The Life of an Unbalanced Libra

Finally a Facial Cleanser I Can Use

2012-05-22T10:51:00.001-04:00

I always take care of my skin, especially my face, but I will admit, now that I have a tattoo on my face and 4 piercings, cleaning my face has been a challenge!

I found a brand called SkinMedica and I am so freaking happy I did!They have this facial cleanser that is absolutely FABULOUS!

This SkinMedica Facial Cleanser is a foaming, soap-free facial cleanser that gently purges dirt, makeup, and environmental pollutants from the skin as it hydrates and refreshes. Yeah, that is the product description and guess what? It's True! LOVE this stuff :D

Mother's Day Over - Father's Day Coming RIght Up

2012-05-21T20:51:00.001-04:00

I struggle with what to get my dad for Father's Day every year. This man literally has everything he wants - or the money to get whatever he wants. I was looking at a Joe Rodeo Watch because he does still wear a watch but, ugh, I don't know if my style matches his style!

I'm starting early so please, give me some unique suggestions!!!!

Loving Lily

2012-05-21T11:35:00.000-04:00

I was approached by someone who wanted to share her story on my blog in an attempt to reach a larger audience. Here is her story:

While I had always heard the phrase “it takes a village to raise a child,” I never knew how true this was until I had my own daughter. My darling Lily came into this world on August 4, 2005, and we were surrounded by our nearest and dearest. It was one of the happiest times of my life, and it was followed by the most difficult!

After I returned to work, I realized that I was constantly breathless and tired. I had no energy and I was tired all the time. Though I might have thought I was dealing with the effects of having a newborn around, I knew that there was something else going on.

It wasn’t until November 21, 2005, less than 4 months after Lily’s birth that we figured out what was going on. I had malignant pleural mesothelioma, a cancer that affected the lungs and which had resulted from my accidental exposure to asbestos as a child. These symptoms were dire, and it was apparent to the doctor that I would only live for another 15 months without treatment.

I knew without doubt that I needed to pursue the most aggressive treatment possible. I couldn’t stand to give up my life with my daughter and my husband, and so I found myself and my husband in Boston just a few short months later. On February 2nd, I underwent a severe surgery called extrapleural pneumenectomy, where one of the world’s foremost mesothelioma doctors removed one of my lungs. After that, I had 18 days of rest in the hospital, and 2 months after that, I could start on chemotherapy and radiation.

During this entire time, Lily was raised by her grandparents. My parents stepped right up to the challenge of moving from doting grandparents to fulltime caretakers, and it wasn’t easy for them. Both of my parents worked fulltime, and when they could not be with Lily, they turned to their church group. Their church kept them shored up and supported when I couldn’t be there, and when reports of who came to help reached me, I was shocked and touched. Girls who I had once looked after volunteered to help out and my parents assured me that there were plenty of people who rallied around them. It was a surprising outpouring of love from a community that I barely knew.

Even in Boston, we were not bereft of support. Whenever I got pictures of my daughter sent via email from my mother and printed out by my husband, the nurses made it a point to come ooh and ahh over my gorgeous little girl. Even if I had to sometimes fight back tears over how much I missed her, I knew that she was being taken care of.

Life is funny in many ways, and though the cancer experience was one of the darkest of my life, it taught me many things. There was a village surrounding my lovely Lily, and I knew that they would take care of her.

Pain - Not Only Feeling

2012-05-20T13:13:00.000-04:00

"Whether your suffering is emotional or physical, pain can bring clarity to the things that have been lying dormant inside of ourselves. Pain is a symptom of something deeper."

Continue Reading

I've been reading R.A. Leslie's blog for a while now and her words make me think, give me clarity, and eventually bring a change upon me. I found out that she offers relationship coaching - not only in person but also via the phone (she is in the NYC area) so there are ways to get a hold of her. I don't believe I need relationship coaching but she is a life coach as well and that is what has me so focused on her words.

Right now she is holding a book giveaway (yes, she is an author too!) - her book "Chasing Rainbows"

"Chasing Rainbows presents its readers with a meditative memoir-fairy tale romance in letters, through fiction and non-fiction narratives. The timeless theme offers lessons on how to use the gift of change as a way to live authentically, thus honoring the wisdom in our true selves. When we are honest with ourselves, our minds open to the innocence of our hearts and life becomes more alive."

If you're interested in entering this giveaway, you can do so by filling out the form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Start of a Beautiful Weekend

2012-05-17T21:23:00.000-04:00

The weather was absolutely perfect today! After dinner I took the kids out to a nearby parking lot where they could all practice riding their bikes.

Now all 3 kids are in bed and I'm just relaxing. What I wouldn't give for some cheap cigars and a nice glass of red wine right about now! I hear that tomorrow and for the weekend actually, the weather is supposed to be nice like it was today!

Hot Tub or Tattoos

2012-05-08T23:52:00.000-04:00

Weird, I know...but I was trying to decide what I want to do for myself; get a hot tub/spa or more tattoos. I started looking at hot tubs and spas online and even checked out prices for a spa cover, when I realized, I am a modified chick and always will be! I want more tattoos!

Cherie, and I got 'matching' tattoos a few weeks ago - well not REALLY matching. We wanted the same concept but not the exact piece. So, we went to our most favorite tattoo artist, Johnny Law. He had no idea what she and I really wanted, no artwork to look at, just us describing it to him; a vine with a crescent moon and some stars on our forearms...

Cherie:

Me:

I Want One of These!

2012-04-23T07:23:00.000-04:00

Our yard is trashed - mostly due to the dog tearing around in it and the 3 kids playing pretty rough. I've thought about flower beds and garden, even a small pool, but we haven't done any of that yet. I had an idea come to mind - getting a portable fire pit, like this one:

I think this is awesome! If you have one, please tell me what you like/dislike about it.

Learning to Play

2012-04-23T07:15:00.001-04:00

Being the step-daughter of a man who not only plays but also builds, repairs, and modifies guitars, it's no wonder why Olivia has taken an interest in learning how to seriously play the guitar. For as long as I can remember she had a guitar in her hands.

CJ and I have been looking for something that's not too expensive to start her out with. I found Hagstrom Guitars online but I need to talk to him first since he obviously knows much more about guitars than I do.

Such a Rush!

2012-04-06T23:28:00.000-04:00

Ahhhhh, this thrill ride is such a rush! I cannot wait to get back to Disney! I miss my 'home'

Computer for Kids

2012-04-03T21:22:00.002-04:00

I hate that now a household basically needs a computer for kids to do school work - what ever happened to going to the library and looking stuff up?

My boys cannot be trusted using a computer without supervision, simply because they would destroy it. Olivia, on the other hand, can be trusted, as far as taking care of it goes. I am looking online for refurbished computers to see if I can find anything cheap.

I need a Mac - I will not go with a PC so if you throw ideas my way, make sure it is in reference to a Mac.

Still Pondering Upgrading the Drum Set

2012-04-03T20:52:00.000-04:00

We got Dante a drum set for Yule - a kid drum set. I think it's time to upgrade to a double bass because he can play this drum set pretty darn good! Here he is on Yule.

However, today I am really not feeling this...I am sick and his drum palying is making my head pound. I wonder what instrument Wyatt may decide to take up? We have a piano but it needs some work; one of the keys is broken and it needs to be tuned.

This is How My Daughter Fills Out Her Papers in School

2012-03-29T23:37:00.001-04:00

These paper were in her book bag, they're from yesterday...

Nose Piercing!

2012-03-24T19:58:00.000-04:00

Got my nose pierced today! My face is busy - a tattoo, eyebrow piercing, lip piercing, tongue piercing, and now a nose piercing!

Not a Happy Camper

2012-03-19T15:23:00.000-04:00

I'm not happy to be back from WDW...I want to go home and stay there. Unfortunately I have to wait 6 months and 18 days until returning, but who's counting? This picture was taken outside of the DVC villas at the Beach Club Resort.

I am supposed be writing reviews on hip maternity clothes but all I want to do is write up reviews on the places we ate while in Disney and write about the things we did.

Still at the Beach Club Resort

2012-03-08T08:10:00.002-05:00

Today is our last full day in Disney, tomorrow we will be on the Magical Express heading back to the airport around 3:30pm :(

Photo of the beach area from the boat launch dock:

Creating a logo for my new consignment store

2012-03-08T07:54:00.000-05:00

Thanks for the guest post by Jonathan Curtis

I recently decided to open a consignment boutique in the community down the street. It is a really cute little downtown square area where there are lots of other shops and restaurants so I thought it would be a good fit for the area. Right now we just have a little sign out front that says “consignment boutique” but I have wanted to create a logo since we opened. We have been so busy getting the store together that the logo was the last thing on my list but I finally have time to think about it. I have internet through these guys t1.xo so I decide to get on that and start goolge image searching some things. I came up with lots of ideas relating to suitcases and clothes hangers but none of them were really hitting the spot for me. I was talking to my hairdresser about it and as it turns out she is also a graphic designer. She said she would love to design something for me and she got started right away asking me about ideas. This is going to be fun!

Going on a DisneyMoon!

2012-03-01T20:27:00.000-05:00

On Monday, CJ and I leave for Disney sans the kids - for our "DisneyMoon". Feel free to come to Disney with us and take a break from reality! We are staying at the Beach Club Villas:

Photo Credit

Here is our 'tentative' itinerary:

Monday, March 5th - dinner at 7:15pm - Yachtsman Steakhouse - Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Tuesday, March 6th - lunch at 11:45am - Restaurant Marrakesh - Epcot
Tuesday, March 6th - dinner at 8:15pm - Bistro de Paris - Epcot

Wednesday, March 7th - dinner at 8:15pm - Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas - Downtown Disney - West Side

Thursday, March 8th - dinner at 7:30pm - California Grill - Disney's Contemporary Resort

Friday, March 9th - breakfast at 9:35am - Cape May Cafe - Disney's Beach Club Resort

The last 6 months have been extremely stressful. This trip is something we both really need. I know I will miss my kids terribly though :(

Ooh, Let's Recap My Exciting Week

2012-03-01T15:02:00.000-05:00

This was an interesting week, to say the least...

I heard my neighbors talking about needed to shop for a pool net. Please, they better not be putting a pool in - my kids will drive me them nuts! Hahahaaa

My business, L&C Freelancing, is growing in leaps and bounds! We now have a web development team on hand to design/update websites as well as create e-commerce sites!

CJ was told today that C.F. Martin Guitar IS hiring him. The paperwork will start tomorrow and his official start date is the Monday we return from vacation. (March 12th)

Last but not least, I was approached to be in a documentary about modern witches - and it IS legit!

My Little Entrepreneur

2012-02-23T13:13:00.000-05:00

Dante is constantly trying to come up with ways to make money. No matter what he does here or for my mom or grandma, he feels he should be rewarded - just a lil something, not more than a dollar. Recently he's been hearing a commercial about having a gold bullion for investment. He has been yapping about this idea for a few days now, wonder if he is on to something?

Nissan Dealerships Within California

2012-02-23T10:02:00.000-05:00

Finding used cars Los Angeles can be a difficult thing. I recently bought a new home in California and had to do a bit of research on dealerships available after visiting most of them in person, two that stood out included Fontana Nissan and Riverside Nissan. I have heard about both of these before from friends I made after moving, and both came strongly recommended. Although I have heard a lot more great things about Fontana, I suppose that either of them could have done the job right.

I did end up purchasing my car from Fontana, but appreciated the inventory and specials that were offered at the Riverside dealership. At the dealership in Fontana, the staff was extremely friendly and welcoming and made sure that I was completely comfortable with my purchase before going forward. Of course I strongly appreciated this approach rather than the rush to get your signature and your money policy some dealerships operated on. The sales-people really seemed interested in learning what exactly I was looking for and always kept my price range in mind. This was also important considering how often I have had to deal with dealership people pushing higher priced cars on me and trying to negotiate for half an hour just to get the same answer ("No") every time.

I decided to purchase the car that looked right for me, and that was a brand new 2012 Nissan Rogue. I think that in the long run it will be a very smart choice. Although of course the newer version of this model did cost more than it probably had to, it runs perfectly and I don't have to worry about it breaking down or anything else like that.

Whenever my friends ask me about dealerships now I always recommend Fontana since I had such great success with it. I don't trust many dealerships, but I'm happy that I found one I can count on in my new home state of California.

Brought to you by Metro Nissan Montclair

~ I greatly appreciate these informative guest posts from my readers

Upgrading Drums for Dante

2012-02-22T12:55:00.001-05:00

During the Holidays, Cj and I decided to get a drum set for our oldest son. Although we opted for a budget beginner set because we were not sure if our son would enjoy playing we have since decided to look into the possibility of upgrading to top of the line DW drums.

CJ is a musician and he feels that having the best possible instrument gives you the best possible chance of learning without the pitfalls inherent with lesser quality drums. CJ sent me a link To the DW Collector's Series Drums - Handcrafted American Drums which are finally available online.

Although he enjoys going to the store to check out gear before he buys, he has played these drums in the past and knows that they will provide our son with the best possible tone and response. Buying online usually saves money too, which is a good thing when you consider that this is an investment in our child’s musical future.

Although our son is still learning basic patterns and how to maintain a consistent groove, I think it’s a good idea to upgrade beyond the basic three piece beginner set since it’s clear that I’ll be hearing the pitter-patter of double-bass beats from morning until night for the foreseeable future.

A Chinese Yoyo

2012-02-18T13:16:00.001-05:00

Olivia's birthday is next month, she will be 9. She likes all sorts of things but the more unique it is, the better. I came across chinese yoyos and really like this one, the Element Diabolo:

It is made from high quality rubber and has a really cool looking design. This one weighs around 223 grams, which is a little heavier than usual, but can produce some amazing speeds.

I really think she will like this. I haven't had any experience with Chinese yoyos though, have any of you?

Spring Jewelry

2012-02-13T10:01:00.001-05:00

I don't wear much jewelry. I wear my collar, my wedding band and my mother's ring and that's it - my piercing are my accessories :) However, my mother loves jewelry - mostly necklaces. So, I am trying to get a jump start on Mother's Day shopping - I know it's only February but hey, time flies, right?

Look at this Long CloverFlower Necklace in Black that I found at LaurenKlein.com:

Perfect because not only is it simple, it says 'spring' because of the clovers AND it can be worn long short layered and wrapped. I am going to keep looking but right now I have my eye on this - it's only $49.99

Losing Some of My Freakiness

2012-02-08T16:54:00.002-05:00

Time to get my chest microdermals out :( They just don't like me.

I think bewbies are too big and when I sleep on my side my chest kinda pushes them out.

Olivia and Her Guitar

2012-02-07T13:11:00.000-05:00

Being the step-daughter of a man who not only plays but also builds, repairs, and modifies guitars, I really thought by know Olivia would have mentioned wanting to learn how to play guitar - I mean, for as long as I can remember she had a guitar in her hands.

See? Definitely always needed lessons!