Tag Archives: celebrities

Nipple Tittooing

16 May

I heard about this article on the radio this AM. I have to say I was intrigued. As a boob-obsessed chick I was both shocked and surprised to hear that there’s a new trend out there for getting your nipples darkened. My first thought was let’s put this right up there with bleaching assholes. #whatthehellisthepoint

I have had plastic surgery so I am definitely not one to put my nose in the air to cosmetic procedures. I think women need to do what makes them happy. I so badly want need Botox and lately I’ve been toying with the idea of some lip injections….seriously my mom would probably kill me.

But, nipple tattooing? Tittooing as they are calling it.

I read the article fully prepared to make fun of it. #whoarethesechicks

Yes, one of the stories is a bit odd in my humble opinion. After having breast reduction surgery a 21-year-old tattoo artist decides to reshape her nipples into hearts.

Click here to see the pic of 21-year-old Ashlea.

I think that’s completely insane but maybe this chick thinks lip fillers are insane too. #whoamitojudge

Side note: Are you loving or hating my hash tags? I’m copying this from Brandi Glanville’s book Drinking and Tweeting, which I highly recommend. Super funny and a quick and easy beach read!

Brandi Glanville Book

Back to tits…err tats.

I did, however, find that there IS a purpose for nipple tattoos. Bleaching assholes, no purpose found yet that I’m aware of.

Take Janice Day. A 55-year-old breast cancer survivor, Ms. Day had a mastectomy and breast reconstruction.

She says: “The doctor told me they could create a new nipple out of the skin from my vulva – but I didn’t fancy that at all!”

It never occurred to me that getting your breasts removed would result in having no nipple. I thought they took your nipple and put it back on? Am I wrong? I must be.

Ms. Day continues: “I had no idea of the psychological impact of not having a nipple. Without one, your breast is simply a mound of flesh.”

Click here to see the pic.

This got me thinking. As a boob-obsessed chick I remember being quite concerned about my nipples when I was pregnant. They were huge. Like the size of my head. Will they be normal again I would wonder – or I will be destined to have these gigantic gross nipples??

With time my nipples returned to normal, and I’m back to loving my boobs, but what a wake-up call to think about a breast cancer survivor – or even a woman who chooses to get a mastectomy for preventative measures [Angelina Jolie] – having to endure this type of insecurity following a fight for their life.

Being a relatively affordable procedure at about $500 US dollars I think it’s a great procedure to help breast cancer survivors feel confident after the physical and emotional scarring they endure. Getting hearts or stars or diamond tittoos to me is a bit silly, but then again so is asshole bleaching. And lip injections.

Taylor Lips: Hot or Not?

Taylor Lips: Hot or Not?

Read the full article here.

Here’s another article on nipple tattoos. Also from the U.K. Hmm…

For here in the states I found this website while researching boobs: www.VinnieMyers.com. Here is a pic of his work, but do check out his website.

Tags: , ,

Dream Big Follow-Up

7 May

On April 4th I posted the article Dream Big to share some of my goals and dreams with you. I promised to be back in one month to let you all know how I was doing…I did post once in between (I couldn’t not post about Foxy Knoxy). Click here for Jlee’s Review – Amanda Knox Speaks; a Diane Sawyer Exclusive.

So, here’s where we’re at (side note: as I type that I’m like, wow, I feel like I’m sitting down with my teacher to discuss a progress report…scary):

Let me start with the GREAT news! I was able to get Safari by Jlee’s wine glasses placed in a local store! Safari by Jlee is launched. :D

Safari-by-jlee

Logo by IT Article

Safari by Jlee wine glasses are available for purchase at The Clothes Attic’d in Naperville, IL. I’ve written about Clothes Attic’d before…remember my post Hello does my butt look good in these jeans? I am so honored and excited to be working with Jen, the wonderful owner of Clothes Attic’d. Please do check out her store and ‘Like’ Clothes Attic’d on Facebook. :)

My work on Concrete Boots has been slow but its improved. I’ve written a synopsis of my novel and shared it with a couple of friends for feedback. It’s been edited twice, and I’m awaiting one more round of feedback. I started my letter to the publishers….and I don’t know what to say other than I’m struggling to sell myself in a one-page document.

It’s like a resume. Except you go through your whole job life being told that resumes get tossed into recycle left and right…send out 5 resumes for 1 to be viewed…that kind of stuff. With this I feel such a sense of urgency and perfectionism. Like they have to read it, they have to like it, they have to want it. I don’t have time to be thrown aside. I keep telling myself it will sell because I do believe it will!

I’ve started training for my 1/2 marathon, which is on July 21st. Training is going slow…I’m at 3 miles and there are days I feel like dying. Omg, 13.1 miles?!? But, I refuse to give up. I’m going to do it. This weekend I’m up to four miles….Eek.

I’ve also been reading the book “A Place of Yes: 10 Rules for Getting Everything You Want Out of Life” by Bethenny Frankel. You know Bethenny is my new obsession. I am completely obsessed with her. Sorry, G [Giuliana Rancic for newbie readers], you’re still my bestie, but currently I am in major like with Bethenny.

bethenny-frankel-a-place-of-yes

Anyways, this book has literally changed my life, and I highly recommend it. Bethenny has a way of writing like she is actually speaking TO YOU. I feel like we are sitting down drinking Skinnygirl Margaritas … I read and I’m all “If Bethenny can do it so can I!”

It’s very empowering, and I’d like to share more on why but I can’t at this time. I will though when the time is right. I’ve hit a rough patch but I’m staying positive and continuing to move forward on my goals.

I think that about catches you up on the last month of Jlee’s life. Tomorrow is my 34th birthday so let me share a fun photo from last year’s b-day trip to the Cubs game!

Celebrating my 33rd birthday at the Cubs game with dear friends last year.

Celebrating my 33rd birthday at the Cubs game with dear friends last year.

I am doing a Cubs outing this year but with work and babies schedules aren’t allowing us to go until the end of the month. I will share pics then.

I hope you all have had a great month! I’m going to take the next month to continue my work on Concrete Boots, but I will post occasionally if I can! Thanks for the support and Happy Mother’s Day to all my Mom readers and friends. xx

Tags: , , , , ,

Jlee’s Review – Amanda Knox Speaks; A Diane Sawyer Exclusive

30 Apr

“I was demolished in that interrogation,” Amanda Knox says to Diane Sawyer. Wearing a green dress (or is that blue?) she appears thin and fragile. Her eyes look troubled. My heart goes out to her. Amanda Knox looks broken.

abc_amanda_knox_02_jef_130430_wg

I remember hearing about “the Amanda Knox story” – the young American girl who was accused of murdering her British roommate Meredith Kercher. I remember thinking pretty nice girls don’t kill people! She had to be innocent, right? I don’t remember much else though until I watched the Lifetime Original Movie “Beyond the Headlines: The Amanda Knox Story” starring Hayden Panettierre.

Panettierre as Amanda Knox in "Beyond the Headlines."

Panettierre as Amanda Knox in “Beyond the Headlines.”

Hayden Panettierre took on the role of a young Amanda Knox – the sweet, innocent and funny American girl who could have a dark side. A young woman who was both naïve and insecure but also quite confident, almost cocky … and kinky. I found the movie to be so intriguing that I did all kinds of internet research on the case.

I went from thinking she was an innocent young girl brutalized in the Italian justice system to wondering what she knew. She has to know something…it all doesn’t add up. She was interrogated for hours…in Italian…without food or drink or an attorney present…her story changed numerous times…she admitted to smoking pot…she was having promiscuous sex…

The movie [Beyond the Headlines] portrays Amanda as a bit quirky…but does that make you a killer? I don’t know. Norman Bates was quirky wouldn’t you say?

At the end of the movie I remember feeling quite torn. I didn’t believe in my heart she could have murdered Meredith, but why did I think that? Because she is a young, attractive, American girl from a good family? I don’t think that’s why I thought that. You look into her eyes and she doesn’t look like a cold-hearted killer to me.

Could you imagine being in a foreign country only half understanding what they are saying with no attorney and being interrogated for hours upon hours? I’m telling you, I would crack; I think anyone would crack.

Would I do cart wheels in the hallway and kiss a Harry Potter look-alike? No, I wouldn’t, but who knows what anyone would do in this situation?

After watching Diane’s interview on ABC I think two things. #1 I wished Diane Sawyer was drunk. She seemed quite condescending towards Amanda and annoyed me a little bit. I mean, she starts out the interview asking her if she knows all the things people say about her. Yes, yes she does. She’s the devil.

And #2 I don’t think Amanda Knox is guilty of murdering Meredith Kercher, nor do I think she has any knowledge of who did.

Meredith Kercher

British student Meredith Kercher

Don’t you think she would have cracked by now? This girl was tormented by a corrupt justice system without proper representation. She was told she had HIV. She wasn’t given a fair trial. She wasn’t even in her own country.

I remember when I went to Mexico with my sorority sisters at 22 just before graduation my parents told me one thing: Don’t get arrested in Mexico.

It was my first time out of the country. My parents were terrified I would end up arrested and stuck in Mexico draining their bank accounts while they fought to free me. Funny, I don’t think I even ever told them that I DID, in fact, almost get arrested, but I didn’t. Good times, right?

Remember "Foxy Knoxy"? Shit, that could have been any of us college girls.

Remember “Foxy Knoxy”? Could have been any of us college girls….

But, back to Amanda, after watching this interview I truly feel for her and am now quite anxious to read her memoir Waiting to Be Heard.

images (1)Here is a review of Waiting to Be Heard I found on Amazon.com: I had been loosely following the case from its outset. I knew that Amanda was innocent and she was being railroaded by a corrupt Italian prosecutor. It was important and enlightening to finally hear things from her side. Amanda describes herself as awkward and immature. She was certainly naive. I almost couldn’t believe how much so. That is not meant as a judgment. I would like to think, as I’m sure most of us would, that if we were in her position we would be able to better stand up for ourselves. But would we really? At age 20? In a foreign country? Where we didn’t speak the language well? I’m not so sure.

This quote: “God if you exist…I really need you to help right now” really touched me because there have been many times that I have wondered if God exists or find myself angry with Him…because why do bad things happen to good people?

Amanda contemplated suicide – honestly who wouldn’t? – before growing close to prison chaplain Don Saulo, whom helped her get through her days in prison before she was eventually acquitted and sent home to Seattle in October 2011. Just five days before her interview with Diane Sawyer Amanda received word that the Supreme Court of Italy annulled her acquittal. Knox now waits to go back on trial.

What are your thoughts on Amanda Knox? What do you think about the Italian government’s decision to retry Knox?

Tags: , , , ,

Inspiration and Sunshine

28 Feb

Inspiring isn’t a word that comes to my mind when I think of myself. This isn’t a slam at me; it’s really due to the fact that I see myself as more crazy than inspiring, i.e., more what not to do then what to do.

inspiring blog award

I’m accepting the Inspiring Blogger Award – presented to me by the lovely and ever sweet Menopausal Mother – with some deep thoughts here instead of following the usual guidelines. I’d like to give a quick shout out to Meno Mama who is a very sweet and encouraging blogger friend of mine. She also always gives me a good laugh when I read her blog – and omg, get this, she tried our buddy Alex’s sangria, too, and got seriously hammered. She wasn’t naked, but she’s still awesome, right? Check her out!

But back to the rules. The rules for accepting the Inspiring Blogger Award are as follows:

1. Display award image on your blog page
2. Link back to the person who nominated you
3. State 7 facts about yourself State what inspires you
4. Nominate 15 5 others for this award
5. Notify said bloggers

I’m changing it up because you don’t need to read seven facts about me. You know pieces of me from reading my words so I don’t need to list it out for you. You want some facts…here we go; I have brown eyes, I’m left handed, one of my favorite TV shows is Three’s Company…

What I’d really like is for you to share with me what inspires YOU. Yes, you.

You reading this post. What inspires you each day?

What inspires me????  Bravery.

I remember reading The Hunger Games and thinking Katniss is soo brave.

I remember reading The Hunger Games and thinking Katniss is soo brave.

I don’t think of myself as a very brave person. I know some people think I’m brave because I put myself out there…I talk about my anxiety and the Postpartum I suffered from. I talk about not only the good things about life and motherhood but I also share with you the bad…things that hurt me and things I fear.

To me being brave is reaching for the stars without being afraid of failure. I am terrified of so many things. Remember New York? Luckily I’m working to improve. I want to get to a place where I can be fearless about my writing.

I got this post on my Facebook page recently: I used to be afraid of failing at something that really mattered to me, but now I’m more afraid of succeeding at things that don’t matter.

It was followed up with a chapter from a book. These words are still dancing around in my head. It’s like I get it, but I don’t get it.

The note on the front is my favorite (even better written on an infamous post-it): You ARE a great writer. Never let anyone tell you otherwise. Take Chances! Love you-Aunt.

So let’s inspire each other. Here’s some of my inspiration: :)

red

~Chantell at Miss Understood has inspired me to not let anxiety bring me down.

~Morgan at The Inklings of Life has inspired me to be the kind of mom I feel I need to be and not let others determine how I raise my daughter.

~Katie at The Intrinsic Writer has inspired me to step away from only reading chick-lit. Not that there is anything wrong with chick-lit, but I recently picked up Animal Farm and had a great read. If only in high school you knew how great the classics are!

~Jen at Rumpy Dog has inspired me to not give up on those who need a voice.

Thank you to these lovely bloggers and thank you Menopausal Mother for this wonderful award. You, too, inspire me!

I’m also proud to accept another award I’ve received. A big thank you to Chantell at Miss Understood for presenting me with The Sunshine Award. Chantell has had a hard couple of months, and I am so proud of her for standing up, dusting herself off and jumping back in the saddle! Wait, is that a cow girl reference? Because that’s just weird.

image76

Now onto the rules.

1. Post this award on your blog site.
2. Nominate 10 5 fellow bloggers.
3. Answer 10 5 questions.

For the sake of not losing you all I decided to cut the questions from ten to five…so here we go.

1. Do you watch TV and if so, what are your favorite shows?
First of all, who in the hell isn’t watching TV?? Uh yes, I watch TV. A lot of reality TV. I’m getting stupider…or is that more stupid…by the second. Here’s what I watch: Kardashians, Teen Mom, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, The Rancic’s, Bethenny (my new love). Oh yeah, and Pretty Little Liars.

These bitches would have me in the corner wrapped in a ball crying! But sure is good TV.

These bitches would have me in the corner wrapped in a ball crying! But sure is good TV.

2. How much time do you spend blogging?
Way too much time until Concrete Boots is published.

3. What food can you absolutely not eat?
If I was stuck on a deserted island and I had to choose between eating you and eating salmon I’m sorry to say but I would eat you. (Remember I have a fish phobia).

4. If you could go anywhere for a week’s vacation, where would you go?
ITALY!! I gotta go meet my brethren.

Italy_color

5. What is your dream job?
My dream job would be to sell my book, be on the New York Times Best Seller List and then from that get a speaking gig where I can travel the world and speak to people on all my knowledge. (Hilarious, right? They said dream so there you have it.)

And now for my fellow nominees: :)

~Josie at Go Momma!
~Simona at Fiammisday
~Gloria at Granny’s Colorful
~Jules at McCrabass
~Darryl at The Weddington Adventures

Each one of these bloggers puts a :D on my face for many different reasons! Check them out. :)

~Thank you to Marcia and Chantell for my awards!
~Thank you nominees for passing on the awards should you choose to.
~Thank you readers for your support. Please always remind me to be brave.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Jlee’s Review – The Banana Diet

22 Feb

bb

I would say about once a year I decide to tighten my belt. Or um loosen in this case because my True Religion jeans don’t fit. Same thing happened last year – remember 5 Days of Insanity?

I think it has something to do with winter and needing a little extra padding. I tend to hibernate in the winter – after all I just admitted to watching 5 hours in a row of Bethenny Ever After – and during the holidays I always loosen up a little bit. Instead of one cookie I eat 10. And now here we are…approaching spring…and the other day I button my True Religion jeans (that barely even made it over my ass) and I’ve got this role hanging over my pants.

I looked in the mirror completely disgusted. “What is this?” I asked my husband.

“What?”

“This!?!” I say while squeezing the roll. “You don’t SEE this?!?”

“I think you look pretty damn good,” he says, giving me the eye.

While I do appreciate that, deep down no matter what your size you know what is acceptable for you. And barely zipping my True Religion jeans is not acceptable for me.

I’m thinking this is going to turn into a yearly thing….approaching spring feels like a good time to hit the reset button. Start fresh. Regroup. Time to remind myself that moderation is key and blah blah blah.

So I Googled ‘Japanese diet’. I seriously did. I mean the Japanese are skinny right?

I even Googled ‘fat Japanese person’ just as a reference for this post and look what I stumbled upon…Fat in Japan? You’re Breaking the Law, though I don’t know if this law is still in effect?

Deciding the Japanese diet probably wasn’t for me I decided on the Banana diet.

Photo courtesy of truththeory.com

Photo courtesy of truththeory.com

Here it is:

For 3-4 days you eat 3-5 bananas/day combining them with 3-4 cups of low-fat milk. If you’re not a big milk drinker you can drink almond milk.

Quick side note: I’m obsessed with almond milk. I started drinking it about six months ago. I don’t drink a ton of milk, and this milk never goes bad. It lasts forever. If I buy a ½ gallon of almond milk at about $4 it will last me for two weeks. Plus it has fewer calories. Win-win!

You can also eat your banana with plain yogurt. You can eat the banana and the yogurt separately or you can blend one banana with one cup of milk and/or yogurt to make a smoothie.

According to the website this 3-4 day banana diet will help you lose 6 pounds. Not only do I have about 5 pounds to lose but I also have to get my appetite down – it’s like I’ve been starving all day every day for the past 2-3 weeks! – and clean out the processed foods. Way too much pizza and take-out lately.

They also have a 7 day diet menu featured on their website.

I opted to do the 3 day diet, but I did it for 4 days.

Here is my experience:

silkDay 1: Day 1 was an absolute breeze. While I can’t completely skip coffee I did decide to detox from Dunkin Donuts iced coffee for four days while on this “cleanse”. I did make a small coffee in the AM but instead of cream I added almond milk and 1 tsp of sugar – which for me is intense. My coffee is like dessert…cream, sugar, the whole nine yards.

I ate four bananas throughout my work day. I started at 8:30 AM and timed my eating out until 4:30 pm to eat 1 banana and drink 1 cup of milk every 2-3 hours. I was feeling pretty good!

When I got home I made a banana smoothie. I blended my 5th banana, 1 more cup of milk, plain Greek yogurt and a handful of ice. It was pretty delicious!

Throughout the day I sipped on water and Green tea.

Yes, I was hungry, but as I said above I’ve been hungry regardless of what I’ve eaten for the past 2-3 weeks. So before even when I was actually eating I was still starving. I went to bed feeling content and good about myself, whereas the last week of binging has left me going to bed feeling very blah.

Day 2: Day 2 I woke up feeling hungry. Not a good start. I sort of had the shakes too. I made my coffee at home with almond milk and skipped the sugar. I walked in the office at 7:59 and ate a banana.

I’m not going to lie. Day 2 was a struggle. Day 2 I thought about breaking down and getting Dunkin Donuts iced coffee and knew that would get me through. And then I reminded myself that is what heroin addicts say.

In an effort now to just prove a point to myself that I can go four days without DD I decided to stay firm. I mean, for the love of God, there are Americans overseas fighting a war, and I’m having a breakdown in my office about not having Dunkin Donuts iced coffee? Good grief.

At noon I broke down and ate a hard-boiled egg. In the 7 day version you are allowed to eat hard-boiled eggs. I figured it was better than breaking down completely and getting a Big Mac. I also chugged 1 cup of milk in 4 seconds flat. I set down the cup and wished it was a glass of red wine, but oh well. On Friday I plan on getting hammered. On iced coffee and wine.

For dinner I ate my banana smoothie plus I indulged in a bowl of lettuce. Not salad. Lettuce. Just lettuce. In a bowl. It’s actually not very good.

I was really aggravated and crabby all evening. My husband yelled at me to not take my hunger out on him. I yelled at him to not talk to me because he is annoying. I went to bed at 8:30 PM relieved to end the day.

Day 3: I woke up feeling not as hungry and in better spirits. I put on a pair of jeans – tight! Ugh! – and decided this is a good thing seeing as though my jeans are still tight.

I made coffee at home and managed to hold off on my banana and glass of almond milk until 8:30 AM.  At noon I ate a hard-boiled egg.

I think it’s weird that I don’t feel that bad….I felt pretty energetic and happy. I just wished I could go get Dunkin Donuts. What does this say about me? I find it slightly alarming, but my husband says it’s the hunger talking. I’m not hungry, per se, but I’m really sick of eating the same thing.

I keep reminding myself that I only have one more day to go. I will take pride in successfully taking off 4 days of DD to get myself in ‘check’…Four days of remembering what it feels like to view food as gas for your body as opposed to the luxury of eating…

I definitely felt the best on Day 3. I even made it to the YMCA and signed up for a bootcamp class. I did totally suck in bootcamp. I think of myself as a somewhat in shape person so I’m not sure if I’m just not as in shape as I thought or if it was the fact that I am consuming fewer calories than usual. Either way, I did complete bootcamp and felt pretty damn good about myself!

When we got home I sat with the Chiquita to watch the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. She ate her goldfish, and I snacked (1/3 cup) on nut and berry mix from Trader Joe’s. It was quite tasty.

I slept like a rock.

Day 4: I woke up feeling like it should be Friday. It should be my Dunkin Donuts day. Ugh. I seriously have another day of this?

I don’t feel that hungry, but I’m just so over this…

I remembered I have an event tonight. I will have to attend without eating or drinking. I will stay strong and do it because I’ve come this far; I’m not bailing now.

I sipped Green tea after my first milk and banana combo. For lunch I had a hard-boiled egg again. The hard-boiled egg has been a nice addition to this diet. I did also snack on my Trader Joe’s nut and berry mix. I told you, I’m losing steam, but I am staying strong.

TunacharlieMy uncle told me that he has heard of a modified version of the banana diet from a friend who is a nutritionist/body builder. He said that when his friend is in competition mode his diet changes to a banana/tuna diet. I think this actually doesn’t sound that bad but remember I make my tuna with mayo, mustard, celery…I don’t think I could even eat plain tuna without gagging. It doesn’t help that I have a fish phobia. But, something to think about if you like tuna.

Reminds me of the dude I worked with in high school who ate plain tuna in the can every single day. We called him Tuna Ass Breath Man. To this day I still call him Tuna. LOL

I continue to repeat in my head: Just get through today to have Dunkin Donuts tomorrow. What kind of sick obsession is this? It’s worse than my obsession with Juicy Couture. Or Giuliana Rancic.

Day 5: I made it. I know you’re wondering if I ate or drank at last night’s event, and I’m happy to report that I didn’t. :) Shame on you for doubting me! I did, however, attend with an 8 oz. coffee. I figured if I had the coffee taste in my mouth I’d be less likely to falter. My coffee was made with almond milk and 1 tsp. of sugar. I stuck through to the end.

This morning I pulled in the Dunkin Donuts drive thru excited to get my iced coffee. I’d been debating on my ride over if I should get it with skim milk or cream. I opted for skim milk. It’s not the same, but wasn’t bad and if felt great to take the first sip.

DD

When I got to work I even had a banana.

I feel great. :)

Some common questions:

1. Aren’t you constipated?
Nope! My poops have been plentiful!

2. Are you really eating only bananas?
I am really eating everything I described above.

3. Aren’t you getting sick of bananas?
Fuck yeah.

4. How do you feel on the banana diet versus the juice cleanse?
I feel a lot better on the banana diet then I felt on the juice cleanse. On the juice cleanse I was very sore. I felt sick and lethargic. I had the shakes and diarrhea. I had headaches. I was a mess. On the banana diet I feel pretty good honestly! I really just can’t get over how much I miss Dunkin Donuts iced coffee. I’m convinced they put drugs in it because I am drinking one small coffee (8 oz.) per day with almond milk and lite or no sugar so it’s not like I’m not drinking any coffee at all.

5. Would you do it again?
Absolutely! It gave me a great sense of accomplishment in addition to the reset my body needed. It’s also cheap and easy to do – just buy some milk and bananas.

6. Did you lose any weight?
I’m honestly not sure. I don’t weigh myself. I have to try on my True Religion jeans this weekend. What I can tell you is that I feel great. I feel not only a sense of accomplishment but my body feels great! My stomach looks smaller, my pants fit better today and maybe I’m just in love with myself today but I honestly feel like I even look better! I highly recommend this diet!

Please use the comments section below to tell us of any outrageous diets you’ve tried!

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Jlee’s Review – Kiwi Crate

20 Feb

I was given the opportunity to review the art subscription service for kids called Kiwi Crate. I had never heard of Kiwi Crate when they contacted me, and I was anxious to try their product because it is something artsy and fun that you do with your child. I’m not a very crafty person, and I thought this would be a perfect way to do some crafting with my kid.

In full disclosure I received this beautiful box of goodies for free; however, this is an unbiased review of the product.

Each month a crate will arrive on your doorstep complete with everything you need – and I do mean everything! Pencils, scissors, sponges, paints, paper, stickers, oh my, I wanted to play with it. Alone. Without the Chiquita. This is my art project! :)

kiwi crate 6

kiwi crate 2

We sat down to craft on a Sunday morning. Look at our spread.

See my iced coffee on the table?

See my iced coffee on the table?

kiwi crate 1

Not only do you receive all the supplies you need, but you also receive inspiration! Kiwi Crates are designed by parents, reviewed by experts and tested by kids.

The projects are fun and engaging. The Chiquita was definitely entertained and is STILL playing with her “bug” we made.

kiwi crate 5

kiwi crate 4

While I was at first a little overwhelmed by the Kiwi Crate, I loved that we had everything we needed at our finger tips. No excuses to be made for not sitting with the Chiquita once/month to get our creative juices flowing.

I definitely recommend this subscription service because art is such an important part of development. This is great way to engage your child in a developmentally appropriate project without the hassle of having to go to the craft store and figure out what to make – something I for one could never handle.

Even the celebs are doing it….

US

Kiwi Crate also features a DIY section!

I think we're gonna have to try to make this little dude.

I think we’re gonna have to try to make this little dude.

They also feature ‘limited edition’ projects, party favors, a Kiwi toy (omg soo cute!)…check out the website. You will surely be blown away!!

Kiwi Plush Toy...so stinkin cute!

Kiwi Plush Toy…so stinkin cute!

The Chiquita and I had such a wonderful Sunday together. :)

Tags: , , ,

What Are You Putting in Your Mouth?

18 Feb

I am a firm believer in vitamins. I feel like prescription medications are often over prescribed and over taken. I don’t claim to be an expert; however, I thought I would share my daily vitamin intake with you for a couple of reasons.

1. My friends always ask me for vitamin recommendations because they know I strongly believe in taking vitamins on a daily basis.

2. I recently began reading a blog a gal writes on her struggles with giving up alcohol and the death of her father. She shares her struggles with depression/anxiety and staying sober. She doesn’t want to be on any kind of anxiety medication but is suffering from disruptive panic attacks. I’ve never suffered from panic attacks, but I do suffer from social anxiety. In a recent post she asked readers for suggestions on different supplements to take to ease her symptoms. When responding to her I got to thinking – maybe others wonder this too?

I was on Prozac after the birth of the Chiquita when I was diagnosed with Post Partum Depression. I give my doctors a big F as in fail when it came to my treatment because they left me out in the middle of the ocean lying on a piece of wood like Rose in Titanic. I knew something was wrong. I knew I wasn’t improving, and I continued to reach out for help. My doctor’s answer (yes, THIS doctor) was to continue to increase my Prozac.

Increase, increase, increase…more of anything is the recipe for success. Right? WRONG! Each time my meds were increased the more depressed and anxious I became. I was getting worse – going from not just wishing for God to take me in my sleep but actually driving on I355 and imagining my Mercedes-Benz smashed into the concrete barrier. Bam. It’s over. Relief….

This went on for months. When I hit rock bottom I fired all my doctors. I went off all prescription medication*. Cold turkey. That’s it. No more meds. *This is not recommended. It’s what I had to do for myself at the time to try to regain some control, but this approach can backfire.

My mom is a big believer in vitamins and supplements and urged me to at least – if nothing else – begin a vitamin regimen. This is not expert opinion or advice. I’m simply sharing with you what is now working for me to keep my depression/anxiety under control. I am now taking a small dose of Prozac which has helped to take the ‘edge’ off a bit. In addition to Prozac I also take these vitamins on a daily basis:

1. Carlson – The Very Finest Fish Oil

fish oilVitamins can really add up! If you have to pick only one vitamin to take I highly recommend fish oil.

Fish oil is a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids and a lot of research shows that fish oil supplements may help ease symptoms of depression. See Mayoclinic.com.

This fish oil is to be taken twice a day – preferably one in the AM and one in the PM. I’m not sure why, but I was told it works better in your body when taken at different times as opposed to taking two in the AM.

One thing many people complain about when taking fish oil is that you can burp up a nasty fish taste. This brand I am sharing with you has a yummy orange taste – you can even chew them – but I do not.

2. Co-Enzyme B-Complex By Now Foods

BAfter I quit all my medication I went to The Fruitful Yield for advice on vitamins/supplements to take to help ease my depression/anxiety symptoms.

On the weekends The Fruitful Yield has a licensed nutritionist on staff to answer any questions you have. I went on a Saturday, found the nutritionist and said, “I have Post Partum Depression. I’ve gone off all my medication. Tell me what to buy.”

This product was one that she recommended. Co-Enzyme Vitamin B supports a positive mood and improves energy. See Wellness Resources.com.

There are different forms of B-Vitamins and Co-Enzyme includes all of the Bs, which are B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12.

I have actually recommended this product to a few people who now take this vitamin on a daily basis. I find that if I skip a day of Co-Enzyme B I am lethargic the next day. I definitely notice an increase in energy while on this supplement.

3. Vitamin D3 – 2000 IUs

DVitamin D deficiency, the result of low vitamin D intake and poor sun exposure, has been linked to depression and Type 2 diabetes. See article here.

Here is some research on the daily recommended doses of vitamin D from The Mayo Clinic.

Because I’m vitamin D deficient and I do suffer from depression/anxiety I take at least one vitamin (2,000 IUs) each day to be sure I’m getting an adequate dose.

From Mayo Clinic: For mood disorders, 400-800 IU daily or 100,000 IU weekly has been taken by mouth for up to one month to improve symptoms of depression associated with seasonal affective disorder.

4. L-Theanine By Now for Stress Management

L-theanineWhen I went off all my medication I was struggling with feelings of being overwhelmed at all times. One task in front of me left me feeling as if I was drowning in ‘things to do’. I found during this time that my anxiety was more prevalent than I had known.

I often had a nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach and dreaded to leave the house unless I was going to familiar places…work, my grocery store, my mall, my Dunkin Donuts, etc. Going anywhere out of the ordinary made me extremely anxious and sick to my stomach.

The nutritionist at The Fruitful Yield explained that I absolutely had to get this supplement. She compared it to anti-anxiety meds and said that she often used this to control her own anxiety symptoms.

You can take one Vcap 1 to 2 times daily as needed. I like the ‘as needed’ because you don’t have to take it every day. You can simply take it when you’re feeling stressed or anxious.

Maybe it’s nothing honestly? Who knows. When I opted to go back on Prozac – a much smaller dose this time – I’ve not felt the need to take this as often anymore. I showed it to my new shrink who gave me the OK to take it with the Prozac.

I sort of had the feeling she was laughing inside since I know most doctors strongly believe in pharmaceuticals and don’t like their patients opting for “natural” methods. But, maybe she wasn’t. Maybe it was my anxiety. Either way, even if it’s all in my head, when I have that feeling like I want to crack skulls (thank you for that aphorism, Bethenny Frankel) I take one tablet and I feel better! :)

Bethenny is my new obsession....I still love my future BFF Giuliana, but I have a crush on Bethenny!

Bethenny is my new obsession….I still love my future BFF Giuliana, but I have a crush on Bethenny!

Please use the comments section to let me know of any vitamins/supplements that have helped you with depression/anxiety. There are other things I can recommend, like this Goji which I used to drink to help balance my hormones….

Goji

But, the above four vitamins/supplements I gave you are what I do take and recommend. Feel free to ask me any questions – I can give you responses on how these products affect me, however, PLEASE be sure to seek medical consulting before taking any and all vitamins/supplements with your physician.

Tags: , , , , ,

No Soup For You

11 Feb

My husband is not the soup Nazi but rather has become the baby Nazi. It began with me getting pregnant with the Chiquita. Even back then he questioned my ability to parent.

The Post Partum Depression only confirmed his fears that I ‘couldn’t handle it’. I think when PPD is talked about (which is too little in my opinion except when they throw a bunch of paperwork at you after your delivery…too bad when I actually said ‘Yes, I have PPD, now please help me’ they put their arms up in question like …now what do we do?) the focus remains – rightfully so – on the mother.

But, in my experience, the fathers are completely forgotten about. My poor husband not only had to deal with taking care of the Chiquita on the days I simply couldn’t do it but also had to wonder every day if I would actually come home from work. Many-a-days I told him I was going to drive into a concrete barrier.

I don’t even think some of my friends know the depths of the depression I was drowning from. I sheltered everyone. Yes, I said I had Post Partum Depression.  Yes, people knew that I had suffered from depression/anxiety since my teen years thanks to PMDD. But, the fact that I hated being a mother as much as I did had to be a secret. The fact that I prayed every night for God to take me in my sleep I couldn’t tell people. No one would understand.

I remember after I had the Chiquita I was like why do people have kids? Seriously. I couldn’t believe that anyone in their right mind would have more than one child. I felt like all the friends and celebrities who said how great being a mother was were lying. Like it was some big scam.

My husband tried to be supportive but my erratic behavior frightened him. I honestly don’t know if he questioned whether I would hurt our baby. I wouldn’t have and I never did.

I remember one time he was sitting in the dentist’s chair yanking the bib off during a cleaning saying he had to get out of there…trying to explain that his wife had Post Partum Depression and was home with the Chiquita…and that he didn’t know what I was going to do.

I had called him sobbing. He had been at work all day and then went to the dentist immediately after. I was on maternity leave and was still recovering from my near-death experience and was dealing with a sick infant (the Chiquita had gotten very sick on bad formula, but we didn’t know so had continued to feed it to her. Eventually we had to get X-rays done…this was all more than I could bear) who had spent the last six hours screaming. I thought I was going to lose it.

I put her in her bedroom and shut the door. She screamed and screamed and screamed. I was losing my mind. I was sobbing. I wanted to die. I called him in a complete panic and he raced home ….

Fast Forward.

Those devastating times are behind us. If you’ve been reading you know that I hit rock-bottom in February 2011. Yes, I admitted to and reached out for help for PPD in as early as September 2010 (two months after the birth of the Chiquita). But, because I wasn’t getting proper treatment my downward spiral continued until February 2011.

At that point I knew it was do or die. I fired all my doctors. I quit writing my blog. I quit drinking alcohol. I started intense therapy. I turned it around because I knew I would lose it all if I kept it up. It was terrifying. It was six months of recovery. Well, that’s an understatement. I’m still recovering to this day, but it was six months of Britney Spears head shaving therapy.

And here I am. I tell you my story because it helps me to forgive. Forgive who? I’m not sure. All I know is for a long time I was really angry. Why? Why did this happen to me?

I don’t know why.

A couple of months ago I started to yearn for another baby. People have asked me time and time again about Baby #2, and my response was this, which is still one of my top-rated posts. I really like this post as well ~ and I still agree with it. Nothing has changed…my husband is still old, my family is still complete, I’m still blessed with an amazing kiddo.

But now I wonder about trying it again. I feel like it would be different. I have a great team of doctors and therapists behind me. I’ve done it before so the whole ‘unknown’ no longer applies. I’m mentally better than I’ve ever been.

I didn't know how lucky I was because I was sick

I didn’t know how lucky I was because I was sick

I was truly robbed of the first few months of my daughter’s life. I was there physically for it all, but mentally, I was not. My brain was in trauma so I’ve actually blocked a lot of things out. I can’t recall many things, and I ache for that time back. I look at pictures, and I cry. I see mothers with their infants, and I feel so deprived.

I approached my doctor about it, almost expecting her to say it was a bad idea. My old doctor had suggested that I not have another child due to all my complications, both physically and mentally. My new doctor – who I love – was excited, supportive and very encouraging. She said that in her experience PPD is not nearly as bad the second time around. She would help me every step of the way and we would be proactive in my treatment.

I went home and told my husband. He said, “If you want to have another baby we can have another baby!”

Many of my friends and cousins are on babies #2 and #3 and here’s me still with one. Not that I’m looking to compete or feel like something is wrong with me, but it’s more that I’ve just officially moved into this next chapter of my life whereas right after the Chiquita was born many of my friends were still without child…and going out and doing all the things I used to do and was longing to do in my depressive state.

Life is completely different now. Life is no longer manicures and bars. It is going to bed at ten o’clock and watching The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. And you know what? That’s fine!

But then a few weeks later on a hard parenting day (those do happen!) he said, “There’s no way we’re having another baby.”

I started fighting with him about it but then left it alone for a while.

I brought it back up this weekend. He looked nervous and uncomfortable. He said that he doesn’t want to have another baby.

I felt hurt and betrayed – he said he wanted another one. What happened?

Was it because I got angry with the Chiquita for hitting me with Mr. Bear and yelled, “If you hit me with him again I’ll cut off his arm!” to which Hubs said, “Hey now…geez…that’s a little Mommy Dearest…”

Mommie_Dearest

Oops, it is?

He must think I’m a bad mother. He’s told me before he sees me get flustered sometimes. I do yell a lot – Italians are yellers. We always agree that we like it two against one.

But why? Why was it yes and now no?

“I can’t go through it again,” he said, suddenly, with my persistence to answer me. He looked into my eyes and said, “The Post Partum. I just can’t do it again. I can’t risk it.”

I wanted to cry but said nothing. What’s there to say? That night I cried in bed after he fell asleep. What am I supposed to do? I’m supposed to support my husband. We are a team. We tell each other the good, the bad and the ugly.

Yes, this is ugly. Yes, this hurts. But I respect his opinion, and I’m going to choose to thank God every day for the Chiquita and will continue to enjoy all the beautiful bundles of joy around me. Not everyone is meant to be a mother. I’d hate to think that I’m not meant to be a mother, but in this case, I think one is truly a blessing.

My blessing

My blessing

Tags: , , , , , ,

Erotica and a Batman Costume

4 Feb

draft_lens19493882module159273265photo_13376893000_a_Nothing in my life is ever normal. What is normal? I don’t know, but seriously, ask my friends. They always tell me how much drama I have in my life.

I’m like a Real Housewife except I don’t want this drama! I’m not on a reality TV show, I’m not rich and I’m just not that exciting.

But drama always seems to fall into my lap. Maybe it’s because I’m sensitive? Or reactive? Or Italian?

Some time ago I took on a writing coach. I wrote briefly about him; how I felt so professional cool saying “my writing coach”. My relationship with my writing coach was short-lived.

Let me start at the beginning.

I found him on Craig’s List in August. We agreed to meet at Panera Bread. I did check him out and he seemed legit.

He texts he’s running a bit late.
I text: I am here, seated right when u come in, pink laptop :) [side note: you know I have a pink laptop.]

He comes in a bit flustered and doesn’t look anything like I had imagined, but really how often does that happen where the person looks exactly as you envisioned?

He apologizes for running late. “I wanted to catch a ride with my mom, and I had to wait for her to put her make-up on.”

Wtf.

“Um…OK,” I respond; wondering things like does he have a car? Does he live in his mother’s basement?

My second thought was: I’m pretty sure he’s gay. Which is fine. You know how I love the gays.

We get to work, and I have to say he taught me many great things worthy of my money for that afternoon. By the end I was even fond of him.

At one point his mother came up to our table. She was this adorable tiny older lady. She reminded me of a Golden Girl. She was definitely a Blanche. Her make-up was flawless. Her silver hair was pulled up in a beautiful bun with wispy pieces falling by her eyes. I thought, Wow, this is what I’m going to look like when I’m old! No running around in curlers and robes for me…

He introduces me. Mom and I shake hands and she eyes me telling me its soooo nice to meet me. Emphasizing the so.

“Very nice to meet you, too.”

I wondered what she was thinking. Probably that I’m a nice and pretty girl and she wished her son would take a liking to me. Everyone loves an Italian girl!

We wrap up and agree to meet again.

The next day, Sunday, he texts me: nice meeting you! Did you sign into LinkedIn yet?
Me: You too! No :( I can’t get anything done at home. Will try to tonite or tomorrow.
WC [Writing Coach]: Ok! Wrote all weekend…tired but in a good way.
Me: Awesome! Good job! :) I’m jealous.
WC: Need 500 word by tomorrow 9am!! An early morning writing session, I think! ;)

And that’s how it began.
Numerous texts and emails back and forth. I sent WC a couple chapters of my book. He loved what I had but also gave me constructive criticism. I was beyond thrilled. Like the time I was interviewed and suddenly saw myself at the Oscars, my mind again went racing.

He was like the perfect BFF and I’ve always wanted a gay BFF, I mean, all the celebs have one! So I started referring to him as my GBFF. I’d send my girls an email: So GBFF is home watching All My Children right now. Oh my God, he’s soo gay, and I’m soo lucky to have a gay BFF!

Every girl needs a Stanford!

Every girl needs a Stanford!

The girls were equally excited because when you’re married there is nothing better than a gay BFF. You have someone to shop with, you get a man’s opinion on your shoes/outfit/hair/make-up and yet there is no drama – you don’t have to worry about any sex happening. They are always painfully honest but without getting into trouble. If your husband told you that you should put more Vitamin A on that stretch mark you’d probably break his face. But, if your GBFF tells you – OMG, you better fucking listen!

I mean, it’s seriously perfection.

The texting fun continues – and I love that it’s all so innocent! I mean, he’s my GBFF right?!?

WC: Clearing my desk for labor day weekend—getting up early—coffee, writing, pool and reruns of murder she wrote
WC: Plus shopping!
Me: Sounds perfecto!
WC: Writing now & watching general hospital…jax is back in town!
WC: Ha ha!

[I mean, dude is totally gay right?????]

The girls are pressing me for what GBFF looks like. They are imagining Bethenny’s wedding planner.

bethenny-getting-married-hero-bridal-tips

This is when shit gets weird.

Me: BTW are you on FB?
WC: No…LinkedIn is enuf!
WC: Do you want me to look you up?
WC: On Fb?
Me: Lol! [FYI, if I ever don’t know how to respond to a text I write LOL, so if you know me and get that text from me….ummm….I don’t know what you’re talking about.]
WC: Naked, drunk or other compromising pics?
WC: :)
WC: Like Prince Harry!!!

[I’m reading the first text, then the smiley face, and thinking wtf, where is he going with this? I’m so confused. Then when he follows up with Prince Harry (who had just had the naked Vegas scandal) so I was like OMG, of course GBFF has seen Harry’s toosh!]

Me: lol lol no! [Still a bit confused]
Me: My friends wanted to see a pic of my “writing coach”.
WC: Check your email

[WC sends me an [financial] article he was interviewed for which included a picture of him.]
Me: :) great article! Wayyy over my head! Nic pic too!!
WC: Of course I can do the “tee-shirt, jeans and clogs with messy hair and stubble”, if that’s what the “client” wants—what are your girlfriends “into”??

[Ok, What. The. Fuck. I don’t respond because I’m like really confused at this point. My brain is going – wait, is GBFF not gay? I’m really confused right now. 10 minutes later – with no response from me – WC texts.]

WC: Just joking!!!

[Here’s me…Phew…he’s only joking! But still a little like wtf I respond Hahaha instead of my usual LOL for ‘seriously what the fuck are you talking about’.]

Me: Hahaha!
WC: If the “client” wants me to look ½ way between a vampire and a fireman, well, I think I can do that too…

[OK what is with all this quoting of “client”….what is going on right now? Now I’m freaking out. I’m perspiring. I don’t think GBFF is gay. I run to the bathroom. I email the girls. We are all in agreement that shit just got weird. Really weird.]

Because I have no idea what to say I finally respond: Did I offend you? I’m confused.

WC: No! I’m joking! I sometimes feel like a male hooker when I tutor—like you…you’re a hot housewife…I come in and you pass me cash…we have our talk…
WC: I move on to the next…I feel like a “high priced call girl” at times. My guy friends are envious of my job.

[If that shit doesn’t have you going wtf….]

WC: Just a joke! Like asking “what’s your genre?”
WC: Some of these ladies are into erotica so then I guess I dress like a fireman or something for them…and I read their “stories”. What a job! :)

OK, let this “hot” housewife get this off my back. I’m gonna get ghetto here, so imagine me saying this in my black girl voice.

images

Who in the fuck do you think you are calling me 1. A “hot” housewife like that’s all I am, not that there’s anything wrong with that, but I am a full time office manager.

2. I did not write a “story” – I wrote a fucking novel and this fucking novel is going to sell and get turned into a Lifetime movie complete with Rob Lowe playing the antagonist and a “hot” housewife – Katie Holmes anyone? – playing me.

3. I am not sitting in a basement writing some make-believe erotica story because I am some bored housewife looking for attention and desperately craving sex. Further, please repeat #2, I did not write some little fucking story…I wrote a book mother fucker. This book is going to be a best seller. Fucking Oprah is going to be talking about this shit.

4. Dressing up in Batman, fireman costumes and reading these stories, what the fuck are you talking about? This is the craziest shit I’ve ever heard! I’m beyond confused right now and a little a lot offended.

Adam West was kind of hot....

Adam West was kind of hot….

5. This is serious shit to me. I did not hire you because I was looking for anything other than help with my writing. I never in any way suggested otherwise.

6. Maybe this is a game…to him and his mom….maybe they scour Craig’s List looking for attractive young girls to take advantage of! They wanted to lure me to their home and kill me, Oh my God! Like the Bates Motel!

7. I’ve never felt so demeaned in my whole life….I finally say as I break down in tears.

No more ghetto, I’m actually crying and saying how serious I am about my book, and now I will never know if he even really liked my book or if the whole time he was just trying to get in my pants dressed up as fucking Elmo or some shit.

I traded a few texts with WC after, but knew I could never trust him again. I’ve not searched for another writing coach, and I’ve not worked on my book after that. I know I need to get back to it and not be dramatic and feel sorry for myself, but the whole experience just left me with a bad taste in my mouth. Like who the fuck does this happen to, I don’t even get it?

My friends and I did have a laugh about it while sipping cocktails as my girl said, “When don’t you have drama? That’s crazy!”

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Jlee’s Review – Prosecuting Casey Anthony

20 Jan

Our favorite Brat-packer starred in the Lifetime Original Movie Prosecuting Casey Anthony, which premiered on Saturday, January 19, 2013. I sat down to watch this movie thinking it would really entice me because 1. I am interested in Casey Anthony’s bazaar and mysterious story and 2. I was excited that Rob Lowe was to be acting in another Lifetime docudrama. If you recall, Rob Lowe also played our favorite narcissistic big dicked cop, Drew Peterson, in Lifetime’s Drew Peterson: Untouchable.

While part of the Drew Peterson movie was laughable, it was at least interesting. Prosecuting Casey Anthony was a snooze fest at best. I felt that Rob Lowe’s lackluster performance was missing the heart that I expected to see; his character felt cold and clinical…or maybe that’s how prosecutor Jeff Ashton is in real life.

My husband said, “I wonder if his wife is really that hot or if they just picked a hot chick for the sake of the movie.” Hmm, let’s research.

PX00223_91-300x185

I don't see the resemblance...

I don’t see the resemblance…

He did write a best-selling book titled Imperfect Justice: Prosecuting Casey Anthony, upon which this movie is based. I haven’t yet read it, but one review (found on Amazon) says: I would absolutely say this is a must read if you are at all still interested in this case.

Just wondering, has anyone else read it?

One performance I did enjoy was that of character actor – and Chicago native! - Kevin Dunn. His performance drew me in – I wanted to sob with him and give him a big hug despite always questioning how George Anthony could remain so calm in court when accusations of molesting his daughter arose.

If I ever made up some bullshit like that [not that I'm saying she made it up] – my dad would have jumped off his seat and beat my ass inside that courtroom. And yes, even at 22 years old.

caseyanthony-KevinDunn-jpg_003419

Also starring in this movie – which I was pleasantly surprised about – is The Office star Oscar Nunez. Nunez stars as Casey Anthony’s attorney Jose Baez. I love this dude, but unfortunately while watching a supposedly inexperienced attorney win a murder case I couldn’t help recalling this disturbing movie clip:

oscarnunezpic

Sadly I find Lifetime movies starring Tori Spelling to be more entertaining, but as I’ve said before any Lifetime movie is a good one to watch while scarfing down McDonald’s and nursing a hangover on the couch.

One surprise I wasn’t aware of: Casey Anthony posted a video diary of herself in January 2012???

Umm...for realz???

Umm…for realz???

So strange and had me thinking of Nancy Grace’s famous quote on the controversial verdict:

“The devil is dancing tonight.”

Tags: , , , ,

← Older Entries

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 678 other followers