called it a day.

Now I am sitting at home watching Grease on Netflix.  I love this movie and its amazing cheesi-ness!  I can't help but sing along most of the movie.  Ha ha!  

I hope that you all had a wonderful Halloween also.  We didn't do anything this year other then relax and have a nice night.  How about all of you?  Anything exciting?

I have been trying to think of something fun to do for my next post since it will be the 100th post on the blog.  Sure I will think of something.  If anyone has any ideas I am also all ears.

This photo belongs to Shop Dixi

Oh and before I go I also found a very cute new site.  It is called Shop Dixi and I am in love with most of their site.  I could easily get myself into trouble buying tons rings and necklaces.  The bohemian style of their jewelry is right up my alley.  They are a little more expensive for sure.  Based out of the UK if I am correct it is safe to assume the prices they have listed you can double for U.S. dollars.  From what I have read into the site though all the crystals they use for their rings and necklaces are 100% real and not simply colored glass which is nice.  Soon is a get some of the essentials out of the way I have every intention of making a few purchases.  

I hope that you all are having a wonderful week.  Hope to post again soon!

Some good news...

So I am trying not to get too excited but I am pretty sure that I have a new job!  I had been talking to this family about babysitting opportunities for their son who is in day care.  In case he was ever sick or they wanted a date night.  Well then I ended up working a part time week with them to help out with their son who, still under the age of one, was not adjusting to daycare very well. The fact that he was having to be there long hours didn't help.  Even with my help and their son only needing to be in daycare for part of the day, he still was not enjoying it at all.  Out of the 6 days that he was there 5 of them his mother received a phone call about her son getting hurt or that he wouldn't stop crying. So now it is looking like they want to hire me on full time and wait until their son is older to try daycare.

I feel bad that their son didn't have a good day care experience but hopefully when he is older it will be better.  For  now though at least for next week they want me to be there for full time.  So we will see how next week goes and hopefully this will turn into a stable job.  I really like the family and their son is ADORABLE and he seems to like me as well, so that is good.

Like I said I am trying not to get over excited but I can't help it.  This job would take a HUGE weight off of my shoulders.  Everything is so expensive here compared to Arizona.

Well that is all that is really going on right now.  I hope you all are having a nice weekend.  Spending mine relaxing before starting a week with long hour work days.

Good Morning!

Sorry that it has been a while.  Not too much has been going on to be that honest.  Been a little down in the dumps the last couple of days but hopefully things are starting to look up.  I had a couple of interviews for a few different occasional childcare opportunities.  It is looking like I could potentially have a full-time job though.  Trying not to get my hopes up since it is still on the fence but I am going to work for a few hours today.  It is super duper early and I definitely did not want to get up when my alarm went off.  Must start getting to bed EARLIER.  Well its not even that.  We laid down before it was even 9 o'clock BUT didn't fall asleep til after midnight.  Go figure.  Not nearly enough sleep.  Thankfully today is not a full day of work and I will be home this afternoon.  If I did have to work a full day though... man oh man I would probably be hating myself by the end of it.  Ha ha.

I hope that you all are doing well.  Enjoying the lovely month of October and all its spooky Halloween specials.  I love watching all of the Halloween classics this time of year.  Hocus Pocus, Halloween Town, The Good Witch, The Great Pumplin, Charlie Brown!  Can't get enough of them.

Anyways,  I hope that you all have a great day and that this week is treating you well.
 

Adjusting

So I have officially been on the east coast for a month now.  Have to admit it is taking a bit of adjusting.  Not that things are drastically different.  The first two weeks here, things seemed completely natural.  I think it might be because a lot was going on.  My Dad and Brother were with us, we were traveling and exploring from D.C. to New Jersey and to N.Y.C. It was a lot all in one go.  Then getting all unpacked of course.  Now that things have settled down it just feels different.  I have had a hard time sleeping at night one.   Not that this is too uncommon for me I suppose.  I am sure you all remember my not so long ago rants of sleepless nights.  Well they are back.  I am sure it is just because of the new place new surroundings sort of thing.

I had a bizarre eerie dream of a women coming out of the woods that is pretty much our backyard and she came into the house into the room and was watching us sleep.  I was watching her watching us sleep and talk about given me the heeby-geebs.  So I told her to go away and then she just went back into the woods.  For a couple of nights after the dream I just laid there half expecting this woman to show up.

Since Mabon passed I have been having a bit more luck just going right to sleep when I actually lay down for the night.  Then I have nights like last night where I didn't fall asleep until nearly mid-night.

Also still on the hunt for a job which I am sure doesn't help.  Still kickin myself that I no longer have a car.  I think that would make things much much easier.  Finding something within walking distance is proving to be a bigger challenge than what I first thought it would be.  I am sure something will turn up eventually though.  Lets just hope sooner than later.

Other than that I am still in total shock of how expensive everything is here compared to Arizona.  I knew it would be more expensive sure but I guess I just hadn't realized exactly how much more.  That rant could go on for ever though. Ha ha.

Even with all that I am still extremely happy to be here with the bf.  I have also been loving the fact that I have been leaving the windows open during the day and it's perfect temp in the house.

OH!  One more thing what is up with none of the groceries stores up here having Artichokes.  I have been craving one for lunch so bad and no joke I can't find any.  Lol

So how are all of you doing?  Getting excited for Halloween?  I am!  Even though we aren't doing anything.  So don't care.  Maybe I will make a spooky treat just for us. =P

Before I go I found another song I have been obsessing over that I wanted to share with all of you.

 

Well I hope you guys like it.  Also hope that you all are having a wonderful week so far.

Teehee

To good not to share. ;)

Lavender

Been on a bit of a Lavender fix today.  Wishing I had some lavender oil to dab on my pulse points and forehead to help me feel a bit more relaxed.  Either way it has put Lavender on the mind and I thought I would write a bit about it.  Again share some of my pinterest findings.  

Lavender oil is great for swelling, infections, headaches, bug bites and the list goes on.  It is also great to use in DIY household cleaners.  My Mom uses it in many of the sugar scrubs that she makes.  As mentioned I like to dab a little bit of lavender oil on my pulse points and forehead when I have head aches or am just feeling a bit stressed or even a little depressed.  Its relaxing calming effects are great.  It is also great to help with sleep, even just burning the flower itself can help to induce sleep.

It also has endless magical properties.  Protection, Luck, Healing, Divination and of course is often associated with Love Spells, ect.  

I was taught that lavender placed under your pillow at night can help you with  recalling dreams and sending wishes.

The ashes of burnt lavender can be scattered around the home not only to bring peace to those within but also can be used as a form of protection from visitors with ill intent.  With the plants relaxing affect it is also great to use during meditation.  Of course burnt it will help you relax, allow you to open your mind and clear your thoughts.

If you suffer with nightmares, dried lavender leaves may help by being placed into your pillow or if you have a child who is having trouble with nightmares or sleeping place the dried leaves into a stuffed animal to help them.

I could go on and on about all the different uses of Lavender but this would end up being one ridiculously long blog post.

So to finish off I will leave you all with some neat food inspired ideas I found on pinterest.

A refreshing glass of Lavender Lemonade.

I can't wait to try this Lavender infused Hot Chocolate.

These Lavender Shortbread cookies look so good. 


So other than that nothing too much has been going on.  The bf took me out for dinner on my birthday to a nice restaurant.  I was able to get myself some cheesecake and it was really good.  Actually wish I had some right now... dang it. Ha ha.

Well I hope that you all had a wonderful weekend.

Halloween

I don't really have anything going on today/tonight but I am in a writing mood.  Plus I have an itching to share some of my pinterest findings with you guys.  So here is a special Halloween/Autumn favorite finds post. 

Yes I have every intention of attempting to make these. =)

Cozy, with a cup of coffee mmmMMMmmm...

Simple yet awesome.

One of the things I am excited about for the East Coast is actually getting to see some leaves change colors.  And snuggling down with a good book, some hot coco during an actual cold day.

This would be so much fun for a party.

I could never wear something like this.  A little too revealing for me BUT it is super cute and looks very much like an adult version of my favorite childhood Halloween costume!

Last, here is a picture of me in my favorite childhood Halloween costume. =P  Sorry for the quality.  Impossible to get a decent picture of a picture.  Haha

Anyways,
So sorry this post is a bit random but I am such a pinterest junkie and this is my favorite time of year.  Autumn right around the corner, Halloween, and all the amazing blog parties! 

So tomorrow is my Birthday.  No plans for tomorrow at this point.  Really starting to get my cheesecake craving though.  Sort of my thing.  I LOOOOOOVE cheesecake so on my Birthday it is really the only thing I want.  

Sorry had to share just one more picture now that I mentioned cheesecake.  Doesn't it look so good!!!  I think that it looks great.

Well I hope that you are all doing alright.  What are some of your guy's favorite things about Autumn and Halloween?

Blogging ideas!

Hello my freaky Darlings!

I am in a particularly good mood this evening for no particular reason at all.  I have been trying to write a post all day with no idea what to write.  So now that this is my forth go at it I think I finally got it.  Not that it is much. Ha.

Things have been going good here.  Nothing much to report.  I am feeling slightly disheartened when it comes to my job hunt now that I am without a vehicle.  I am trying to stay positive though and remain hopeful.  There is a job fair coming up so I am keeping my fingers crossed.  Maybe I will have to invest in a bike, while still out of my price range it is MUCH cheaper than a new car.  Lol

Anyways,
So I figured I would share a couple of pictures from my car accident.  

The water had gone down at this point thanks to the rain finally letting up after nearly two hours of standing in it.  Even managed to catch myself a small cold. Lol. Guess if that is the worst of it then I am grateful.

In this picture you can see where the water had come up to on the passenger door.  Was pretty crazy.  No I was definitely not in the car when this happened.  Immediately after crashing not even thinking about water levels rising and just worried that no one would see me down in the wash from the road I had decided to get out of the car and get up to the road.  My genius self did decide to try and get back into the car when it started hailing.  After tripping on mesquite roots and falling face first into the water though I quickly realized it was probably not the best idea to try and get back into the car or stay anywhere near the running water.  Lol

After that scary event though the trip went super smooth.  Snapped a picture when going through Dallas, TX.  I had no idea the city was so huge!  Thankfully traffic wasn't that bad.

This picture isn't even a small portion of the city.  But I like how the picture came out.

Other than that when we finally did make it to my new home after getting some rest, settled in a bit, and getting some much needed bf time, we took a trip to D.C. it was a load of fun and I am eager to go back since I feel like there is still so much to see there.  

First thing we did was get some food.  Like I mentioned broke the vegetarian diet a couple of times and this would be one of them.  Ahahaha!  No regrets!  Some of the best seafood ever.  Eyes were definitely bigger than our bellies for sure.  Can't say it was the cheapest but it wasn't unreasonable and we got more than we could eat.  We got probably as fresh as it gets crab and shrimp watched it get steamed with some Old Bay thrown on it and handed to us in a paper sack.  Blue Shell Crab is definitely not my favorite.  Just can't get past having to pick around the "mustard" (crab guts) to get to the meat.  But jumbo, and when I say jumbo I mean jumbo, shrimp... oh sweet Freya it was wonderful.

After nearly putting ourselves into a food comas we walked from the Warf and to the Washington Monument.

Yeah check them clouds out.  We got to experience some east coast weather.  Actually used the Washington Monument as a rain shield for a good 20 minutes.  We finally said "What the heck!  The rains not going anywhere lets just go".  So we went out into the rain deserting our rain shield and literally 5 minutes later the rain stopped.  Go figure.

We got to see The Reflection Pool.  Was very cool.

Of course we saw the Capital Building.  You would be surprised, or at least I was, at how far apart all this is despite being able to see all of them within each others distance.

After going into New Jersey to see my Aunt and cousins we all took a trip into New York.  A lot more walking and was fun as well as equally exhausting. 

Fun picture of my cousin with Batman.  The fact that she had a Batman shirt on just made it funnier.

 

Couple of pictures from Ground Zero. 

Bright lights of Time Square.

As fun as New York was this was definitely a welcomes sight.  City is way way way to busy for me.  Definitely takes a particular kind of individual to live in that city.

So other than that while trying to figure out some ideas for writing topics I came across this on the wonderful pinterest.  I thought it was pretty neat and I do like some of the ideas listed.

So who knows you may see some of these popping up here and there.

Well I hope you are all doing well.  I have been trying to keep up with everyone despite my lack of posting.  I think I need to do a little reading list clean up.  I find myself searching through my list for particular blogs to read.  =)  I leave you guys with this picture my sister sent me that left me smiling.

Crazy crazy!

So this will likely be a short post but while I have access to a computer I wanted give you all an update.  I am finally home! East Coast back with the bf and all.  Very excited and happy so far it has been a great few days hanging out and sight seeing with my Dad and Brother before they head back to the West.  Was an eventful trip to get here though.  Unfortunately I experienced my first accident while I was the driver.  Luckily no one else was involved and I wasn't hurt.  Going though Texas we hit a really nasty storm and well the car hydroplaned, smacked the back end of the car into the cement guard after it spun a complete 360 and then went across the road (missed traffic thankfully) and ended up in the wash/ditch where the water runs to keep the roads from flooding.  Was super scary and pretty sure the car is totaled but as mentioned I wasn't hurt and neither was anyone else. 

Horrible timing but what can you do?

My computer was damaged in the accident, hense the reason I am having to use someone else's. 

Anyways, moving along to happier things.  So far we have gotten to eat a ton of awesome seafood.  Breakin the whole veggie diet by a lot but I do intend to get back to it once all the sight seeing and running around is done.  We have been to D.C. to see the Washington Monument, Capital Building, and the Reflection Pool.  Also again got some amazing seafood while there that was served in a big paper sack with Old Bay seasoning.  Nom nom nom!  We would have likely seen more while we were there but we got rained out and had to head out soaked from head to toe. 

We also took a trip into New York which was a lot of fun and equally exhausting.  Really fun to go and see but I definitely could not live there.  City is way to busy for me.  I have a ton of pictures to share but will have to wait and see what happens with my computer situation. 

I hope that you are all doing well and that I will be back to posting again soon. 

Fun back home

So today we took a trip up to the mountain.  It was a lot of fun.  I love hanging out with my Cousin K.  Her and I have been close since we were kids.  I am glad that I have been able to spend some time with her before I leave for the east coast.  Sure am going to miss her.  We took a bunch of pictures so I thought that I would share them with you.

So yeah lots and lots of fun with the cousin and the brother.  It was a really good day.  So far being home has been great.  I am really enjoying my time with my Dad and brother.  It has been awesome to see all the work they have done on the yard and they now have chickens as well.  So far they have been cracking me up.  Some of the chickens are really really small compaired to the others and I guess they are going to stay that way.  Some are SUPER FLUFFY as well they are my favorite.

Well anyways it is late here but I wanted to make sure that I gave you all an update.  Hope you are all doing well.  Will try to write again soon.