Autism Awareness Month

Hey there hey,

I do hope all is well! The sun has yet to rise on my side of the Empire, but I still love the time change. This year seems to be going by quicker than last year as we are already entering into April. Almost half into the year already. (yikes, hand over head) Anyway, April is an important month to my family and I. It is Autism Awareness month and yesterday, April 2nd, was National Autism Awareness Day; where you light it up blue in honor of your loved one with autism in hopes to spread the awareness. Girls wore their autism hair bows, Brenden himself was wearing blue shirt, Daddy rocked his uniform in blue and even Abuelita Jones represented with her scrubs in blue. I wore the shirt we bought from last years Autism Speaks walk event that is in blue and says I Love Someone with Autism and I sure as helk do!!!

It was such a nice day overall that I was even able to bake some good old from scratch baked sugar cookies in puzzle piece shape.(Recipe soon on blog) We haven't yet decorated them all but I wanted to share what we have so far. Love cooking and baking and making things from scratch. Something about homemade that just makes sense. We are actually also trying the gluten/casein free diet for Brenden & other healthy foods which works out for me and my tummy issues and well it just benefits the whole family. It's what inspires me to cook and bake from scratch so much. I will share another post soon to come on my journey so far on transitioning to a healthier lifestyle. These cookies mean a lot to me. They not only look fantastic but they taste great and are a great source of nutrition for the kids. They made a perfect ending to our nice day well spent!

Cookie Dough rolled out...

Cutting out Puzzle shape!

Chilled & then put in oven to bake....

Voila!!! Right before they get dressed in yummy icing...

one of the final looks! Autism speaks, lets quiet down and listen...

xoxoxo

Top 2 in my make-up bag!

Hey there Hey,

Hope all is well. Sun is shining and the weather is sweet on my side of the Empire! Today is a perfect beach day but, because of my day to day routinely errands, (that I am ever so grateful to have and do), I am not laying down on the sand for a tan with an umbrella'd drink in one hand and enjoying the sun kiss me. That's OK, there is always the weekend!

Anyhoot, I do have some goodies to show you. Now as women we all know that every once in a while it's nice to get all dolled up and glam! Key word: once in a while (at least for me). But what about the not so every once in a while days. You know, the in between every other days. Well! That is why I love Pinterest! So a couple weeks ago I was on it and came across a lip product review of Clinique's almost lipstick in Black Honey. My OH MY, why hadn't I known about it?!?!? (eyes wide open) It's the perfect natural lip shade I have ever used. It makes your lips look almost stained and the sheerness is just perfect enough to look natural but with some color. You can even add a little extra and create a fun evening/night look. It is truly my most favorite lip wear for this season!

As for the eyes it's none other than Benefit Cosmetics, "They're Real", mascara for me! Seriously, all the way!!! The before/after pics I posted below will speak for themselves. All you have to apply is one coat and your lashes transform into long, vavavoom voluminous lashes in seconds! It's great being able to find products like these both affordable and top quality. Makes applying my everyday make-up hassle free! Happy to share it with you all.

2014's First Post

Hey there Hey,

Hope all is well! It's a sunny day on my side of the Empire. Today I am going to keep it sweet, simple and with a smile. Welcoming 2014 with an open mind, open arms and an open heart!
                         


                           

                           
                           

       

XoXoXo

Got Dip?

Hey there Hey,

Hope all is well. It's a little cloudy on my side of the Empire which is always perfect weather for food and blogging!!! (all smiles) Yes FOOD! (eyes wide opened) I love food in all kinds of ways which can make it difficult for me at times. Of course, we all know that due to my tummy issues I have to be real careful with the types of food I include as a part of my diet. With that said I have slowly over some time changed to a more healthier life style. Lot's of veggies, protein, fruits, no dairy, anything organic and naturally enriched in vitamins. For me that can get boring though. Especially with my Latin culture background. If it's not smothered in sazon, fried to perfection with carne of some sort you ain't eating right. (mmmmhhhmmmm ya tu sabes) So this transition is still in progress but I am truly happy that I have come this far. (taste buds are watering)

Today I want to share 2 Dip recipes I came across on one of my favorite recipe websites: All Recipes
And of course I added my own oomph too. (aka fat toe) I like to look up the recipe to get the base and the create it into my own version. First one is a Crab Dip and the second one a Cucumber Dill Dip. Coming from Cuban decent, I tend to exaggerate and get carried away; that helps my recipes become oh so yummy and leave you wondering how I got my fat toe in there and all. Below the picture images you can find the recipe and steps I used to spice up my lunch today! Healthy, Quick and Easy to make. You might even have all the ingredients at home. Hope you Enjoy!

Crap Dip: 1pk Cream Cheese (Low Fat), 1 can Crab Meat (Fancy Lump), 1/4 Red Onion, 1 clove Garlic, Parsley. Mix all together and cool in fridge for about 30 minutes.  Best when you eat with Corn Chips (Tostitos)

Cucumber Dill Dip: 1 Cucumber, Dill Weed, 1pk Cream Cheese (Low Fat), 2 tbsp Kraft Limon Mayo, 1/4 Red Onion,  Feta Cheese. Mix all ingredients together and cool in fridge for about 30 minutes. Best if you eat with Homemade Baked Pita! 

              

Get a Pita Bread Pk, you cut up into pieces and drizzle some Extra Virgin Olive Oil and bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until crisp as desired. 

Vooala!!!

A Baptism and Birthday Celebration!

Hey there Hey,

Good Morning and Happy Friday! It's still a bit too early to know what the weather is like on my side of the Empire, but I predict a nice breezy day that will allow us to finally welcome the fall season. (crossed fingers) Anyhoot, it's been a pretty busy week for the whole family but in spite the rush and chaos that can come from our day to day living routine we always manage some how to come together and celebrate as a family. (a true commitment from the heart we promised to one another) In this post I have the privilege of sharing not one but two special birthdays and a baptism! Triple Whammy!!! Talk about Joy!!!

Both my Hubby and Son share a birthday which landed on Monday, 9/23/13, this year, so we went with Sunday, 9/22/13, which was the day that my husband and MIL were scheduled to be baptized. I swear that I have been praying for this day since forever and while I might have wanted it to happen a lot sooner I know that now was the perfect time for it to finally happen. I have learned to be patient and trust in my Lords time! I am truly excited to see what plans he has for my family and grateful to feel like certain pieces are finally becoming aligned. It is so true when they say GOD always 1st, (& in putting HIM 1st you are putting YOU 1st), Family 2nd and then the rest just has a funny way of playing out perfectly.

It was a very emotional day for me as I have been married to my Kahuna for 8 years now. We have been through so many milestones together both good and very bad and I feel as if we have grown up together. I don't know if I am expressing it correctly but it's like a special bond of friendship. A code of honor to one another and at this particular moment nothing else mattered but being able to share such a memorable experience side by side in spite any differences or mishaps. It was a right here and right now kind of moment.  He was declaring his commitment to the LORD and I was there to support and cheer him on!!! Made me feel almost teenage like. LOL You know when the hormones are just starting to mature but still overwhelming at the same time. (yeah! I'm blushing) And, just to add the icing on my cake along with sprinkles and a cherry, being able to share with my son on his birthday in celebration of his growth and progress makes me such a proud and honored Mother. It makes me feel blessed and truly happy!!! Hey it was a weekend that allowed me to celebrate LIFE!!! I want weekends like this all of the time. (crossing fingers & toes for this one) (wink, wink)


Here are some pictures I was able to take of such a special day! Wish I would've taken more pics. There were some of us that were not able to join us but we know were there in spirit and in heart!

What is Autism?

Hey there Hey!


Hope everyone is doing fine today. It's a sunshine and rain kind of day on my side of the Empire. Funny how lately the weather has been in sync with my mood. Today I can say that although I feel the rain, I am hopeful and will stand strong in my faith that the light (sunshine) within me will continue to shine bright! - Amen to that- Wop Wop Wop Wop Wop OK OK let me stop. Hey I was never lying when I said I crack myself up at times. I think of this image when I say WOP! If you haven't seen it, check it out on VINE or YouTube.com. You will never ever see WOPPING the same again! (literally cracking up)



Anyway, today I would like to share with you a question that a friend asked me and the response I gave her. She asked me, "What is Autism?" After she text me with her request she wrote: "I am going to pick at your brain!".... Shoot she sure done did! (eyes wide open) My friend Adasis is back in school and currently taking an ASD Endorsement class. Her professor asked them to get a parents point of view of what Autism is and/or means to them? Of course she would ask me. I have a 4, almost 5 year old Autistic son. I have mentioned him in a couple past post, but this question that picked at my brain sparked a desire to want to share more with you guys. I am going to post as much as I can about my journey with Autism and all the insightful information I come across. If we communicate more we will become more aware and can truly help to better, not become bitter.

So back to my answer. And let me add that I went back and forth and back, forth and then from here to there and so on and so forth. LOL I wanted to express the perfect answer and well that just doesn't exist. With Autism and it's broad spectrum, we all encounter different situations with it. The answer I chose to go with was my first instinctive answer and that is the one I would like to share with you. It is from my experience and my point of view. It is my TRUTH. If this helps in any way, then I feel that I am slowly but surely taking steps towards my desire to serve and in doing so I could only hope that I am living out my life's purpose. Please be encouraged to share and post a comment! Lets combine our pieces and make life's puzzle together.


MY interpretation of Autism.....

WHAT IS AUTISM?

What is Autism? Well since 1943 it's been known to be a variable developmental disorder that appears by age of three and is characterized by impairment of the ability to form "normal" social relationships by impairment of the abilities to communicate with other and by stereotyped behavior patterns. And, in 1992 they added presence of repetitive behaviors and/or restricted interest. 

Do you even understand that? I mean is this answer even enough? I feel like it's just a label being used to help give us comfort. I guess if we feel we have an explanation or medical terms of use for it, we can cope with the differences that they have compared them to what is considered the "norm", which what is the "norm" now in day?!? To me there are some things better dealt with if just accepted. I leave it up to my FAITH.

To me Autism is freedom. It is unconditional love. It's compassion. It's not having to tie down to all the limitations we constrict ourselves too. It's being pure. It's being untainted by societies ways, stereotypes and judgement. It's feeling wholeheartedly with no influences. It's genius and has its way with technology and visual perks that unfortunately us as "normal" cannot see nor understand. It's speaking on a different wave length. It's an every day challenge with no competition only progress. It's a new way of acceptance. It's a new perspective to this "normal" life. 

I started dealing with Autism since the day he was born and didn't even know it. He was 18 months when curiosity sparked the question of Autism. By the time he was 24 months he was diagnosed with Autism and what a great journey it has been since. Even with the downs. Hey it's the only way to go up! Autism is a blessing to my family and has brought my family together in more than many ways. I am blessed and truly honored that I was trusted with such a special being. I learn so much each day and grow from it, that to me its a sacrifice that's worth every second. I gain such fulfillment in every progress he makes. He is a special unique piece to the puzzle we all know as LIFE. Autism is my baby boy!

xoxo

Spoken For / Mercyme

Hey there Hey,

Hope all is well. Still same on my side of the Empire. With all the feelings I mentioned yesterday, I wanted to share a song I just heard that touched my heart. Sometimes I am at loss for words and the right music with the right words help me to connect. I was able to close my eyes and feel the words coming right out of my heart..... Sometimes I find myself in dark places throughout my Journey, but my faith is strong and I am learning how to accept not knowing, and that's OK.

Word Of God Speak Lyrics

I'm finding myself at a loss for words

And the funny thing is it's okay

The last thing I need is to be heard

But to hear what You would say

Word of God speak

Would You pour down like rain

Washing my eyes to see

Your majesty

To be still and know

That You're in this place

Please let me stay and rest

In Your holiness

Word of God speak

I'm finding myself in the midst of You

Beyond the music, beyond the noise

All that I need is to be with You

And in the quiet hear Your voice

Word of God speak

Would You pour down like rain

Washing my eyes to see

Your majesty

To be still and know

That You're in this place

Please let me stay and rest

In Your holiness

Word of God speak

Word of God speak

Would You pour down like rain

Washing my eyes to see

Your majesty

To be still and know

That You're in this place

Please let me stay and rest

In Your holiness

Word of God speak

I'm finding myself at a loss for words

And the funny thing is it's okay

Mercy Me - Word Of God Speak Lyrics | MetroLyrics 

xoxo