I read the craziest story this week on another blog.  Get this…a woman and her two children were in the parking lot at her local grocery store.  A man pulled his car up next to hers as she was unloading her cart and inquired about a dent she had on her mini-van.  The man pled that he was an out of work auto body repair tech and that he could easily perform a “paint-less” dent removal on her car’s for $100.  She thought he looked harmless because inside his car was another older man, a woman, and a couple of kids.  She said that they were drilling holes into her mini-van’s quarter panel before she even agreed to having them do anything.   She said they wiped on some kind of wax that they said was toxic and not to touch for 24-hours.  Then the question of an agreed-upon price came up after they finished their “repairs” and because she felt threatened she paid them and they went on their way.  Basically, she got swindled.

Last week I introduced you to Marina Auto Body as one of the generous donors to the #iwillrockthis weight loss challenge.  In that post, I described why Marina Auto Body is a premier auto body repair shop.  Not only are they committed to excellence and strive to provide exceptional customer service, they warranty their workmanship, use the finest materials, and invest in education for their repair technicians.   No automotive collision repair shop is more qualified than Marina Auto Body.

For today’s post I had originally planned to outline what to do after you wreck your car.  I’m going to shelf that for now but will revisit in the very near future.  Maybe even a vlog with a behind the scenes peek at what happens to your car after you drop it off for repairs.  Instead, I’m going to briefly explain what paint-less dent removal is and that it should never involve drilling into your car’s panels.  Never.

Paint-less dent removal is a highly specialized service where a skilled technician removes dents as small as a tennis ball to the size of a football.  They use special tools to either push the dents outs from behind the panel or a suction-type tool to pull the dent if it cannot be accessed from behind the panel.   These techniques are generally used on vehicles made in the early 1990′s to current year models.  Advances in high strength metal and resilient paint finishes allow for paint-less dent removal to be successful.

However, paint-less dent removal cannot be done if the dent is not near the edge of a panel.  A huge dent right smack in the middle of your door?  The techs likely can’t get access to the dent without taking off the interior door panels.  I once had a baseball hit my car door and attempted to have a paint-less dent removal company repair it.  No go.  I had to have it repaired by traditional auto body repair methods which was OK because I crashed that car weeks after the baseball hit it!

Yes, there are mobile paint-less dent removal companies but they don’t troll grocery store parking lots.  Shame on those guys for taking advantage of this woman!  The whole thing irritates me because it just adds to the negative stereotype about auto body repairs.  I worked in the industry for many years and have met a ton of  good hardworking people.  I can proudly say that Marina Auto Body is made up of good hardworking people.

If your car is riddled with door dings and dents, swing into Marina Auto Body to have an expert look at it and get a free computerized estimate.  If it can be repaired by paint-less dent removal they can help make those arrangements for you.  And if it can’t, you won’t be disappointed in the repairs from Marina Auto Body.  Regardless, don’t ever let anyone drill holes in your car in some random parking lot.  Call the police instead.

Marina Auto Body Los Angeles

4095 Redwood Avenue.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
Phone: (310) 822-6615
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7:30am – 6:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 1:00pm

Marina Auto Body Huntington Beach

17911 Georgetown Lane,
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Phone: (714) 848-3178
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 5:30pm

This is a non-sponsored post. Marina Auto Body has generously donated services to the winner of the #iwillrockthis weight loss challenge. Wendy Will Blog does not endorse any products mentioned. This post appears in exchange for the services donated. All opinions are of my own.

Yesterday marked the official mid-way point in the #iwillrockthis weight-loss challenge!  I can’t believe we’re half done and mostly because I am NO WHERE near where I wanted to be at the end of week four.  My weight-loss goal – and for the sake of being totally transparent – was to lose 16 lbs. by the end of 8 weeks.  I’ve fluctuated between 1-3 lbs. — TOTAL.  Totally depressing.  Especially because I have been exercising, and working with a trainer, and eating WAY BETTER than I have in a long time.  And I’ve got zilch to show for it.  It might be time to adjust my weight loss goals.

So, I’ve considered throwing in the towel but it really changes from hour to hour.  Like, my mornings are great…they start of good until I start craving a cherry danish from the donut shop.  I got around that particular want for a short while when I found dried cherries fulfilled that tartness I wanted when I added them to oatmeal.  But lately, my breakfast habits have been shit.  I’m having coffee only and find myself ravenous by 10am.  Cue the cherry danish.  Lunch and dinner are easy.  I usually make good choices there.  But then night time falls and I want snacks like chocolate bars dipped in peanut butter.  *Guilty*

Left: grilled chicken, spinach, & goat cheese. Right: Beets with goat cheese, brussels sprouts, turkey & sweet potato patty with rice.

I say to myself  - “the bikini is not happening so give up already!”  But I don’t want to give up.  I want to keep working, even if I’m just chipping away at it.  Really though, the bikini is definitely not happening.  So, I’m making a small adjustment.  I’m looking at August 1.  I’m heading to NYC for the annual BlogHer conference and MORE THAN ANYTHING I just want to feel confident in my body – even if it’s wrapped up tight in Spanx.

I so totally know how wrong this photo is.  Besides sharing with the internet that my bathroom is a pig-sty, I’m pointing out every single thing I think is wrong with myself.  It’s totally, 100% self-depricating.  Whatev.  It’s honestly what I see and think throughout the day so why not share it with you.

These three photos give me some great motivation.  I’d kill to have either of those tummies or legs that don’t look like tree stumps.  And a horizontal striped bathing suit!  Beyond my wildest dreams.

Will I ever get there?

Earlier this month I received a letter from Hoag Hospital informing me that a research test for a new breast cancer gene has just been made available.  This news is both exciting and terrifying at the same time.  You see, the breast cancer genes – BRCA1 and BRCA2 – only account for 65% of the women diagnosed.  The day after my own diagnosis, my surgeon told me that I most likely either 1) had one or both BRCA genes or 2) was HER-2 positive.  This hypothesis was based solely on my age at the time – 33.

Well, I was neither BRCA positive or HER-2 positive and as a result I am part of the 35% of women of whom doctors have NO IDEA why we developed breast cancer.  It could have been caused by toxins, the environment, BPA, Parabens, other genetic factors, or maybe even this new breast cancer gene.

Test results are expected to take anywhere from 6-12 months where I think my original BRCA testing took 2-3 weeks.  I’m not freaking out about the test at all because it can only reveal answers, right?  If I don’t have it then I don’t have it and I remain in the 35%.  If I do have the mutation then that opens a hereditary can or worms.  Where did it come from and who else might have inherited it? Considering the test is so new, I’m sure that also means answers are scarce.  It will be a waiting game, regardless.

Today I’ll meet with the genetic counselors at Hoag Hospital to discuss what’s involved.  My only immediate concern is the letter states that if you “have been diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and not invasive breast cancer…you are not eligible for this study.”  I was diagnosed with both.  So, I’m not quite sure where that leaves me.

I’ll definitely update you on what I learn today.  I certainly can’t find ANYTHING on the internet about a newly discovered gene.  Yes, lots of proteins and science jargon that I don’t fully understand but nothing about a ground breaking breast cancer discovery.  I asked a doctor in the #BCSM community and she says she has heard rumblings of a BRCA3 gene mutation but nothing else.

What do my fellow survivors know about this test?  Have any of you been contacted?

Happy Memorial Day!  I hope you are enjoying the holiday with family and good friends!  I’m taking the day off from publishing new content today but wanted to share a couple of my favorite posts and also introduce you to a few of my favorite bloggers!

Favorite posts:

This time last year we embarked on a total kitchen renovation.  While I’m not happy that my snazzy Wolf Microwave Drawer is already on the fritz (thank goodness for a full two year warranty), I’m still really in love with the space.  It’s gorgeous, right?

Yesterday, I headed to the Santa Ana Arts Village for the bi-annual Patchwork Indie Arts Festival.  I couldn’t believe the size of this year’s show!  I still love my little strawberry stamped spoon.

Last week I wrote a guest post over at Mommy of a Monster and Twins confessing why my daughter is talking like a sassy 8-year-old.  I’d love it if you left a comment at Mommy of a Monster and Twins!

John Mayer released his most recent album, Born and Raised, last Tuesday and it’s so good.  I’ve listened to it so many times already!  Earlier this month, I was treated to an evening with Mr. Your Body is a Wonderland and wrote about it at The Trend Tribe. Go give it a read.

Favorite bloggers (click on the image to go to their sites):

I adore Mama Bub.  You will too.

Steph from Hearts and Laserbeams draws the funniest Draw Something pictures.  You must see them.  And if you’re a blogger you should definitely download her Easy S.E.O book for Bloggers.  Insanely informative!

My pal Ash takes great photos and has awesome recipes.  Check out her new “Good Enough to Eat: The Chicken Series” posts from the woman who is actually raising chickens in her backyard!

I can hardly wait until August when I get to room with E from Mommy’s Fabulous at BlogHer ’12!

I hope you all have a safe and fun holiday!  I’ll be back Tuesday with a new outline for how the hell I’m finally going to lose some pounds or fail miserably in my own #iwillrockthis weight loss challenge!

It’s Thursday and I’m thrilled to feature yet another amazing contributor to the winner of the #iwillrockthis weight loss challenge!  Aren’t you kicking yourself for not signing up?  The winner is taking home a ton of cash and products galore from a group of generous people in and around Orange County!

This week, I am pleased to introduce you to Marina Auto Body!

Most of my readers are mostly women and I’m guessing many have never stepped foot into an auto body repair shop, right?  Hey, maybe you’ve never had a fender bender or wrecked your car – that is a good thing!  But if you have…was it you who oversaw the repair process or even dealt with the insurance company?  Maybe you let your significant other handle it because, well…it was a wrecked car.  Truth is, auto body shops have a reputation of being ran by intimidating men gunning for an up sell.  I’m here to tell you otherwise.

Today, I’ll introduce you to what makes Marina Auto Body a premier automotive body shop.  Next week, I will walk you through the steps of what to do after having an accident.  I’m an expert, y’all, because:

1. I worked at Marina Auto Body for many years before becoming a full-time mom, and
2. I’ve wrecked my own car several times!

Marina Auto Body should be your number one choice for automotive collision repair services in Orange and Los Angeles Counties. They’ve been committed to excellence and dedicated to providing exceptional customer service since 1978. With two locations – Los Angeles and Huntington Beach – Marina Auto Body only uses state of the art equipment and every technician is I-CAR and A.S.E certified.  Marina Auto Body is an Authorized Repair Center for Toyota, Lexus, Scion, Ford, and Mercedes-Benz. In 2011, Automobile Club of Southern California chose Marina Auto Body as the winner of the Top Shop Award in Customer Service!

 Let’s take a closer look at Marina Auto Body.

• The Los Angeles location is a 28,000 square foot, stage-of-the-art facility, complete with a fully computerized office and shop.
• For expert paint refinishing, Marina Auto Body uses Spies Hecker paint to ensure a quality color match to your vehicle’s color.
• They also utilize two downdraft spray booths with bake ovens and three downdraft prep stations for cleaner, more efficient service and a smooth, factory-like finish.
• They have made a major investment in the finest paint system available and constantly upgrades its technology and equipment.
• Marina Auto Body provides a written warranty on workmanship for as long as you own your vehicle.

Marina Auto Body’s customer service representatives have pledged to provide top-notch customer service to every single customer.  Their team contributes their diverse specialties and experiences to resolve any problem that arises. Since Marina Auto Body is a direct repair facility for many major insurance companies, there really is no one more qualified to handle your total collision repair.

Marina Auto Body’s commitment to equipment, materials, training and customer service sets them apart from the rest. From computerized estimates to bodywork, no automotive collision repair shop is more qualified than Marina Auto Body.

Here’s a great tip: In case you’re in an accident, bookmark Marina Auto Body’s website on your mobile phone and you’ll have help at your fingertips!  They can arrange towing service from the scene of the accident to their facility.  Marina is also very active in social media!  Find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Marina Auto Body Los Angeles

4095 Redwood Avenue.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
Phone: (310) 822-6615
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7:30am – 6:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 1:00pm

Marina Auto Body Huntington Beach

17911 Georgetown Lane,
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Phone: (714) 848-3178
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 5:30pm

This is a non-sponsored post. Marina Auto Body has generously donated services to the winner of the #iwillrockthis weight loss challenge. Wendy Will Blog does not endorse any products mentioned. This post appears in exchange for the services donated. All opinions are of my own.

This is what I’ve got for you today. My absolute pathetic percentage of weight loss in the last three weeks.

0.79%

I’m waiting for your swift kick.

On Sunday, I committed to going to the gym at 8:00am. You have no idea how hard this was for me. First of all, I hate mornings. Hate. I have long wished to become a morning person because the thought of it sounds good but morning just aren’t for me. I’ll stay with being a night owl. Anyway, I made it there a little closer to 8:40am and did my time on the treadmill for a good 40 minutes. I even threw in some strength training for good measure. As I headed back to the locker room, I noticed a bunch of people waiting for a group class to begin. I moseyed over to check the schedule and on a total whim decided I’d take the class too. Even after I said I would never, ever take this particular class again. Me and funky old school dance do not mix.

I found a safe spot in the back of the room for an easy exit if I couldn’t hang. It was a genius move considering the last time I took this class, I stupidly stood so far from the doors that I would totally have to do the walk of shame to get out of there. My next genius move was to shout “ME, ME, ME!” from the roof tops when the instructor asked if it was anyone’s first time. You know, so everyone would cut me some slack. My third genius move was standing behind two ladies who obviously were regulars. This was my saving grace but I think one of the girls thought I was totally stalking her.

I seriously have two left feet and absolutely no rhythm. I struggled, y’all. I looked like a robot and we definitely were not doing the robot. I was a sweaty mess when we were done. And yes, I made it through the whole class! Next time, I think I just need a couple glasses of chardonnay before class. Wine totally makes me a better dancer. Just ask any of my friends who saw me at BlogHer last summer!

*****

Today we’re wrapping week three of the #iwillrockthis weight loss challenge. I really wanted to lose 16 pounds by July 1st. I think I’m realizing that I probably won’t get there by then and that I likely won’t be in a bikini this summer. Don’t count me out though. I’m just shifting my goals a little bit. I’ll lay out those goals for you next Tuesday!

I also wanted to give a huge shout out to Lizz from Am I Funny Girl, Chrissy from The Lazy Pit Bull, and my long-time-friend Heidi (one of the non-bloggers doing this challenge) for killing it in week two! I can’t wait to see how the standings come out this week!

In the past two weeks I’ve introduced you to Nicole Longstreath from The Wardrobe Code and Tera Rae Stephens from Tek Salon. I hope you picked up a few tips from these smart and talented ladies. They really know what they’re talking about! Can we discuss for a minute how freaking beautiful Tera’s hair is? So jealous.

Well, it’s Thursday and I’ve been waiting all week to feature another generous contributor to the #iwillrockthis weight-loss challenge. Let’s face it, we all want to feel beautiful, special, and simply fabulous. What’s the easiest way to achieve this? Accessorizing! I’m pleased to introduce you to Robin Sarner, Independent Stylist for Stella and Dot!

I met Robin about a year ago when I went to a Stella & Dot trunk show at my neighbor’s house. I instantly liked her because she was super passionate about her job and wanted to make all of us there feel beautiful in the jewelry. Plus, I really liked her own style. I think she was just wearing boots, jeans, and a white tee but she looked so put together and cute with her Stella & Dot pieces.

Stella & Dot featured in People's Style Watch, Feb. 2012

Robin says being a stay-at-home Mom was first priority and still is, but she chose S&D because she could make it fit into her life as a Mom and still make some money from home. It is the most flexible job she says she’s ever had!  She’s had the opportunity to meet some great women, work when she wants, and by having fashion trends at her finger-tips she finds she can express her creativity through her jewelry wardrobe on a daily basis. Her time commitment to being an independent stylist is anywhere from 15-20 hours per week. Robin’s absolute favorite part of the job is her ability to make other women feel special and important. I can attest to this!  She finds what makes her customers unique and is able to select pieces that enhance their personalities through accessorizing.

Have you ever seen a Stella & Dot catalog? It’s like a fashion magazine and I’ve thumbed through mine a million times for ideas. Robin says that the New York design team does a fantastic job marketing “looks” for their customers. Her own personal “go-to” S&D piece is her trusty gold Bardot Wrap Bracelet (I have one too!). She says she’s able to pair that bracelet with many other things she already owns. But, Robin’s favorite piece is the celebrity coveted Serenity Stone Drop Green Earrings.  She says they go with many Spring and Summer colors and gets compliments every time she wears them.

Reese Witherspoon wearing Stella& Dot Serenity Stone Drop Green Earrings

Gold Bardot Wrap Bracelet

Some of Stella & Dot’s best sellers are Zoe Lariat, Luna Wrap Bracelet, Stackable Deco Rings in Silver, Serenity Necklace, Tribute Bracelet, Sole Bracelet, Campari Necklace, Interlock Cross Necklace, Capri Chandelier Earrings, Bardot Sprial Bangle, Charms, Serenity Jade/large and Small Stone Drops, Goddess Tear Drop earrings in all colors, Soiree Studs, and the Moondance Stretch Bracelet.

From the Stella & Dot Summer Collection

If you’re not familiar, Stella & Dot is a San Francisco based social selling company that creates flexible entrepreneurial opportunities for women. The boutique-style jewelry and accessories line is available exclusively through in-home Trunk Shows by Independent Stylists and online. The one of a kind collections are designed by celebrated New York designers and have been featured in Gossip Girl, In Style and Lucky Magazine as well as on the wrists and necklines of today’s hottest celebrities.

Any woman can become an Independent Stylist with a low start up fee of $199! The Starter Kit is a business-in-a-box that includes all the marketing materials, online and personal training, and support you need to succeed! To be profitable fast, Stella & Dot gives a new stylist a bonus of $350 in free jewelry. Robin says she earns $75 – $90+ an hour doing something she loves to do! If you’re interested in learning more about a Stella & Dot Stylist Opportunity, Robin encourages you to check out her website or contact her via email at rjsarner@gmail.com (or you can message me and I’d be happy to forward her cell number too).

I hosted my very own Stella & Dot trunk show last October and had Robin over to style all my guests. It was a fun night and I earned over $300 in free jewelry. Not bad for opening a couple bottles of wine and having some girlfriends over! I’m considering hosting another show come early Fall but if you are in the Southern California area and want to host your own show you should definitely get in touch with Robin Sarner!

Robin Sarner - Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot

Get more information about Robin and/or Stella & Dot through her website and Facebook fan page. At the very least, definitely check out her Facebook fan page regularly as she always updates it with current Stella & Dot “deals and steals” as well as styling tips and “Flash Sales!” She sometimes even has her own contests, booking incentive contents and will announce her personal sample sales and seasonal viewing of new jewelry.

Do you own any Stella & Dot pieces?  I’d love to know which ones!  I personally love my Third Time’s a Charm and On The Mark necklaces!

Photos courtesy of Robin Sarner.

This is a non-sponsored post.  Robin Sarner has generously donated a Stella & Dot necklace to the winner of the #iwillrockthis weight loss challenge.  Wendy Will Blog does not endorse any products mentioned.  This post appears in exchange for the product she has donated.  All opinions are of my own.

The women participating in the #iwillrockthis weight-loss challenge are some serious contenders.  We’ve completed two full weeks and I am so impressed by how freaking fantastic everyone is doing.  I’m almost jealous at some of the tremendous losses.  Not almost.  I am definitely jealous.  It’s not like I haven’t been trying. More on that in a second.

It’s very likely I won’t be wearing this bikini bottom this summer.  Sigh.  I AM NOT GIVING UP.  I got an earful of shit last week after my junk food binge.  Yes, sometimes getting jabbed and told I can’t do it makes me want to prove you wrong.  But, really…don’t we all work better with some praise?

Last week I felt WAY off.  I was dizzy and light headed and I thought it was from consuming so much crappy food that one day or  eliminating sugar and caffeine. Then I broke out in a gnarly rash the size of a deck of cards on my back.  My first thought was that it was a staph infection.  My dog had been recently diagnosed with MRSA – the flesh eating bacteria – staph in her ear and of course I thought I had it too.  I noticed that the rash was spreading in a linear manner across my back around front to my rib cage.  And because I tell everyone everything about what’s wrong with me, I told a friend who said, “I wonder if it’s shingles” (and her point of reference was an old episode of “Nip/Tuck” – for real).  Well, hot damn, she was right!  After about four days of cortisone cream, I went to the doctor who confirmed it was indeed shingles.  Holy crap!  I’m 37 years old.  I thought shingles was an older persons illness.  Oh wait…that’s what I thought about breast cancer too.  Wrong again.  Anyway, shingles is a virus and it causes those flu-like symptoms.  Needless to say, I didn’t do a whole lot in terms of exercise last week because I was beyond wiped out.

It’s been about seven days now and I’ve probably got another seven before it’s totally gone.  I think the worst has passed so I can’t use it as an excuse anymore.  I’m really shooting for a 2-3 pound loss by next week’s weigh-in.  I’ve been near the bottom of the standings – and while I technically took myself out of the competition as being an actual winner of the prizes – I still want to been seen as a competitor.

So are you ready to see some BEFORE photos?  I’m hoping some of the others will allow me to post some before photos of them but this time it’s just me.  Me in my horribly messy bathroom and wearing some super unflattering lounge-around-the-house clothes.

I’m really hoping by July 1st you’ll see difference.  Fingers crossed.

Jabs or praise?  What do you got for me?

I have never-ever watched America’s Got Talent. Never. While I love reality-competition shows, I just don’t love stupid human tricks, dance troops, kooky singers, magicians, or Howie Mandel. But, this year is totally different because the’ve got a new host: HOWARD STERN!

So, Howard is totally one of my celebrity crushes. I can’t put my finger on exactly why but I think he is hilarious, honest, and interesting. I adore him.

I really started listening to the Howard Stern Show religiously back in 1999 when he was still on terrestrial radio. Howard, Robin, Artie, and Fred were always on from my bathroom where I got ready each morning to the car dial during my ride to work. I hated when I had to get out of the car before an interview was over or if Howard hadn’t finished one of his stories. This was also when his radio show aired on E! in the late evening. I listened in the morning and then eventually got to see those episodes when they finally aired on television. It was great. Then terrestrial radio took a dive and Howard went to satellite. That Christmas, I got a Sirius Satellite Radio subscription and was up very early the first day Howard took to satellite radio.

All of this though was pre-child. My Howard listening days are few and far between. I do listen On-Demand occasionally but it’s just not the same, you know?

So, Howard Stern on my television every Monday night is a treat. And while he seems pretty tame so far in comparison to what we’d get from his radio studio, I’ll take it.  What I like so far about America’s Got Talent is that NBC is showing a ton of behind the scenes conversations between him, Howie, and Sharon  (I will never forget  Sharon Osbourne and Insane Clown Posse go at it years ago on Howard’s show).

Did you watch Monday’s episode of AGT?  One of the best parts was when the little girl singing with her own dad asked Howard what happened with his dad?  Or when all the hosts were riding a wonky elevator?  You could totally see Howard’s quirky fears come to life.  Knowing so much about Howard from the years of listening to him on air makes his fans feel like we’re in on the jokes during the show.  So far, it’s great fun.  I’m just waiting for Howard to say ““WNNNNNNBC.”

Are you a fan of Howard?  Gimme a “Hey Now!”