The TRUTH About Motherhood

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Life Hack: How to get Your House Company Ready without Killing Yourself
Ever walk into a play date or a friend’s house and think to yourself, ” Damn, how does she keep this place so clean with kids?” Me, neither. Just kidding. It happens all the time. I immediately ask her for the name of her cleaning lady. If she denies having a cleaning lady one of two things happens 1) I am amazed by her domestic goddess abilities and ask her to teach me her ways or 2) I decide we can no longer be friends because she either neglects her children or is a liar, liar, clean, pressed pants on fire.
I thought that I had it all figured out, this home business. No, I don’t mean working from home or my blog, I mean keeping my house from looking like a cyclone hit it while working from home and parenting smallish children. It’s hard, people. I don’t know how they do it but my kids can really mess up a house. I feel like I’m constantly cleaning and I am going to be completely honest with you, I don’t like it. In fact, I pretty much despise domestic labor.
My girls are not toddlers. It’s not about Cheerio crumbs and Cheez-it dust anymore. I can’t blame it on tiny hands and squished up puffs. This is all the damage of two semi-sophisticated young ladies who simply cannot get the concept of food actually making it into their mouths and can’t (or won’t) be bothered by picking up toys and clothes which leaves my floor looking like the toy box and their closet exploded, add to the mix crumbs and dirty plates on tables and I am ready to burn the house down. I feel like I need to go through the house with a leaf blower just to clear a path sometimes. Did I mention I don’t like mess.at.all?
My husband says its because they live in excess and simply have no room to put it all away. He blames me. I say they are just the cutest little pigs around. I blame them. They blame the dog.
I do my best, in between deadlines, appointments, errands, cooking dinner and keeping little people alive, I clean the house but it never seems to be clean enough because as I clean one room, I swear, they are making it their single mission to destroy the rest of the house. It truly is maddening so I decided to hire a cleaningcompanydublin to get help with cleaning the entire house.
I want to hire a maid to come once a week but then I realized that I don’t have a schedule that permits me to scrub my house down once a week and how could I ever let a stranger see my house in such a state? It’s bad enough that my husband sees it. Who has time to do all that cleaning before the maid comes? And if I didn’t, she would surely double her prices and tell all of her other domestic engineer friends about how dirty my house was and the next thing you know, I’d be blackballed by all help…everywhere.
What’s worse than what I see…the mess, is the stuff that I can’t see. The things that I can’t even begin to consider like dust mites and such. The thought of it makes my skin crawl. I try to pretend that they don’t exist but I know that they do so I basically stay at a defcon 1 stress level about my house at all times. You can learn how to prevent mold from building up in your home here. In fact, I am wondering just how many dust mites can live on a single dust bunny (like the one under my sofa) at this very moment. Oops, I may have just vomited in my mouth a little bit.
Then, I received an unexpected gift in the mail. Not something that I would normally get excited about but hey, I like it when the FedEx guy brings me goodies so I tore into it and I have to say, it is quickly becoming one of my favorite pieces in my house.
Behold the Shark® Rotator® Powered Lift-Away® . Yes, it’s a vacuum cleaner. I used to be the girl who swore I’d break my husbands kneecaps if he ever gave me a vacuum, iron or weight loss machine as a gift. In fact, I swore it. These are not gifts in my mind, these are necessities and commentary on the state of how I handle things. So thanks, no thanks.
But Shark sent me this and so there was no husband to be offended by. I have to be honest, I have a Dyson and after emptying container on the Shark, I can tell you that my Dyson has been doing a piss poor job. Maybe it wasn’t all the kids’ fault. Maybe the Dyson was failing to do its job and the kids weren’t habitual offenders…at least not where the floor was concerned. They are fully accountable for the toys and clothes on the floor but maybe not the crumbs and enough hair to create an entirely new dog or child.
Here are some of the features:
• Rotator® power nozzle with motorized brush that deep cleans and reaches further under furniture than any other vacuum (as evidenced by said hair and dust).
• Powerful LED headlights on the nozzle and handle to improve visibility under furniture or in dark, hard-to-see spaces (this is amazing but be warned vacuuming in the dark is scary).
• Fingertip Controls for easy transitions between hard floors, carpet and area rugs (I love not having to bend over to switch the height).
• Designed with a HEPA filter and Shark’s Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology™ to capture and hold 99.99 percent of dust and allergens (this is a must in our house because 4 out of 4 people who live here, suffer from allergies and fear of dust bunnies.)
• Additional features include:
o Hard Floor Genie™ bare floor attachment picks up large debris and fine dust in one easy step (easy enough for a 7 and 9-year-old to use).
o Extra-long 30 foot power cord provides maximum range for cleaning large spaces.
o Specialized tools to offer versatility in cleaning include a premium pet power brush, upholstery tool, flexible crevice tool and canister caddy.
My Shark is awesome and that is saying something because up until now, I was a die hard Dyson fan but the dust don’t lie and now, maybe, I can get that maid I’ve always wanted and deserved without the shame of her judging my domestic abilities.
Disclosure: I was provided a Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away for review purposes but all opinions and clean rooms are mine, all mine.
2014/12/02
Dog is My Co-Pilot
My dog, Lola, is more than just a pet. She surpasses anything I would have ever imagined that a family pet could be. She is part of our family. In fact, with the girls in school all day now and the Big Guy at work, she is my closest companion and that is the reason why I give her cbd oil to enhance her well being, read more at the link to learn its benefits.
Lola came into our lives one Christmas 2 years ago and filled a great big gaping hole left in our hearts from the loss of our first family dog, Saffaron. Saffy was our practice for children. She was the puppy who taught us responsibility and how to love and nurture something beyond ourselves and she returned that love ten fold.

We adopted Saffaron about a month into our marriage and she was our constant loyal companion for thirteen amazing years, up until the moment her heart just couldn’t go on. Saffy was with us as we moved around the country and grew from a young naïve couple into homeowners and then parents. She welcomed home each of our daughters with love and enthusiasm, gracefully moving aside as our family grew.
Never malicious or jealous, always filled with just a little bit more love and cuddled as close as she could get to our hearts. We loved that dog. She was more than just a “dog” she was a vital part of our family. When we lost her, we lost part of ourselves and it was hard to imagine life without her cold nose and warm kisses, especially for our children who had accepted her as one of their own.
4 months later, the hole was still gaping and the wound fresher than ever. The scab has busted off and the only way to begin healing was to welcome a new canine member to our family; enter, Lola. It’s been 2 years since she came to live with us and I think we’d all agree, life is sweeter with Lola sitting next to us.

She cuddles right up to us on Friday Family nights with her dog blanket as we gather around the coffee table playing a rousing game of Monopoly or just watching Gilmore Girls, Once Upon a Time or my daughters’ favorite new Netflix series, The Adventures of Puss in Boots. Just like next month, you can bet your sweet tukus that she will be sitting on my lap while I binge watch House of Cards Season 3 ( February 27th..Don’t miss it!)Lola is always there with us. Wherever we go in live, there she is.
Dogs are smart. If I’m watching a movie that tugs at my heartstrings and I find myself crying, Lola cuddles in just a little closer and licks my hand. It’s as if she’s telling me that it’s ok. When we laugh, she doesn’t laugh but she certainly does get excited. Lola is just as much a part of our family as any one of us.
That kind of loyalty and devotion deserves a treat.

Homemade Peanut Butter Cookie Treats for Your Dog
Ingredients
Vegetable oil cooking spray
2 cups whole wheat flour, plus more for dusting
1/2 cup old fashioned oats
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup low sodium chicken broth
1 cup creamy peanut butter, at room temperature
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Directions
Place an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees F. Spray a heavy baking sheet with vegetable oil cooking spray or line with a silicon baking mat. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats and baking powder. Stir in the broth and peanut butter until the mixture forms a crumbly dough. Press the dough together to form a ball.
On a lightly floured work surface, knead the dough for 30 seconds until smooth. Roll out the dough into a 10-inch circle, about 1/2-inch thick. Using a bone-shape cookie cutter, cut out bones and place on the prepared baking sheet (any scraps of dough can be formed into a ball and re-rolled). Sprinkle with the Parmesan.
Bake until light golden, 20 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Your four-legged family member will adore you for this treat!
Pets are part of our family. As long as these four-legged family members live with us, we are never quite alone. I don’t know about at your house, but at mine, Dog is my co-pilot in life.
What makes your pet special to you?

Disclosure: I am a member of the Netflix StreamTeam but all love for Lola and opinions are my own!
2015/01/30
10 Awesome Ways to Wear Scarves this Fall
There are many ways to wear scarves.
I know, I have an entire Pinterest board dedicated to just that. And I have a closet full of awesome scarves from Aventura to wear this fall but I get tired of just wearing it wrapped around my neck so I have made it my mission to find as many ways as possible to wear my scarves.
Here are 10 awesome and easy ways to wear scarves this fall.
The Modern One Loop Drape scarf over shoulder, with one end slightly longer than the other end. Loop the longer end around your neck once. Adjust loop over neck and balance out the ends of the scarf. Ends can either be same length or slightly different. Scarf available at Aventura: Sydney Pashima

The Bunny Ear Drape scarf over shoulder, with one end significantly longer than the other end. Loop the longer end around your neck twice in the same direction. Take the same end you looped around your neck and fit it through the second loop. Tie a simple overhand knot with both ends of the scarf. Fit the loops over the knot so that two ends are dangling off the loop, slightly to the side. Scarf available at Aventura: Abilene Scarf (Actually on sale now from summer!)
The Turtleneck Drape scarf over shoulder, with one end significantly longer than the other end. Loop the longer end around your neck three or four times in the same direction. Tie a simple overhand knot with both ends of the scarf, and then tie another overhand knot to get rid of most excess fabric. Fit the knot underneath the loop so that no excess fabric is showing. Scarf available at Aventura: Presley Scarf (Actually on sale now from summer!)

The Faux Infinity Loop Drape scarf over shoulder so that both ends are equidistant. At the very bottom of both ends, tie an overhand knot. Tie another overhand knot to ensure that the first knot does not slip. Take the loop (shaped like an “O”) and twist it so that it’s shaped like an “8”. Drape the bottom loop of the “8” over your head. Scarf available at Aventura; Zahara Infinity Scarf

The Quick TossDrape scarf over shoulder, with one end slightly longer than the other end. Loop the longer end over your neck, but not fully around. The scarf should be hanging down from your back. Scarf available at Aventura: Abilene Scarf (Actually on sale now from summer!)

The European Loop Fold the scarf in half lengthwise. Drape folded scarf over shoulder, with the non-folded end significantly longer than the folded end. Fit the non-folded end into the loop created by the folded end and tighten.

The Celebrity Loop Drape scarf over shoulder, with one end significantly longer than the other end. Loop the longer end around your neck three times in the same direction. Fit the end when you loop through the third loop so that it’s dangling down underneath the loop. Fit the non-looped end over and into the third loop.
The Waterfall Drape scarf over shoulder, with one end significantly longer than the other end. Loop the longer end around your neck one time. Take the end you used to loop and secure it by the top corner. Fit the top corner into the loop at the side of the neck. When done properly, the unattached side dangles down like a waterfall.

The Magic Trick Drape scarf over shoulder, with one end slightly longer than the other end. Loop the longer end around your neck once. Using the non-looped end, tug a little bit of the fabric through the loop, forming a semi-circle. Fit the looped end through the semi-circle. Adjust both ends to balance out the scarf.
The Braid Fold the scarf in half lengthwise. Drape folded scarf over shoulder, with the non-folded end significantly longer than the folded end. Fit the non-folded end into the loop created by the folded end, leaving space at the end of the fold. Twist the folded end over itself, forming an “8.” Fit the rest of the non-folded end into the second loop created by the twist. Adjust and balance out the scarf.
These are just a few ways to wear all those beautiful scarves that you’ve been waiting all summer to wear. If you want many more be sure to check out my Pinterest board.
Disclosure: I am an Aventura ambassador but all opinions about how to wear your scarves are mine, all mine:)
What’s your favorite ways to wear scarves?

2014/09/29
Stop Waiting For “Special” Occasions, Do It NOW

Stop waiting for special occasions.
Do It Now!
Don’t Make Your Happiness Contingent on anyone else or conditionals. I will/can be happy when I …. is a crazy way to live your life. In fact, I have spent most of my life bartering with myself. When I get skinny, I will allow myself to finally be happy. When I do this, I will deserve that. When my daughters are no longer bickering and talking back, I can relieve myself of some of this mommy guilt. When my house is clean and my laundry is folded, I will be a good housewife. When I give my husband the attention he deserves, I will be a good wife. Then I beat myself up about all of it. It’s wasted energy.
You deserve happiness now. I.DESERVE.HAPPINESS.NOW! Not tomorrow or the day after or whenever I hit some imaginary goal, NOW! It shouldn’t be reserved only for special occasions. Tell people you love them. Dance like no one is watching. Don’t be afraid. Go for what you want. Celebrate every single day. Stop and see the beauty all around you. Every day that you are alive is a “special” occasion.
I’ve always been that kind of person who has hung my life on conditions and some imaginary set of rules for life. I don’t know why or how this started but I just never feel like I quite deserve success.I always feel like I need permission to just do what I want. Sounds crazy because I am the same person who believes that anything is possible through hard work and sacrifice. Maybe I only believe that applies to other people. It’s the mantra that I base my entire life on but then I just don’t quite feel like I deserve it, any of it. I feel like a fraud, in my own life.
I rush through the moments. Sort of like running through rain trying not to get wet. Instead of spending my life leisurely strolling through on a sunny day like I won the world and deserve all that life has to offer, I run from point to point trying to go unnoticed even when I want to be celebrated for my achievements. I half-ass a lot of things. I never give anything completely 100% because if I give 100% and it’s not good enough, then I am not good enough. I can’t give more than 100%, so if I hold back a little bit at least I can assuage myself with the knowledge that I didn’t try my best so sabotage is better than failure but success is never even an option when you live like that. Fulfillment can’t happen when you aren’t going all in.
Like a lot of people, I reserve things for special occasions; beautiful dresses that never get worn waiting for “special” enough occasions. China that never comes out for fear of being broken or the situation not being “special” enough. Furniture that stays covered, so many things that never get used but instead tucked away safely waiting for someday. Flowers we never cut and enjoy at our table for fear they will die. Well, I am tired of waiting for SOME DAY. I want to live my life all in TODAY. I don’t want to be afraid of breaking or damaging something before it’s appropriate time because if I keep living like this, I am wasting my life waiting. We’ve all done it. I’ll reward myself with this when I accomplish this. I will do that when I deserve it. You deserve it now. Just do it. Stop waiting, life is short.
I should have learned this lesson when I was in labor with my first baby. I refused to use the breathing technique until I was in full on transition labor at which point I couldn’t focus or catch my breath. I was in a silent moment of complete overwhelming terror and I had no way to get out because I had rationed my “breathing” for a “special” occasion, as if breathing itself was a luxury that I did not deserve. That’s my life in a nutshell. Hurriedly being stoic and never feeling the full weight of my joy.
So when I decided to make this summer the throwback summer, I thought I was doing it for my girls and I was, mostly because I wanted them to experience just playing and having fun and enjoying summer without a schedule but it’s slowed me down. I’ve been sitting and listening to my children laugh. I’ve been noticing the rhythm of the birds singing. I can feel the calm that the water brings as it splashes up into us when we play in the pool. I am breathing, all day long because that is what you are supposed to do. Air is free. I am walking more slowly. I am invested and present and you can’t believe how it changes your perspective. I have given myself permission to be happy and enjoy my life.
Today, I planned to make enchiladas, Mexican rice and refried beans for dinner. Usually, I hurry the kids out of the kitchen because it’s easier and quicker for me to do it myself. Today, I put on Mariachi music in the kitchen as I boiled the chicken. We were already running late but you can’t make chicken boil faster than it does. The girls were dancing, I was dancing and they were giggling and telling me to call them by their middle names, their “Latina” names. They said they were being full-on Latinas. They were really enjoying all of it and in turn I was happy to be doing it.
My 9-year-old loves to cook and she asked if she could help me prepare the meal. Again, normally, I would have brushed her off but today, I said yes. She was my sous chef. I mean when you think about it, this was a tremendous teaching moment and what kind of person would I have been to deny her of something so simple as helping her mother with dinner? So, she cooked the entire meal with me and it was the best meal I’ve eaten in a long time and I told her so. I mean this could be her passion. Who am I to deny her? The point is that it felt good to do this with my daughter, she felt good to be doing it and the food tasted great. A memory was made and I know my daughter didn’t feel rejected or dismissed. She felt empowered and accomplished and I had something to do with that.
There is a special contentment that comes from going all in. The other day, I was doing an assignment and I really put all of my time and attention into it. I didn’t hurry. I wasn’t thinking of all the other places I needed to be or things I needed to be doing, I was just present in my writing and it felt different. I felt the passion return. I guess my point of all of this is, be present and give 100 % at whatever you do; you are missing out on the best days of your life by running from shelter to shelter in life’s rain. Put your rain boots on and dance in that rain, jump in those puddles and don’t worry, you are stronger than you look. You won’t melt and you won’t believe how great true accomplishment, at something even as simple as listening to what your child is saying, will make you feel. I want to teach my girls to enjoy life, the simple moments because sometimes those that seem the most insignificant are the more unforgettable.
When’s the last time you allowed yourself to really and truly enjoy something without worrying about where you needed to be or what else you were supposed to be doing or waiting for special occasions?
2014/06/26
Abuelita’s Dulce De Leche y Cafe Cheesecake Recipe
I have been compensated by #CollectiveBias and Nestle #NuestroSabor to share my thoughts and opinions on Nestle La Lechera Dulce De Leche Cheesecake and Nescafe Clasico. My opinions are always my own and cannot be bought if I haven’t tried it myself or don’t truly believe in it, love it or would not use it in my own home with my family, I will not support it on my site. ~ Deborah
September is Hispanic Heritage month and I cannot think of being Latina without thinking of my own abuelito, Grandfather, Manuel because he was my father’s father and, for me, he is where my Hispanic Heritage starts. He was where my story began.
When my grandfather became a father to his first son, my dad, he was already an older gentleman. My grandmother was his second wife. His first wife had died, leaving him with 3 nearly grown daughters. By the time I was born, he was already in his 70’s and by the time I met him, he was in his 80’s.
Don Manuel was once a strong, handsome rancher who was well respected in his community and did a lot to build the small town he lived and raised his children in Mexico. By the time I met my grandfather, he was a tiny, elderly man who I could look directly into his eyes. He was shrinking in stature but his heart and soul were big and beautiful, only to be outshined by the smile he reserved just for his grandchildren. I loved my grandfather for so many reasons but mostly for how he loved my papi.
When we went to visit my abuelito in the summer, it was like transporting to another world and another time. For a little half-breed girl who was raised in Chicago, everything felt different but it was all worth it; the week long drive in a hot car sweating with my 5 brothers and sisters, the month out of my summer, the weird food and odd looks we got from people, every bit of it was worth it for one of his hugs. They were the best hugs, they felt like coming home, even though I was in a strange country.
A favorite memory of my grandfather, and it’s a consensus of my brothers, sisters and many cousins, is of my grandfather eating his pan con leche y café, every single morning of his adult life, maybe even his childhood. My grandfather worked his land until about 2 years before he died in his 9th decade. He broke horses until he fell and broke his hip in his 80’s. This man was a man amongst men. He was quiet, strong and kind and gentle. I never heard him ever say a mean thing about anyone, even when he had reason. But every morning, after milking the cows and before going back out to the fields, he brought fresh milk home and ate his pan con leche y café.
We used to giggle at him. This tiny, old man eating torn pieces of bread covered in fresh milk. Now that I think of it, we were just kids being kids. What was the difference between his pan con leche and our cereal? He would offer us a bite, every single time and we’d take a bite and scrunch up our faces because it wasn’t what we were used to eating. He would smile and we would giggle and we would do it again the next day, for the entire time we were there, every time we were there. Now, that I think of it, he must have waited for us to wake up and kept filling that bowl with pan con leche. That’s the kind of person he was. He’d do anything just to see us smile. He was a good man and whenever I think of pan con leche, or pan or leche, or café, my heart gets a warm fuzzy feeling and I can feel one of my grandpa’s hugs that I haven’t had in over 20 years. So, I decided to make a recipe to pay homage to that great man, Don Manuel Cruz. Te Amo, Abuelito.
Abuelito’s Dulce de Leche y Cafe Cheesecake
Ingredients
Nestle La Lechera Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Kit ( available at your local Walmart)

2 cups of prepared Nescafe Coffee
2 large eggs
12 ounces of cream cheese
4 tablespoons of butter
12 Alessi Biscotti Savoiardi Lady Fingers ( Cut in half)

Directions
Soak the cut lady fingers in the Nescafe until coffee is completely absorbed ( 5 seconds)
While Lady fingers are soaking, make the graham cracker crust from the kit and press into the bottom of a spring form pan.
Line the sides of the pan with all 24 Nescafe soaked lady fingers, to create the sides of the cheesecake crust.
Follow directions on the La Lechera Dulce de Leche cheesecake mix.
Pour the cheesecake filling into the spring form pan.
Cook for 30 minutes.
Let cool for an hour.
Chill for 3 hours.
When ready to serve, heat up La Lechera Dulce de Leche toppings and drizzle over top of cheesecake.
Remove cheesecake from spring form pan and serve by the slice. Enjoy.
2014/09/08
Netflix’s Derek Shines Light on Autism & Teaches Important Lessons About Tolerance and Kindness
My family is addicted to Netflix and my newest addiction is Derek.
It’s a Godsend to me since I haven’t gotten to watch a television show at it’s regularly scheduled time since giving birth and have only been to a movie theater about 7 times in the past 9 years. I know, it’s sad but not really because thanks to Netflix, I can binge-watch entire seasons of shows in a matter of a weekend. It’s like high-intensity television viewing. Not for the weak, or the busy so obviously, I don’t get to take advantage of that very often. By the way, I am a Netflix Stream team member but I was a Netflix junkie way before being part of the Stream Team.
Occasionally, I’ll take a day or two and just watch a season while I do laundry. Come on, we’ve all done it. I’ve seen your feet up, Netflix on the tv Instagram photos. I find television to be a way for me to decompress, especially when I am overwhelmed with life circumstances. In fact, BBC’s Shameless got me through one of the toughest times in my life. There was just something about being at my lowest and being able to watch people at an even lower point, with less to be thankful for, being thankful. Sometimes it’s just changing your perspective or being able to laugh at someone else’s misfortune or be inspired by their tenacity, it works.
While I watch shows like Shameless, Weeds, House of Cards, Hemlock Grove and Orange is the New Black, I certainly don’t want my 7 and 9-year-olds watching any of those. I also don’t want them accidentally stumbling upon one of the horror movies that I have in my queue. Thank goodness for the kids’ section and even more so for individual profiles. Now, no one has to accidentally open Daddy’s National Lampoon’s Spring Break movie or Mommy’s Walking Dead or American Horror Story. Hey, I’m grown I can watch whatever I want but that doesn’t mean that I want my kids exposed to it; individual profiles are the perfect parental control solution. It’s awesome because it provides ratings and reviews so I can see if its okay for my girls to watch before tuning in and getting surprised.
But there is one show that I really want to share with my girls because the messages and themes are so perfect that I want to share this show with everyone I know BUT I can’t because there are also some very adult themes and language in the BBC show Derek. But I can share it with you. Have you seen it?
Ricky Gervais stars as Derek Noakes in the British television bittersweet comedy-drama Derek about a group of quirky outsiders living on society’s peripheral written by, directed by and starring Ricky Gervais. It is implied in one episode that Ricky Gervais’ character, Derek, may be autistic. Derek Noakes is a tender, innocent man whose love for his job and the elderly people that he cares for shines through. He’s 49 years old and loves animals and Youtube videos of animals. He is a tender, honest and brave soul in a world where most people are not.Derek is kind, helpful, selfless and lives with good intentions and good will towards everyone he meets. He is vulnerable because of his childlike naivety and distractions from society. Outside of the home he works in, he is ridiculed and ostracized, and marginalized by mainstream society because of his social awkwardness and lack of inhibitions. Derek says it is more important to be kind than to be clever or good-looking. Derek believes that old people are special because they’re kind and funny and tell him stories about the olden days.
Hannah (Kerry Godliman) is a care worker at the home and is Derek’s best friend. She’s smart, witty and hard-working, but unlucky in love; and like Derek, always puts other people first.
All the characters, while rough around the edges, will soon endear themselves to your heart and none so much as Derek. If you thought that Ricky Gervais was a one trick comedy pony you would be so wrong. His range will shock you and his acting and insight with which he plays Derek will forever remind you that we are not all what we appear to be; most often we are so much more.
I won’t lie, I fell in love with Derek Noakes and all felt a kinship to all the characters. The show is shot in a mockumentary sort of way, like The Office but mostly it just feels like you’re a fly on the wall at this little elderly care home and it reminds us that, if we just take the time to pay attention or care in the slightest, we could see how much good there is in the people around us. So if you ever find yourself wondering what you should be watching next on Netflix ( like I see many of you asking on FB) please consider Derek. The first 2 episodes are a bit slow but after that, hold tight because your heart will be touched.
If you’ve watched Derek, what do you think of the show?
2014/09/08
What Would You Do if Someone You Loved Went Missing while Visiting Another Country?
We’ve all seen those stories about college kids in other countries studying abroad only to never come home because they go missing, right? Or those kids whose parents took them on a trip to some magical, tropical island and poof! they disappear into thin air? Well, my dad lives 2,162 Miles from home in Mexico for 8 months of the year and this morning, he was missing. Let me restate, as far as I knew this morning, he had been missing for 8 days! This is not something that I would normally talk about but it happened and my nerves are pretty much shot so I’m trying to process all of this the only way I know how.
This morning I received a phone call from my sister, asking if I had heard from my father. My mom still works so she is still in the states all year round. Me, not hearing from my father for a week or even a month is not cause for concern but my mom gets daily phone calls. No phone call since July 27^th. None. We called AT&T and the phone has not pinged since that day and every time we call it, it goes straight to voicemail. There is no ringing. My dad is in his 60’s. So, I go into full panic mode. I’m a fixer. I can’t wait for things to work themselves out. That is not me. I was one hair away from hopping a plane to Mexico.
The first thing I did was call the phone to confirm that it is, in fact, going directly to voicemail. It is. I know because I called 75 times (sort of like when, in disbelief, I found out I was pregnant and took 17 pregnancy tests). Still, it went straight to Voicemail. Then I did what any sane person would do, I called all my brothers and sisters and then I called the town. Yes, the town he lives in ….in MEXICO!
He lives in a very small town and back in the 80’s before cell phones and people having landlines, in this particularly small part of Mexico, we called the post office. I called that number and in my best rusty Spanish, I asked someone (anyone) to please go check on my father and to either call me back and let me know what was going on or to have him call me. Do you know how hard it is to track down someone who lives virtually off the grid? Think trying to locate Lewis and Clark without a cellphone or GPS. The nice woman on the other end said she would call me as soon as she knew anything. Meanwhile, I had to wait. I am not good at waiting. I am the worst waiter in the history of the world, especially when it potentially relates to the health and safety of my father.
So, I did what any insane with worry person would do, I Facebooked every cousin I know and asked them to ask their parents to call the city, call their family and friends in that small town and then I called in the big guns. I called my best friend (Who speaks Spanish like a native) and had her inquire on my behalf. This was all within 30 minutes of my original call, one Xanax and a phone call to a long lost uncle. Desperate times, desperate measures my friends.
You see, my dad is a healthy 66-years old man, he rides his bike and runs and is a very much a loner. He likes his solitude. I guess he needed the quiet after living in a house with 6 kids for all those years. Anyways, the nice woman at the post office told my BFF that she had went to the house after “Debi” ( that’s me the crazy one) called and it wasn’t broken into and his vehicles were there and he was probably just out riding his bike, as he does daily. Apparently, everyone knows him in town and she told us not to worry she would go check again in a bit. Then my cousin walked into the post office and said, I just saw him riding his bike in the plaza. Weird, right? I still wasn’t satisfied. I needed eyes on the old man STAT!
I had no solace. I spent my morning crying and imagining the worst possible scenario. I went to a dark place in my head. I was imagining that I would need to rush a passport and grab a flight to Mexico to collect a body.A BODY! I couldn’t handle it. I was on the verge of hysterics I was sure he’d gone off into the mountains and either gotten hit by a car, bitten by a snake or worse. WORSE!! Mexico worse, not US worse. The worst.
Just as the Xanax kicked in and I was about to call the federales in Mexico and then the embassy, the phone rang. It was my sister telling me that my dad was on the phone with my mom. His iPhone has died. I’m sure he is annoyed that I called the city multiple times and sent people over to find him. He is a very private person but he should know that if someone I love goes missing, I’ll never quit looking until I find him. I don’t give up. So, here I sit emotionally drained from this mornings events and all I want to do is hug my dad but that won’t be happening until November.
I always thought the worst feeling in the world was when your kid wandered off in the Target and hid under the racks for 2 seconds and it scared the crap out of you but apparently, losing your dad in another country where you can’t just look for him or call the cops is a pretty close second. I’m thinking of putting a chip in my dad next time he’s home. I’m not kidding. I’m not sure I can handle this happening again. A contingency plan has to be put into place or an intervention…for me.
What would you have done if a family member went missing while in another country?
2014/08/04
Introducing Isabelle Palmer American Girl of the Year 2014
The American Girl of the Year 2014 is named Isabelle Palmer. My daughter has a special kinship with this doll because she not only looks like her but they both are ballerinas. That’s right, this year’s American Girl is a ballerina and all the little ballerinas of the world rejoice, well, in my house anyways. You know how my girls love their American Girls; my girl, historical, bitty babies and all things including the kitchen sink American Girl Doll. Thank goodness I have connections.
My girls have danced since they were 2, so, you see it was a no brainer when she asked for Isabelle for her 9^th birthday. To be honest, I was pretty excited to get it for her. It was one of those “it” gifts.
Luckily, I’ve done some work with American Girl and was lucky enough to partner with them to review Isabelle and present her to my daughter on her birthday. I will never forget the look on her face when she opened the box and saw her. It was “that” look. You know, the look you get from your kid that melts your heart because you know you made their day and they will never forget the way you made them feel in this moment.
Firstly, I would like to say that Isabelle is beautiful. She looks has long beautiful blonde hair and big blue eyes just like my daughters. So what makes her so special? Here is a little bit about this year’s girl if the year.
Who is Isabelle?
Isabelle Palmer is an inspired ballet dancer who discovers her own way to shine.
Where does Isabelle live? Isabelle lives in Washington D.C.
What’s her favorite activity? Practicing ballet and designing dance costumes.
Who are her best friends? Luisa, a modern dancer and Gabriel, a magician.
Fun fact: When isabelle is dancing, she sometimes pretends that she is a water lily skipping and spinning across a pond.
Moment of change: Realizing that she can use her design skills to help others.
The moral of the story: There is no one else out there with your unique talents.
My daughter is smitten with Isabelle and we can’t wait for her movie to be released!
Who’s your daughter’s favorite American Girl?
My girls’s are smitten with Isabella Palmer!

2014/03/10
Delicious Summer Rum Cocktail Recipe
Craving a deliciously cool cocktail recipe to celebrate summer vacation with?
Summer vacation is almost over. We’ve been so busy that it’s been one great adventure, trip or event after another, every weekend since May. I’m not complaining, really, I’m not but as in most things, too much of a good thing can be a little overwhelming. I honestly feel like I need a vacation from my vacation. I’m sure you know what I mean. You know, just a moment to sit in the sun, close my eyes and be still with no worries of putting myself in danger of a heat stroke. It’s the little things people.
Anyways, I’ve partnered with International Delight to try out some of their new flavors and I’ve become a little obsessed with finding ways to use them other than just rocking my coffee. Last month, I came up with a recipe for a Mexican Hot Chocolate milkshake that blew my families minds. Apparently, I really crave cold weather comfort drinks but adapted for the hot weather.
As I was sitting by the pool, wishing it was a little less humid and watching my kids do cannonballs, I began imagining myself on a tropical island (because I’m melting as one does when on a tropical vacation) and then my daydream went off into a completely odd direction and as I was sitting on the beach, it began to flurry and I was trying to catch snowflakes on my tongue, like I did when I was a little kid, but I was in my bathing suit which was odd. The point is, it made me smile and I thought to myself, why can’t I have a little snow right this very minute. Obviously it’ll never snow in July but with the courtesy of International Delight Cinnabon Creamer I could have a little bit of snowflake on my tongue, right here in July.
I never have been one for taking no for an answer so here’s the recipe I used to make this deliciously cool and refreshing cocktail, Dulce de la Nieve.
Fill cocktail shaker ½ way with ice. This helps chill the shaker and the ingredients as you add them. Leave plenty of room for shaking, so if your shaker is small use less ice.
1 part Rum Chata Rum
1 part heavy cream
2 parts International Delight Cinnabon Creamer
¼ teaspoon of sugar
¼ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
Grip firmly, shake vigorously for 30 seconds to blend dairy products well. Typically when shaking drinks you need only employ the slow count to 10 method. Once the shaker is frosted, you are ready to strain and pour into an old fashioned glass. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sip for maximum effect.
The only problem I have with this drink is that it is so sinfully delicious that I always want more. Just like you can’t just catch one snowflake on your tongue, you can’t just drink one Dulce de la Nieve. It’s also a fantastic drink to enjoy around the holidays. It reminds me a lot of the Rompope my dad used to bring back from Mexico but lighter and sweeter. It’s a very delicate and delicious variant on eggnog, minus the eggs and incorporates some Cinnamon buns.
Now, that I am now cool and refreshed, I think I might go take a nap on this lazy summer afternoon. I deserve it and so do you!
What’s your favorite cocktail to cool down with on a hot summer’s day?
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of International Delight. The opinions and text are all mine.
2014/07/21
That One Time I Had Complete Meltdown in a Room Full of Bloggers #TypeACon
I am in the airport in Atlanta, coming off the high that is Type-A Conference. This was my first time attending the event and I loved the community. I’ve never felt so among “my people” as I did this weekend.
The feel was casual and easy going and the people were fun, open and laid back. It just felt like we were all there to grow, not just a brand or as a writer but as people. I have never had so many ‘real’ hugs, real conversations and felt so at ease at a conference for that I thank you Kelby and I thank each and every one of you who I met, shook hands with, shared a meal with, a laugh or just a friendly, sincere hello. You made this trip. I felt safe. And I’m glad that I did because it came in handy on Sunday afternoon.
A few months ago, on a whim, I submitted a post to the We Still Blog Awards. I wasn’t going to win because, let’s face it. I drop a few too many f-bombs and sometimes can be a little too controversial for some people’s palate. I get that. I’m a bit of an acquired taste but I had to try because, well, if you don’t try, you fail. Imagine my shock and awe when I found out that I was to be a finalist. I mean, this was a big freaking deal to me to be one of 10 people chosen.for.my.writing. This was an honor and to be chosen by my peers, to have the honor of reading to my peers was indescribable. It was incredible.
Just so you all know, I am an extrovert in every sense of the word BUT I get a little nervous when I have to speak in front of large groups, especially when the group is a bunch of talented writers/bloggers and even more so when the piece is something deeply personal.
One by one, phenomenal blogger after another approached the podium to read their post. They made me cry, then they made me laugh, then I cried and laughed again. Then Amanda Henson read and we all cried. All I kept thinking in my head was, “PLEASE GOD don’t let me go next. NO ONE can follow that!” Plus, I was sobbing and snotting all over the place. Every writer that took the stage, moved me. Words are powerful. They called the next name. It wasn’t me. WHEW!
That reader wasn’t there. Then, they called the next reader. IT.WAS.ME. I wiped my snot nose, tried to tidy up my mascara and made my way to the podium. I began to read, slowly because everything was feeling a but heavy and fuzzy and my voice started cracking and the eyes started leaking.
I made it about two paragraphs in and then I just sobbed. I couldn’t speak. ME. I .WAS.SPEECHLESS.If you know me. have ever met me or been in my general vicinity, you KNOW that never happens. Cecily came to my rescue and I will always hold her in special place in my heart for doing that.
My heart broke, right there on stage. Right in front of everyone. I was surrounded by the only people in the world who could understand what that moment was like for me; the people who process life’s moments with words, by writing it out.
To all the attendees of Type-A, it was an honor to share my piece with you. To my table, my tribe, my cheering squad, tissue handing, nose wiping, hugging me as hard as I needed to be held and Cecily, helping read when I could not regain my voice….YOU ladies are more special than I can ever tell you. We came as friends, but we left as family.
To the people who I was allowed the privilege of sharing the stage with that Sunday afternoon in September, your words touched my heart. You are what blogging is about for me; people connecting through words and shared experiences. Last but not least, Kelby, thank you for hosting such an amazing conference and the We Still Blog awards the honor of being a finalist is something that I will always hold dear.
Here are all the We Still Blog Nominees:

https://dadscribe.com/2014/03/26/the-field-trip/
https://mandarinmama.com/can-you-get-ptsd-from-taking-your-kid-to-the-dentist/
https://redswrap.wordpress.com/2014/04/14/at-my-mothers-knee/
https://semiproper.com/bright-lights-and-brothels/
https://itsmeamanda.com/2014/05/01/because-life-isnt-fair-amanda/
https://www.home-ec101.com/death-organ-and-tissue-donation-and-grief/
https://abugandabee.com/?p=1357
https://www.confessionsofafatgirl.net/blog/2014/07/fat-girl-on-a-hot-day-summer-just-sucks.html
https://stressfreebaby.com/2014/02/invisible/
Here is mine.
https://motherhoodthetruth.com/a-sky-full-of-paper-lanterns/
I urge you to take the time and read everyone of the written pieces above. Each one of those writers are a rock star.
If you’ve never been to a Type-A Conference, I urge you to go. It just might change your life. It did mine.
2014/09/23