Saturday Night Live

Thankful Thursday

So thankful for people who reach out and share them self.

Betty was a huge help to me with my breast cancer and last week was tough and I missed her support.

What came in my email?

This picture

It's Betty and Earl at the beach

I know Betty is watching out for me

This email was sent onto me from her daughter- so THANKFUL.   

How amazing it came just at a time when I needed it most.

I was also blessed with a weekend visit with my dear friend Barbara who prayed with me and discussed great things like survivor guilt, scars, and reading the bible.  I felt refreshed after that visit. 

And remember I had mentioned how hard it is to be joyful when other suffer and I read this on a blog I read:

This is a letter written to a survivor from a fellow survivor who passed away.  She had left a letter for each of  her fellow survivors.   

Beautiful women, there is a reason you have been spared. Don't let a day go by thinking what could have been. Don't ask why me? Don't worry yourself sick. Don't wonder what might happen in the future. BE FABULOUS. BE INSPIRING. Continue to shine your light out in the community. Focus on life and actually living it. Don't let cancer scare you away from dreaming - for planning your future - from making those "someday" aspirations happen - TODAY. I believe in you. I always will. On days when you need a little extra light - look to the stars and I will be shining bigger and brighter for you.

Oh, and remember to always eat dessert, and save a bite for me.

How nice it was for me to read this- really made me think.  So glad it was shared. 
Thank you Betty, Barbara, Nancy, and Tracy.

I'm so glad tomorrow is Friday cuz I'm done with all this heavy stuff..............I wanna blog about my new obsession...........ruffle panties....lol.  No I didn't buy any................Rob! ;)

Veggie Wedgie Wednesday

Asparagus Recipe

Cook time: 10 minutes Ingredients

1 bunch of medium sized asparagus, about 1 lb

2 Tbsp of the most exquisite extra virgin olive oil

2 Tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon lemon zest - freshly grated lemon rind

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

1 Prepare the asparagus by rinsing them thoroughly, break off any tough, white bottoms and discard. Cut into 1 to 2 inch sections, slicing the asparagus at a slight diagonal.

2 Fill a medium sized saucepan half way with water, bring to a boil. Add the asparagus and reduce heat slightly to a simmer. Parboil the asparagus for exactly 2 minutes. Drain the hot water. While the asparagus are still hot, toss them in a bowl with the olive oil, Parmesan, and lemon rind. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm or room temperature.

Note that when you are working with so few ingredients, it's important to make sure they are of the highest quality.

Yield: Serves 4.

Cheap Trick Tuesday

Well I have to say I have been looking for better workout gear as it is getting warmer and I am getting a little smaller.

I really enjoyed this website: Athleta-  a sister store to Gap, Old Navy and Banana.  I did order a top and shorts and I really like them- the quality seems really good and the prices are decent when compared to some places.

I bought this top and shorts and love them

if only i could do the pose :)

these clothes make ya wanna workout

Since it seems I'm doing a product review- I have to mention my bathing suit from Lands End

It is awesom and the top is so nice I like wearing it as a top- LOVE IT!

Some how- I thought it was going to have a pocket well it didn't have a pocket for my insert- but I went without and it didn't bother me at all.



Cheap Idea:

Here's some cute flower arrangements you can do yourself

as seen in Country Living

Dahlia Domes

Trim the bottom off a floral foam sphere so that it can sit on a cake stand, and soak in water for at least 30 minutes. Clip dahlia stems short; insert into the foam until covered

Feeling Blue

I've had a down week last week- not sure why- maybe because a couple of cancer warriors I follow are finishing up there time here on earth.  I'm just not feeling well mentally- which I think probably happens.  I guess I should just step away from it and really think about myself and my own family.  It just really sucks!  I haven't known so many people with cancer in my life.  I look at my prayer list and when I move someone to the other side of the page it stinks and they move quicker than I like.

I had a great Easter, but knowing a family was somewhere else having their last Easter haunted me.  How do you show support and love for someone in such a hard time and go on with your own life with joy?  I'm having a hard time figuring it out.  And then on top of it I worry for my own end- A LOT.

So I'm hoping/praying that this week will be better for me- what motivation am I looking towards- Organizing my Life!  I'm really feeling smothered in my house- it's like we are bursting out the seams.  I really need to get purging and organizing so I can enjoy some desperately needed changes in my life. 

I'm back with my trainer after a little breaky break....

Which should help me.........also met a wonderful Woman to help me care for my lymphatic system- very exciting!

This is soooo cool to me

Veggie Wedgie Wednesday

Potatoes and Soccer

Well I'm loving the song by Shakira

Waka Waka...........as it plays for you now
Waka Waka was the official song of the
 2010 FIFA World Cup which took place in Africa!
The last FIFA (2006) I remember watching in my parent's basement when ITALY took the cup.

This past World Cup I only seen once in a while staying in the city that is all they had on TV at every bar/restaurant.
Spain took the Cup 
And being I didn't do any Motivation Monday let me include this:
2010 Vanity Fair

 Soccer players very fit!

So back to my Veggie Dish inspired by Africa:

South African Inspired Potato Salad

A recipe from Linda Johnson. The carrots may not normally be added in a South African Potato Salad, but she adds them for color and nutrition.
(I may not use the tofu sour cream and vegenaise - might just use the "other" stuff to keep the fam happy.)

8 1/2 cup servings

4 cups potatoes, diced and cooked
1/2 cup carrot, fresh grated
1/4 cup chives, fresh chopped
1/4 cup tofu sour cream
1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
1/8 teaspoon turmeric
3 tomatoes, grape for garnish
1/8 cup fresh parsley, fresh chopped for garnish
Mix the sour cream, Vegenaise or miracle whip and all the seasonings together.
Add the rest of the ingredients and mix gently until well blended.
Garnish with parsley and grape tomatoes. Chill in refrigerator until serving time.

April 19th

Lincoln Tunnel 

This day will be forever important as a few others.  This is the date I was scheduled to be done with chemo and I looked forward to it!  My good friend Barbara was the best to teach me how to count down to my last treatment....keeping my eye on the prize.

Some days it seems like a blur.  I do remember every morning when driving down our road good old 369 I would want to cry.  I didn't really like getting the treatment- but I knew I was really blessed and I certainly didn't want to cry to Rob yet one more time.  I may have once, but I hope not more than that.
By the time we hit the tunnel I was make-up ready!

So 1 year ago today I took my last chemo treatment.  Cheers to Chemo........I could only hope to never do that again.  BUT if I have to I would gladly do it again and again to just be with my family.  I love them all so very much on this day.  I couldn't have done it without them.      

Cheap Trick Tuesday

On the web deals....................

Big Sale

on Enzo Angiolini Shoes at

6pm.com

$12.99 (free shipping)

 for all 3 BPA free Eco Friendly Canteens

Buy.com

Wireless Mouse $14.99 free shipping
at Lenovo
use coupon code USPC11A32094
expires 4/25/2011

FOOD- Fill up/Stock up on BEANS
Bean recipes....Beans are inexpensive and very filling.

Wild Rice and Cannellini Bean Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette

Serves 4
2 tbsp white wine vinegar
3 tbsp whole grain mustard
2 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic
Freshly ground pepper
2 cups cooked wild rice
1/3 c chopped scallions
1/3 c chopped red bell pepper
1/4 c chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 (15 oz) can cannelini beans, drained and rinsed


In a small food processor, combine vinegar, mustard, oil, garlic, and pepper. Process until dressing creamy. Set aside. In large bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Pour dressing over contents of bowl and stir well. Serve warm or cold.

I love these ECO Chic ideas from Martha of coarse

I've done this one before- inexpensive scent.........

Collection of old glass bottles

Vintage Sweaters for seats

God giving me little bits

Last Easter season I had A LOT of time for prayer and I felt so close to God.  This year has been so busy and I often feel bad because I haven't prayed as much as I would like.  I often wonder what God thinks and is it really bad to not pray as much.  Then I think about it and think about it and I almost don't even feel God and I get scared.  Well he is there and he does speak to me in ways I may have not noticed if I hadn't gotten so close to him.  The praying I did was intense and beautiful.  Recently helping at church I was talking with our priest and he explained how last Easter season he too was sick and was all caught up on all his prayers by the time Easter came.   I felt so much better- he too struggles at time with time!

So I often wonder

What does God want from me?

and

Am I doing what God wants?

Well the other day while talking with a friend about cancer and how much it sucked I said this: "We were saved for a reason and now we have to figure out what we need to do".  I'm not even sure why I shared this with her, but it just flowed out of me.  So then I got to thinking more about what it is I'm suppose to be doing.

So as it has happened to me in the past I got a piece of an answer.  When I went to church today I was talking with a friend who now has cancer in her life and she said this to me: "We wonder why these things happen to good people and it just may be to help someone else along"    

As soon as she said that I knew God is with me still and he will guide me if I just listen.   

Will miss dad....

Boob shot.......lol

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I just noticed Lucas brought our Bible on vacation. What a kid.......and to think he at times fights me about religious education. :)

I was always a BAD packer

I can remember when I was young and my father would always yell about my OVER packing! 

Well I was determined to do a better job packing for our 1st ever family trip.

 I actually tried on outfits and tried really hard to pack NOT so much.

The bedroom was a total wreck- Rob was out so I just threw stuff on and off- It was GREAT FUN! 

I think planning ahead is just really important.

4 pair of shorts

(2 printed

1 grey pair

1 khaki)

1 pair of jeans

1 pair cute pants

1 dress

1 long sleeve shirt

1 pretty white shirt

black tank

white shirt

jcrew yum shirt

blue/white tank 

sparkle tank

denim Jacket

little grey jacket

black sweater

3 pair of shoes

1 scarf

bathing suit

cover-up

this is for a 7 day trip

I'm really going to take note of how much of it I actually wore!

I did buy a couple items preparing- I needed shorts as last year I lived in dresses!

My favorite purchases are my white sleeveless blouse from Loft and demin jacket also from there.      

I love this outfit and thought maybe I'll wear it leaving home.....

I went through all my jewelry and actually thought about what I would be wearing and what jewelry would go well......I usually just throw a lot of jewelry in for good luck. 

This necklace is my favorite thing lately- Target

I also love this necklace with my new Target sweater and tank!

This necklace is my 2nd Fav...........HotTopic

So I'm planning on these 3 pair of shoes..........hmmmm

This tank from Old Navy is GREAT......it sparkles
   Your should get one- they are on sale!

Here I am in the tank

My mom bought me the bathing suit I liked from LandsEnd and it's a great suit.

It's a 2pc and I'll have to post some pics of it.  I also love the cover up mom got me!  Thanks mom! 

I'm so excited to get away - The 3 of US deserve it!

You

Danielle

Cheap Trick Tuesday - DIY Home Spa Treatments

One day my mom was talking about Face Steaming- I do remember her doing it in our kitchen.  I have tried it and it feels so good........................

Found this little weekend DYI- Spa treatment Variety on Martha:
Simple, natural beauty treatments using Ayurvedic ingredients will promote balance and serenity during your retreat. Each morning after breakfast, spend some time caring for your skin and body. You may choose to do all of these treatments, or just one or two.

Wondering what Ayurvedic is- 
"the complete knowledge for long life"

Ayurveda- is a system of traditional medicine native to the Indian Subcontinent Chopra, page 75 and practiced in other parts of the world as a form of alternative medicine.....

 Saturday

Face and Body Ubtan Scrub

This invigorating "ubtan" ("cleansing paste") scrub improves circulation and help tone slack muscles. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup oat or chickpea (garbanzo) flour, 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric, 2 tablespoons each ground mustard and crushed fresh coriander leaves, 3 tablespoons rose water, 1 cup orange juice, and 1/2 cup water; stir to blend. Work the scrub all over your face and body. Rinse with warm water.



Herbal Steam

This is a great treatment to eliminate toxins. Steam your face over a bowl of hot water combined with a handful each of fresh cilantro and basil leaves, steaming for about 10 minutes. Hold your face at least 12 inches above the water and tent your head and the bowl with a towel to prevent the steam from escaping. Pat your face dry and splash with tepid water to refresh the skin. Discard the herbs. To purify the rest of the body, run a hot shower to fill the room with steam, and relax in the steam for seven to 10 minutes.



Lepa Mask

"Lepa" translates as "medicinal plaster." This mask absorbs impurities. In a large bowl, combine 2 teaspoons each sandalwood powder, natural clay powder (available at natural-foods stores), a pinch of ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon neem oil, and 1/4 cup fresh orange juice. Mix thoroughly and apply all over the face and neck, avoiding the eyes. Leave the mask on for about 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.



Moisturizer

Aloe is an ideal ingredient in pitta-balancing skin treatments because it provides light moisture and creates a wonderful soothing sensation. Massage your face and body with aloe vera gel to soften and refresh your skin.



Sunday

Coconut and Flower Hair Oil

Oiling your hair is the most important part of Ayurvedic hair care. It conditions the hair and scalp and promotes relaxation. Prepare the oil the night before by bringing 1/2 cup coconut oil to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons rose water and 1/2 cup mixed fresh flower petals such as rose or jasmine. Return to a boil and cook for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat. Let the flowers steep in the oil overnight, then strain the oil through a coffee filter or double layer of cheesecloth into an airtight container. To oil your hair, gently massage four to five tablespoons of the oil onto the crown of your head and into your scalp. Wrap hair in a towel and allow the oils to penetrate for at least 20 minutes. Shampoo and rinse as usual.


Nourishing Hair Mask

A protein-rich mask helps to strengthen hair. In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly combine 1/2 cup yogurt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 egg. Apply the mixture to your scalp after oiling and cleansing. Leave the mask on for about 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.


Hand and Foot Treatment

To soften rough hands and feet, start by gently massaging them with a loofah or rough hand towel. Next, soak them in a tub of warm water infused with a few drops of sandalwood, rose, neem, or jasmine oils. Use a pumice stone to soften rough areas on the feet. To moisturize, make a solution of 1 teaspoon neem oil and 2 tablespoons coconut oil and massage into both hands and feet, focusing on the heels, soles, ankles, between the toes and fingers, wrists, and palms. Rinse with the juice of one lemon diluted in 1 cup warm water. Dry off with a soft, fluffy towel.

Read more at Marthastewart.com: DIY Weekend Spa Treatments - Martha Stewart Health

Hair Journey

Well a friend of mine is just growing some hair back and she asked about when my hair started to come back- I know she is probably very excited for hair so I thought I would put together my hair growth.

This is me Nov 2009

I had had my 1st surgery

1st Haircut sometime after my 1st chemo

1st Chemo Jan 11th 2010

2nd Haircut the day after

This picture you can't see my haircut- but it was a special day because my best girl Amber cut it after I buzzed it on night when I was home alone.  It meant so much to me that she finished my bad buzz job.  

April 10 2010

Last Chemo April 19th 2010
 

May 14th 2010

False Lashes

June 18th 2010

July 6th 2010

Sept 5th 2010

Oct 2th 2010

Nov 15th 2010

This day I took pictures before my 1st haircut appointment

Sept 25th 2010

My 1st haircut

Jan 2nd 2011

Feb 14th 2011

2nd Haircut which was a tiny trim with highlights

Mar 6th 2011

My 3rd Haircut which was a cut based on a style I seen and thought would get rid of some curl while making it easier to deal with it growing out.  

Oh and added color and highlights
April 2nd 2011

I love this style best of all for growing it out

So it does come back

It wasn't pretty at times, but it made me stronger!

It doesn't seem like that long ago since I wrote my hair this LETTER

January 24, 2010

Dear Hair,

I'm sorry to see you go. You have never caused me any grief and I could always count on you to make me look good. I have no complaints! I could always count on you to do your part whether it was taking a perm, color or teasing you did it all. I'm giving you some much needed time off for good behavior. I will miss you terribly, but I'll be OK! I love you and I'll see you on the other side of treatment!


Your Dearest
Danielle
xx

Today I write:

April 3, 2011

Dear Hair,

It's been a while and I am thrilled to have you back.  What did you miss?  Not much!  I see you've come back with a bit of an attitude, but you are still the same softy I knew and loved.  We are going to have so much fun together with headbands, pony tails, flowers and so much more.  You and I are going to have a ball. 

I love you

Danielle

xx