Happy Father’s Day!

Happy Father’s Day to all of the great Dad’s out there!

I’m so lucky to have a wonderful dad. I have such fond childhood memories of my time with him. In honor of Father’s Day, I’d like to share just a few 🙂

My Dad loves music, always has and always will. When I hear great music I always think of him. Whether we were riding in the car, sitting on the couch, watching MTv (yes they used to actually to play music), or exploring a record shop for the latest hits my Dad was involved. I still remember the excitement in our house when he bought a cd player and brought home our first cd… Bon Jovi! My Dad helped me create great sound with my stereo in my bedroom by hanging speakers on the wall and working for hours until the sound was perfect. I was so cool…thanks Dad 🙂

My Dad and I share similar interests in many things, we can sit near the computer exploring his latest project of genealogy, and time just seems to stop. We can talk politics, parenting, work related stress, and sports. I don’t get to spend nearly enough time with him, but every time is truly a treasured memory.

My Dad taught me to laugh, although usually a pretty serious gentleman…get him to watch “Airplane” and he turns into a giggle box, his laugh is contagious.

My Dad has also been a rock of quiet comfort and peace in times of struggle. When Kevin (another great dad) was facing death because of an emergency medical condition, my Dad demonstrated strength and comfort and told me with his eyes that no matter what he would take care of me. I am 40 years old, and still cherish the first gift he ever gave me… “Buff” my teddy bear 🙂

My Dad never missed a Valentine’s Day…always made sure that my mom, sister and I felt loved and special. As our family’s have grown, he still makes sure to honor that tradition. He also made holiday’s extra special whether it was teaching us how to sneak mom’s holiday cookies and candy without her noticing, or stressing over making sure the wrapping paper was thrown away immediately after gifts were open as to not accidentally thrown something away later when cleaning up 🙂

I love you Dad,
Happy Father’s Day!

**He’s also a wonderful grandfather or as the kids say…G-pa, the pic above is him at my niece’s kindergarten promotion ceremony and I believe he is carrying my Mom’s purse :)**

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Summer Vacation-Breakfast!

I’m so super excited 🙂

We are planning for our first ever family vacation! After over three years of marriage, and many bridges to cross we are excited to take everyone on an adventure. Next week we will be joined by our nephew from New Jersey and heading to Northern Arizona for a relaxing get away. We will be staying in a cabin, visiting the Grand Canyon, Sedona, fishing at several lakes and hopefully getting some much needed rest and relaxation. Oh and by the way, it won’t be 110* in Flagstaff 🙂

The cabin we have rented has a full kitchen, which means we can save our money and eat there rather than take the whole crew out to eat for every meal. I’m working hard this weekend to plan and prep as many of our meals as possible so that I can enjoy myself too!

I love breakfast…especially on vacation 🙂 I will be preparing some most delicious breakfast feasts as a special treat from the normal weekday breakfast.

Here’s what I have planned so far for our breakfast meals:
Day 1- Breakfast Burritos with homemade salsa
Day 2- Baked Oatmeal with Omelet bites
Day 3- French Toast Casserole, Scrambled eggs, and Bacon

Embrace Your Curls!

 

I have curly hair, I have always had curly hair and I am (finally) proud of my curly hair!! My mother and my daughter have curly hair, and I love their curly hair.

Here’s the truth, for years I hated my curls. I tried everything to straighten them and hide the fact that I was born with beautiful curly hair. For years I bought into the media message that beautiful hair meant straight hair. For years, I didn’t embrace my hair and show the world who I really am.

Recently I have had more than a few women of various ages not only compliment me on my curly hair, but stop to ask how I get my hair to look so soft and manageable without the frizz. All of this recent attention around my hair has made me realize that I not only love my hair, but I have an opportunity to help other women love their hair too! Women are beautiful in all shapes, sizes, and hair types. I’m on a mission to help women of all ages, shapes, sizes, and hair types learn to love themselves and work towards becoming the best they can be. If you have curls, show them off! Work with your curls and let them work for you 🙂

Here are a few tips for my fellow curly girls:

• Throw away that flat iron, if that’s scary for you, at least hide it and only use on occasion-your hair doesn’t like that heat!
• Stop washing your hair everyday, curly hair tends to be dry and washing it everyday is not necessary.
• Find a good shampoo and thick conditioner that really moisturizes your hair.
• Be gentle with your curls, no need be rough with them when washing, conditioning, drying or styling.
• Find a hair stylist that specializes in cutting curly hair, if he/she tries to cut your hair dry or straight…run!  My stylist is Ouidad certified and amazing!
• Find a good line of hair products, I only use Ouidad products and absolutely love them.  My favorites are the Tres Effects Styling Gel and the Shine Glaze Serum.
• Check out this website, it will change your life: https://www.ouidad.com/
• Only use your fingers when styling your hair…
  • apply product on wet hair
  • style in sections-I separate into sections, and work each section by smoothing first and shaking second to let the natural curl fall where it is supposed to.  Again visit the Ouidad website for more details.
  • dry naturally or with a defuser
  • finish with shine glaze serum after dry
  • don’t over style, let them be 🙂
• Find a few different hairstyles that work for you.  I usually alternate between wearing my hair down, to a loose pony, and then a loose braid.
• Have fun with your hair!  Check out different styles and find what works for you 🙂