The Little Blog Dress: November 2013

Sunday Social-I am Thankful

Time to be thankful! Instead of boring you every day on Facebook for 30 days (that is so so dumb and I wish it would stop).... here it all is, in one place why I am thankful! In no particular order!

My blog.
I am thankful for this outlet and the fun I have had this year making friends on my blog. I really the love the fun products that I have been offered to try and a really good place to tell you exactly how I feel.

My Twitter account
Speaking of saying exactly what I think...God, I love Twitter. If you follow me, its an intimate peek into my head. I love that it isn't completely populated with people that I know intimately like on Facebook...but its my favorite social media by far.

My business-Even though I have struggled this year with the guilt of not working 12 hours day, I love the freedom that this job gives me and what it has developed over the last three years. I love being in business for me!

My thirties
In nine short days, my thirties will go bye bye....and for whatever reason, I could care less. It has been a good run...this decade and I have learned so so much. But at 40, I am in a really really good place.

My husband
I am so thankful for this man. I realize how lucky we are to have such a non-dramatic relationship. We make fair and balanced decisions on everything and we laugh every day. This journey (my best friend says it is a journey, so it is written) to parenthood is sprinkled with stress and some sadness but is so much better with him by my side.

Near death experience
I know that this is weird but I am thankful for my hydrocephalus and my brain surgery. It changed my life, but in a clearer way. It made me realize what is important. Not that I wish that you have to go down that road to get clarity...you should try yoga or something a little less invasive.

My wonderful friends
Hands down I have wonderful friends. Period. Amen.

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Soy Protein For Your Run #Giveaway

I'm going to admit something to you, I have lost my love for whole milk. It makes me feel like a bad child but I just don't like it. I am however addicted to soy milk and soy products. They taste so much better and are so good for you.

Some facts about soy protein:

• Soy protein is a high‐quality, plant‐based protein derived from soybeans

• Soy protein preserves lean body mass, promotes fat loss, and boosts satiety during weight loss

• A blend of proteins – soy, whey and casein, prolongs muscle building after exercise and increases recovery compared to whey alone

• Soy protein promotes muscle growth and development

• Soy protein is equivalent to whey protein for building muscle when consumed as part of a resistance training program

• Soy protein has the ability to displace fat and sugar calories

In my opinion, soy protein is easy on my stomach and really makes a difference when I am running. I usually don't eat a meal before my run and don't want to feel full with a protein shake but I have discovered a great bar to grab before I go. Eat-Smart Bars, Nogii Protein Bars and NOW Energy Bars are a couple of choices that help make sure I am getting the nutrients I need before or after a long workout with a key ingredient for success: soy protein. These bars taste delicious and have made a difference in my energy levels to get through a long (or short) run.

Whether I am going for a run or doing yoga, a smart fitness routine incorporates protein to aide in muscle building and recovery. Yes, stretching is important but nurturing your insides with soy protein is a must!

Also, Soy protein is a high-quality, plant-based protein which promotes muscle growth and development and can help preserve lean body mass during weight loss.

Christmas is coming early! I have a giveaway! I was sent a killer package with these bars plus a traveling exercise kit and I have one to give away!

-Eat-Smart Bar

-Nogii Nutrition Bar

-Now Energy Bar

-“Powered by Soy Protein” Traveler Exercise Kit (its got a jump rope, a pedometer and more!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The products, information and two gift packs have been provided by DuPont Nutrition and Health

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Taking Movember to a Whole New Level

I saw this picture the other day and had to laugh-

I am really enjoying the Movember movement, even tho I am grateful my husband hasn't embraced it-its exciting to watch people on the Today Show grown in some beardage and the movement is really catching on. Even the NASCAR industry is getting hairy with it (I can't believe I just wrote that). My friend had an engineer on his race team that is raising funds online for the cause-Check him out here.

Can we just say Thank God this is a boys only promotion? Although winter gives us a little relief with our hair removal habits...I said a little...a no shave movement is a no no-BUT if you have great products from Completely Bare, you can give your razor a break with some great results.

Unless you live in Daytona and go to Donna at Skinn-you don't have the pleasure of a nearly pain free experience. I am not saying that it is my favorite time but her methods are in drast comparison to the first time I did the deed...her name was Vera and she was Russian and yelled at me when I yelped. I wish I was kidding.

So even though Donna has to drag me in a little for my appointments, I found with some ibuprofen and a line of products that I am obsessed with (Completely Bare) makes the experience a little less oh my god, someone kill me.

The holidays are approaching and it is important to keep your body looking it’s best for all the fabulous upcoming parties! This includes getting rid of those unwanted hairs! Completely Bare has the best hair removal products to get rid of hair painlessly in some of those difficult areas. Apply the numbing and cooling spray pre and post hair removal to cool, soothe and numb your skin. This is a lifesaver, trust me!

If modesty prevents you from seeing a professional try Ready set wax with the hypoallergenic wax strips for face, bikini and body is awesome. They are easy to use and custom shaped for all body parts.

All completely bare products are available at CVS and target nationwide

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Lindt Chocolates Make Great Holiday Gifts

I am sure everyone has a process of buying holiday prizes (you may call them presents). Although I don't officially start till this time, I plan all year long using Evernote and Remember the Milk. If you are near me and utter any words like "You know what I really need/like/want?" You can guarantee I am sending myself a note to remind myself when the time is right.

After I have sectioned off all of those people, there is usually room on my list for some ideas for people that just need to be remembered with a little something at this time. My cleaning lady, the girls at the doctor's office, my receptionist at the place where I rent an office...Something quick and thoughtful and this year I have some great ideas! Especially with Lindt Chocolates!

My favorite? Christmas Tree Gift Bag is a delightful way to spread chocolate cheer this holiday season. Everyone loves LINDOR truffles, especially when they are delivered in this festive bag. You can fill with your three favorite flavors or enjoy our “Ultimate” Assortment (milk, white, dark, extra dark and peanut butter). Check out the entire catalogue here. You can order online or visit them what I really suggest is you check them out in person using their store locator! Its all instant gratification! When I was at Disney earlier this month, I wanted to live here!!

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Tea at Two At Polly's Tea Room

I have a new friend Rachel who is not only very sweet and dear but she is full of fun ideas to get us up and out. She hosts the Daytona chapter of Dining For Women, and she has brought a breathe of social fresh air to our little town. A couple of months ago, she had a friend in town and asked a couple of us on a random Tuesday to come meet us at one of my favorite restaurants...just to get together. This time, she organized a group of girls to get together to Polly's Tea Room at the River Lily Inn. Its nice to pull us out of our rut and go do something different with not just the same people in attendance.

I have known Polly for quite a while, and have held a bridal shower as well as a retreat at the River Lily, It was nice to see Polly and her husband Art still do so well. It was funny, I was certain that the tea crowd would be good but not wall to wall packed-there wasn't an empty seat in the house!

We were served a traditional high tea, with moscato and soup and a sandwich. Not to mention the house is gorgeous and full of history! It was delicious and I highly suggest getting your girlfriends, your mom or sisters together for the occasion! Can't wait to go back!

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Sunday Social

It's Sunday Social time! Hope everyone has had a great week!

1. Name 4 jobs you've had in your life.

1. Junior Buyer for Belks

2. I was a beer girl/bartender at the biggest bar in its Daytona Beach Spring Break hey day

3. On Air Morning and Weekend Talent

4. Advertising Sales Person

2. Name 4 movies you would watch over and over.

Bridemaids

Talladega Nights

Grease

You Got Mail

3. Name 4 places you have lived. I am happy to say that I have lived in Ormond and Daytona Beach my whole life, if you don't count that time I ran to Atlanta for nine weeks.

4. Name 4 of your favorite foods. penne ala vodka, a big fat steak, corned beef hash and anything Italian.

5. Name 4 things you always carry with you. my Iphone, my Ipad mini, lip gloss and my wallet!

6. Name 4 places you have been on vacation. My last four-NYC, Boston, Washington DC and San Diego

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Fertility is No Joke

I have been struggling lately and sadly for you, you have to hear about it. Just like every breakup that I have ever had, I have penned quite the letter to send them away...the boy and the feelings of anger, hurt, etc.. I never sent it, and sometimes I would keep it just to remind myself, in ten months is this gonna matter? Raw emotion that make you a little psycho but it gives you a clean slate to move on.

I am a control freak, I am used to going out and getting what I want. I have been disappointed plenty, for sure...but there was always another option to get it done....if that doesn't pan out I would just shift direction or focus. When I had my brain surgery, it changed a lot about my behavior. I sometimes wonder why some of my friends still stick with me. Everything is now black and white, there is no gray area. Sometimes that comes off as not as kind as you would think. Don't get me wrong I am not a complete asshole, I have a huge heart and would give the shirt off my back if you needed. Helping people and making them happy fulfills me. But, sometimes I look at things and vocalize my honest and sometimes not "to be unkind" perspective. Anyway, I am digressing....so when you want something you go to get it, right? I want a baby.

Things we know

Don't have sex without a condom, you will get pregnant!

First Comes Love Then Comes Marriage then comes Darlynn with the baby carriage.

Things people have said to me

Why is a woman at a funeral I have never met asking me when we are gonna have children?

Just relax and don't stress and you will become pregnant.

You are thinking about it too much

Just have a lot of sex and then you will get pregnant

Today will begin the fifth month of fertility treatment. It hasn't been aggressive, only last month did we seek a fertility specialist and I am really glad that we did. As much as I worship (no, really) worship my OBGYN-she will be ready when I get pregnant...a FIRM (thats the name, how cool) that specializes and this makes me feel confident.

This was our first IUI, and I had such high hopes. For a clockwork girl I spent twelve hours yesterday being pretty happy....not so fast said my stupid body. And it failed. And I feel like I have failed. And everyone who is been so great and supportive and been waiting on every moment for this journey, I have failed them too. There is so many people vested because the first new person you see, how is married life, are you all having children...wait you are not drinking-ARE YOU PREGNANT?

Someone HAS to write a book to make people STOP doing that.

It would be great and I would do it again and again if I wasnt so physically ill all month long. Or bloated. On top of feeling like a 60 year old woman with hot flashes, I have gained six lbs and none of my pants fit properly.

Because I refuse to be doom and gloom for very long...let me think hard of the positive...I have strengthened bonds with people that I would have never expected. It has been good for our marriage to take this journey and not in that boom chicka bow wow you think (because that scheduled nonsense is the worst). Oh, and I have learned so much about Biology that high school or college could ever teach me. My kitty cat hasn't left my side in twelve hours, so there is that to fall back on...and my incredible mood swings have given me an opportunity to say things that are on my mind without apology.

Oh, and my 40th and a NYC trip will go forth without wondering if I will be tired or sick-Woo Bonus!

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Sunday Social

Sunday Social time and the theme is Thanksgiving! My absolute FAVORITE holiday! LOVE LOVE LOVE so so so many things about this time. For one, the food that is served at Thanksgiving is hands down my favorite and all the traditions and the things that my family does every year makes it a perfect day.

When I was a going out queen, the night before Thanksgiving was always a really fun time. I have memories galore from each year. Now, I rather wake up at the crack of dawn, check on my cooking and crack open that champagne-there is a parade to watch! Don't judge its Thanksgiving!

This Weeks Questions:

Favorite Thanksgiving Memory: Oh how does one pick just pick A memory! I have so many! The going out the night before has always led to some stories to tell for a lifetime. One year, I woke up at 4a on Thanksgiving Day in a houseful of friends and thought it would really nice if I gave everyone some water and Tylenol-Florence Nightingale style. Turns out it was Tylenol PM. Yup, I was cursed up and down that day but now we can laugh about it.

Favorite Thanksgiving Food: For the past five or so years I have been in charge of our family recipe stuffing. Its completely from scratch and there is a labor of love involved but it is worth it. Also even I am the only person in my family that eats it-pearl onions please

What is a Thanksgiving Tradition you and your family have? Family meaning me and the kitties is to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving parade. It is hard to believe I have never been! Every year I cry when the Rockettes perform, I have no idea why! Last year was special because I had the chance to perform with them in rehearsal that fall. Last year my girlfriend Kym who shares my passion for the parade came over and we had a mini pajama party! I hope she will come over again! I also watch the musical parts with complete concentration...I am so obsessed.

Show us a favorite Thanksgiving picture(or 5) from years past:

So this is me making said stuffing. Yes my hands are surgical clean but it is the only way to mix all this awesomeness properly!

This is the year that was full of laughs and fun in my sister's new house. My jacket I had just received from raising over $2500 in our local American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Walk.

What are you most looking forward to about this Thanksgiving? Oh! How much time do you have!?

My first Thanksgiving as a married lady!

My last Thanksgiving (and week as it is) in my 30's!

I hope we will have good news to share!

In two days from Thanksgiving, we go to Gainesville to watch FSU and Florida, the biggest rivalry of the season, this one more important as the Seminoles make their way to the BCS bowl. I hope!!

And in two days from that I will be 40, in three days-we will be in NYC! How awesome and exciting!

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Making Feedly Work For Your Social Media Content

I have obsessive compulsive disorder of the worst kind. As I lay here working in bed on a Saturday morning, there is laundry to put away, kitty litter to clean, etc....there is prob a dirty dish in the sink. So, when I claim that I have OCD, it is selective. The worst OCD I have is in my work life. I actually think that this is a good thing because it keeps me incredibly organized, and streamlined. I am constantly trying to find different ways to simplify my work process. If nothing else, prob a part of me wants to work smarter not harder. Who wants to wants to work harder, or more? Not this girl.

Flipboard is a RSS platform that is gaining a ton of popularity. It has replaced many a Google Reader and has hit almost 90 million users. From Wikipedia, Flipboard is a social-network aggregation, magazine-format application software for Android and iOS.It collects the content of social media and other websites and presents it in magazine format and allows users to "flip" through their social-networking feeds and feeds from websites that have partnered with the company. It is primarily used for your iPad or iPhone but there is a Flip It widget that you can add articles from your PC.

As an information reading junkie, I found Flipboard to be a little overwhelming at first. I would really love the opportunity to put all my subscriptions into a magazine I choose and let it populate automatically instead of having to do it manually. This morning, with very little coffee, I found a good work around that will give me one magazine with all the sources that I want in it.

Using Twitter lists, I have created a list of all the Twitter accounts that I want to follow and then made a magazine from the account section of Flipboard. In hoping that the sources that I choose are savvy enough to push the content that they write to Twitter, I should be able to capture most of my information in one place. I also will be able to adjust my social feeds and weed out subscriptions that are not working for me.

What are your experiences with Flipboard?

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