Sincerely Sara Cate

Words of Wisdom Wednesdays

2012-02-01T08:16:00.000-08:00

I sometimes think/say, I just wish I could fast forward life to be [insert number of years] from now. Then I would have [insert money/children/success/stability/etc].

In my continuous journey to be more mindful and purposeful, I remind myself of Adam Sandler’s movie “Click.”

“You are fast forwarding your life so fast, I am just waiting for you to arrive,” says an angel.

In the grand scheme of things, I don’t miss out on the little moments of watching my cat fall off the bed, locking my car keys in my car in my own garage, talking on the phone to an upset friend, solving a problem at work, figuring out a Starbucks coffee sleeve will keep my (then) 4 month old niece busy for long periods of time, the ONE time Dashing delivered me a bouquet of flowers for my birthday, or dreaming of how to decorate a future nursery (in distant future). If I had Sandler’s universal remote and fast forwarded through the tough years of Dashing’s residency, I would have missed all of the things above and more.

Remember to live your life as it is now. If you’re here, be here. Success/family/money/or whatever it is will mean nothing if you didn’t make sacrifices and work hard to get there. It’s the journey, not the destination that is important.

It happened

2012-01-31T12:47:00.000-08:00

I feel like (or maybe hope is the right word) we all have that thing/task that we have to double check.
Things like:

Did I close the garage door [drive back down the street]. Yep, I did.
Did I turn off my curling iron when I left the house? Yep, I did.
Did I remember to bring my phone with me today? Yep, I did.

Yes, I do all of those. But my major double checker is that I have a horrible habit of locking my car door with the inside toggle button instead of my key clicker when out and about. So I frequently arrive at my destination, hop out of the car, lock the door, and think I've locked my keys in the car. But I never actually do lock them in there. I've have my share of mini panic moments about [I should just learn not to lock the car on the door. Something to work on.]

However, this is NOT what happened, but kind of.

I planned my whole Sunday around cleaning my car. Windows, leather, carpet cleaning etc. I went out and bought all the supplies I needed - even those amazing blue paper towels. I got home, pulled all of the floor mats out of the car vacuumed those. Then climbed inside the car with my amazing Dyson vacuum (I was not paid to say that) to vaccuum the inside. I was so proud of my work as I vaccuumed the last piece of the front passenger seat area preparing to move on to the cleaning part. I pushed the door wide open with my booty and pulled the vacuum out of the car to the garage floor, whirled around and closed the door. BEEP BEEP.

What?

That's the sound my car makes when it locks. I didn't use the clicker.

I reached for the door handle and pulled. Locked.

I look around the car. All doors closed.

I look inside the car. Keys on the floor.

Yes, my butt locked me out of my own car in my own garage.

RING RING: I need a locksmith for my car.
Service Man: Are you in a safe area?
ME: Yup, my garage.
SM: Your garage??
ME: Yup.
SM: We'll be there in an hour.

Words of Wisdom Wednesdays

2012-01-25T07:45:00.000-08:00

Dreams can come true,

but there is a secret.

They're realized through the magic

of persistence, determination,

commitment, passion, practice,

focus and hard work.

They happen a step at a time,

manifested over years, not weeks.

-Nan Russell

Her/My Story

2012-01-10T07:03:00.000-08:00

Today I'm being featured on Tatiana's lovely and inspiring blog

Living Life and Loving It...HerStory series

I hope you'll visit!

Sincerely,

Sara Cate

Fog is NOT Cloudy

2011-12-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

This morning, I drove to work in a thick, grey blanket of fog.

Let me show you......

Here's what I saw driving down the road today.......

Here's what I typically see.......

BIG DIFFERENCE. I think typically we think of fog as clouding our vision - blocking us from what we want to see. Well, it occurred to me that I was actually a better driver this morning because I wasn't distracted by all of the scenery, businesses, cars, police clocking speeders, or traffic up ahead. I simply had my complete attention focused on what was happening right in front of my face. I thought about this all the way to work on my 40 minute drive.

It's so easy to get wrapped up in life responsibilities, the mundane work at work, time stuck in traffic, finances and bills, and so on. Especially now with Christmas, and the holidays in general, it feels like sometimes it engulf me into a giddy spirit. One of "Everything is so wonderful, so great" when it may not be, and may suggest for me to go crazy to become the perfect Giada, Martha, Tori, Kate, Jackie O [insert your own holiday idol of perfection], ensuring I have the perfect holiday decor that rivals any home magazine, and making every effort to visit every Santa/snow machine around town. It can be stressful, and I can stuff that feeling down inside like we did to the turkey and the stuffing on Thanksgiving last month as it secretly eats away at my happiness. These distractions may blind me. I may lose sight of what is actually important - things that are right in front of my face.

This all reminds me of this Words of Wisdom post a few weeks ago.

Always, and especially with the holidays, life should be about family. About friends. About relationships. About blessings. About celebrating faith, God, Jesus. [Santa, step aside]

I pledge that I will not let distractions get in the way of all that I have, love, and am blessed with. I will see the wonderful family, friends, and faith that are and have always been right there close beside me. I will look at everything that life is offering right now, and embrace it, wrapping it up in a big grey blanket of soft fluffy ~~clouds~~ cotton.

Bring on the fog!

Words of Wisdom Wednesday & GIVEAWAY WINNER ANNOUNCED

2011-12-14T13:14:00.000-08:00

Miranda, from June Bug & Co, and I are so excited to be giving away one of her beautiful wall hooks today on Words of Wisdom Wednesday!

Source: oleana.wordpress.com via Jessica on Pinterest

And the announcement....

THANK YOU to all of you who entered! I hope you'll revisit Miranda and her Etsy shop to scoop up her wonderful pieces!

The giveaway item....

I am excited to announce that the winner

of the June Bug & Co giveaway is.......

MEREDITH from Sunglasses and Sippy Cups

Congratulations! Meredith, please send me your email address as soon as possible to get your beautiful wall hook sent to you!

Last day for the GIVEAWAY

2011-12-13T06:02:00.000-08:00

GO ENTER my June and Co. giveaway!

The giveaway entries close at 5pm EST today!

Giveaway upgraded! Miranda from June and Co. upgraded the giveaway to this beauty. I LOVE the crown!!!

TGIF

2011-12-09T07:11:00.000-08:00

HAPPY FRIDAY!

FIRST go enter my June Bug and Co GIVEAWAY,

and then have a lovely and relaxing weekend!

Source: pinkwallpaper.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

GIVEAWAY TIME!

2011-12-08T05:26:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to share with you the beautiful salvaged and vintage wood wall hooks created at June Bug & Co. She is an inspiration for making sure you're doing something you love in life.

Miranda, owner of Etsy's June Bug & Co, is a self proclaimed southern gypsy who loves adventure, treasure hunting, delicious food and lounging on the beach. Currently, she's shacked up in Nebraska with her fella and three darling labradoodles.

Miranda started her Etsy business to fulfill something in herself. "As a 30th birthday gift to myself, I decided to reclaim my creativity and love for old vintage trinkets. I feel so passionately about bringing items into your home that have a history that I started my own lil’ biz, June Bug & Co. I truly believe that salvaged, vintage and antique items add a depth to your home in a way that no store bought item can."

June Bub & Co. wall hooks are created from salvaged and vintage wood that Miranda collects on mtreasure hunts throughout the year. Each creation truly has a story and is sure to add functionality and character to your home.

Miranda has kindly donated a wall hook to giveaway!!!! But be sure to visit June Bug & Co to see all of the amazing items. They are great gifts!!!

Here it is!!! Repurposed Crown Molding Wall Hook

Description: (Upgraded to crown hook Tuesday)

Add a tidge of royalty to your wall with this salvaged crown molding wall hook. This crown molding was tucked away and well forgotten in a barn just outside Grand Island, NE. After catching a glimpse of some distressed wood, I got to diggin' and found four of these beauties. I love the contrast of weather paint and wood against a cool cast iron crown hook. It's pretty darn cool.

Approximate Measurements:5 1/2" wide12" tall

Don't you soooo want this cute birdie wall hook with a story just in time for Christmas!!??

Giveaway entries will close Tuesday at 5pm EST time. A winner will be announced Wednesday morning!

Here's how to enter to win this June Bug & Co birdie wall hook:

For ONE entry:

1. Be a follower of Sincerely Sara Cate

2. Visit either of June Bug & Co's sites and add as a favorite or like!

Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/junebugandco

Facebook: www.facebook.junebugco.com

3. Post a comment you did so!

DONE!

You can get 2 more entries if you share this giveaway!

You can post on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter (Twitter tag JuneBugandCo)!

Just leave a separate comment with the link to where you posted it! (Max 4 additional entries)

GOOD LUCK!

Sincerely,

Sara Cate

http://www.etsy.com/shop/junebugandcohttp://www.etsy.com/shop/junebugandcohttp://www.etsy.com/shop/junebugandco

Words of Wisdom Wednesdays

2011-12-07T13:52:00.000-08:00

Get ready....I'll have a GIVEAWAY ANNOUNCEMENT TOMORROW!

Source: etsy.com via Gypsy on Pinterest

Christmas Giving

2011-12-06T09:41:00.000-08:00

1. Useful and gorgeous trinkets.
Gold Keychain Measuring Tape, Aspinal of London $39; Perfect for those who love crafts and design!

2. Luxury in a jar.
Creme Brulee Sugar Scrub, Laura Mercier $46

3. Beautiful smelling and looking candles
Capri Blue Mercury Glass Candle, Anthropologie $25

4. Decorative or functional bowls.
Ikat Mini Bowl, Anthropologie $8 each - Anthro has lots of amazing bowls! Like this one too.

5. The best bronzer and brush I've ever used!!!
Honey Bronzing Powder, The Body Shop $18.50

6. Technology with style.
Duchess iPad Case, Etsy - helekstudio $89

7. Statement accessory.
Infinity Scarf by Rubbish, Nordstrom $24

8. Dream and action gifts.
1,000 Places to See Before You Die, Amazon $12.96

9. Decorative trays.
Martha Stewart DIY Decorative Tray - make one or buy one.

10. A great coffee table book.
The Perfectly Imperfect Home, Barnes and Noble $20

11. Something for holiday spirit.
Santa Cookie Plate and Ceramic Milk Carton, Table Top Christmas $20

12. Don't forget you can always make a donation to your special someone's favorite charity in their name.

And for another gift...you can enter the giveaway I'll be posting THIS Thursday!

Happy Birthday, Jesus

2011-12-05T08:01:00.000-08:00

We decorated our tree this weekend! With all of the colors, we decided it was a Birthday tree for Jesus. I think it turned out beautiful, and it is much brighter and prettier in person. I am waiting until after Christmas to purchase a few more large bulbs to fill out the rest of our tree for next year. We also incorporated the handful of special, sentimental ornaments we've collected thus far.

Our good friend, Wes, also came down to Tucson to visit us. He even helped Dashing pull weeds in the back yard! He is a doll. He and Dashing are a hoot to be around. Yes, they ordered this margarita for two and shared it.

We also visited the Oro Valley 25 ft. tree and Christmas festival. We since have had Christmas music on non-stop. Love the holidays and what it means - celebrating Christ and spending time with loved ones.

PS.....Stay tuned for some Christmas giveaways! Sharing cheer and giving is part of the holiday spirit!

We wish you a Merry Christmas...

2011-12-02T10:35:00.000-08:00

We picked a tree!

We do live in Arizona, so typically December weather still feels like early fall. But we got the full cold weather while picking out a tree experience last night. It included rain and a few of my fingers turning completely white - I should have taken a photo. We got the full "I can see my breath" weather.

Anyways..... Dashing and our tree!

It smells glorious. If it were a candle scent, I would name it North Pole. Our cat Sophie loves the new tree too!

As of this morning, our tree still looks like Sophie's picture - it's on the floor. We tried to use a plastic base from Walmart. Total fail. Lesson: Plastic does not adequately hold up a 7 foot tree. I couldn't sleep last night, so I was at Home Depot this morning at the crack of dawn buying a real metal one.

I can't wait until we will decorate it with lights and all. My tree inspiration is below. I'm think color blocking for Christmas!

Source: brightbazaar.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

The Christmas Season has Begun!

2011-12-01T07:14:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited that is December 1st! This to me truly marks the beginning of the Christmas season (in complete opposition to retailers who believe this starts in October.)

Tonight, Dashing and I are going to go get my FIRST real Christmas tree. I grew up with artificial trees - and I'm perfectly ok with a full, straight, non-shedding tree. Dashing, however, is not. So, off we'll go to get one of these....

Source: google.com via Julie on Pinterest

I can't wait for us to decorate it. I'm inspired by the trees at our local Fry's grocery store....Aren't they beautiful!

If you have any tips or tricks regarding real trees.....I'd love to hear them!

Words of Wisdom Wednesdays

2011-11-30T08:08:00.001-08:00

Source: sunshineandpearls.tumblr.com via Sara on Pinterest

A Happier Holiday Memory

2011-11-29T14:58:00.000-08:00

So yes, there was a little bit of an accident over the Thanksgiving weekend, but that didn't stop us from getting into the Christmas spirit! We went to the Phoenix Zoo Lights with the family. They get better every year! We did notice one animal set missing this year though - the group of mating gorillas. You read that right. Every year since I can remember going they have had mating gorillas as one of the lighting arrangements - they must have finally figured out that it wasn't quite appropriate for this audience. The rest of the light displays were beautiful.....

Notice band-aid covering Dashing's forehead.

A Thanksgiving weekend accident that had nothing to do with deep fried turkeys

2011-11-28T07:57:00.000-08:00

Did you know that there have been 141 cases of extremely serious injuries in the last decade that have resulted from deep frying turkeys. Yikes. I'll let William Shatner explain those dangers....

But this story has nothing to do with that.

Engagement Photos in Spring 2010

On Friday, it seemed like all members of the immediate family were off doing separate things - lunch with other friends and family members, craft fairs, etc. Dashing was left behind at his parents' home to sleep, play video games, hang Christmas decorations (which he loves) or whatever until about 1pm when his mother and I were going to meet up with him for lunch followed by attending Arizona State University's football game that evening. Apparently he decided to cruise around town in his vintage 1965 mustang (the one from our engagement photos).

It was about lunch time when the phone call came in Caller ID: Dashing "Um, do you have jumper cables...." followed by "well, my car (the mustang) died at the intersection, so I jumped out to push it and the corner of the vent window cut my forehead. I think I might need to go to the Emergency Department." Remember, Dashing works in the ED in another town, so on his day off, the last thing he wants to do is to go to the ED.

I'm thinking "cut." As in the length of a typical paper cut. Like, Ok, maybe he needs some of that dermabond glue for a little cut. His mother and I show up on the scene and his forehead is drenched in blood even with the random piece of paper he found in his car to put pressure on the wound. I will spare you these pre-hospital photos. This "cut" starts at his hairline in the center of his forehead and runs vertically down to the bridge of his nose. [warning: gory detail line] I couldn't even really look at it as chunks of flesh were dangling from the site of the wound. A bit was even left on the window. Yes - I know - I should be and am thankful for the fact that he had no head trauma from the hit, nor was he hit by another car - but I did still think of the cosmetic implications of this kind of nasty gash. I must admit, Frankenstein did come to mind.You'll see what I mean below.

Now, it was lunch time, and so before we went to the ED, we went and sat and ate lunch. Yup. This is how a medical family rolls.

Anyways, a few hours + a tetanus shot + 10 real (no glue) stitches later....

Now do you see the resemblence????!!! Oh, Dashing. I will love you no matter what.

The stitches will be removed in a few days, and he'll be taking care of the wound to minimize scaring. I'll post a photo in a few weeks to show progress. We are very lucky that after the whole car dying in the middle of a busy part of town that this this the only thing that happened. He is doing just fine, and his spirits are up. Last night, he even said "You know, I think this scar will be pretty awesome."

On a side note: We had a wonderful Thursday turkey Thanksgiving with homemade, state-fair blue ribbon winning pumpkin pies - you may not believe this, but the maker of these pies is my one and only 6 foot 5 in burly father- in-law! I will share a few of the pie making secrets soon.

Words of Wisdom Wednesdays

2011-11-23T07:12:00.001-08:00

Source: cardiganempire.com via Heather on Pinterest

Happy THANKSgiving.

Sincerely,
Sara Cate

Monday Catch Up

2011-11-21T08:45:00.000-08:00

I'll be catching up on reading other blogs today. However, I must say it is quite difficult to avoid reading the reviews of Twilight's Breaking Dawn. I didn't get to see it this weekend, and I'm going to have to wait a few more days.
Hope you all had a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Sara Cate

Enjoy

2011-11-18T12:35:00.000-08:00

I hope you have a relaxing weekend.............and enjoy Breaking Dawn!

Source: google.com via Joni on Pinterest

Words of Wisdom Wednesdays

2011-11-16T07:29:00.000-08:00

I recently heard about a growing local organization that is working to promote small acts of kindness. Ben's Bells was started by a mother (and university professor) who suddenly lost her three year old son to a surprise illness. She found it almost impossible to move forward in life, but found that when a stranger held a door, smiled, offered the extra penny needed at the checkout, helped pick up a dropped grocery bag made all the difference in her strength to live.

Source: ffffound.com via Felicity on Pinterest

I too experienced this during and even after my cancer treatments. When I wore my wigs, I looked normal from the outside, but my insides were sick, spirits sometimes low, and self-esteem sometimes plummeting. When someone shared a small act of kindness, it brought me warmth and hope. Thank you to all those who allowed me to feel that even during moments of darkness. I feel like I always preach it, and here it is again, it's the small things in life that matter.

Do something kind today.

I'd love to hear from you!........

POST A COMMENT to share something someone has done for you that made a difference in your day. I'd love to hear about how the small things stay with us all.

Source: google.com via Felicity on Pinterest

Pepper Design and EmersonMade Made My Day!

2011-11-15T06:39:00.000-08:00

I am so giddy this morning as I was just informed by Morgan at Pepper Design Blog that I won her EmersonMade giveaway! Have you checked out EmersonMade? If no, I suggest you go....like now...and peruse all of the beauty that is EmersonMade! The Fall Line is the in process of being rolled out.

Thank you to the lovely and talented Morgan at PDB for the giveaway! Check out PDB for great style, home design, and DIYs!

Sincerely,
Sara Cate

Weekend Update with Sara Cate

2011-11-14T06:11:00.000-08:00

Breaking News! Dashing and I actually got ONE WHOLE UNINTERRUPTED DAY TOGETHER this weekend. Let me tell you that this is AMAZING as our schedules for work always seem to overlap. So, we went walking through Tucson's Sabino Canyon. It was beautiful, and so much fun. It was nice to talk without knowing there was an expiration time on our conversation because one of us had to go to work. Ahh, the simple things in life.

I made it to the TOP.......of the rock that is!

In OTHER news. I have resorted to taking pictures of myself before I get out the car to go anywhere. This was prompted when I was at work, walked into the bathroom, looked in the mirror and realized my hair was a mess and I had oatmeal on my face from breakfast! That was an interesting day.

And finally, the last piece of news. I stopped at my favorite Tucson neighborhood coffee shop, the Bake House, this weekend and got a HOT drink (I typically get iced lattes), and found they had the most intelligent coffee sleeves ever! Look! It actually covers the whole cup. Brilliant.

Hope you had a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

Sara Cate

Be Aggressive, B-E Aggressive

2011-11-10T07:35:00.000-08:00

Does anyone remember this 1990s (and older) cheer? As a little league cheerleader, this was one of our go-to cheers Be aggressive, B-E aggressive. However, when I moved on to middle and high school cheer, we wouldn't have been caught dead cheering this out at a legitimate football or basketball game. Last night, that all changed.

I went to a University of Arizona basketball game last night. Now, first of all, you have to understand that this was slightly difficult to root for the red and blue as my alma mater is UofA's big time state rival Arizona State University (Go Devils!). However, since I work for UofA and my husband is in medicine here, I have converted to a split household fan. Plus, UofA is far better at basketball than ASU is anyways. So, onto the story. UofA was playing Duquesne University. If you just said to yourself, "Who?". Don't worry, I did too. Apparently it's a private catholic university in Pittsburgh with about 6,000 undergraduate students. Anyways, I figured that if I had never heard of them, our 16th ranked UofA Wildcats would have a field day with them. I was wrong.

This DU team was feisty, ball-thieving, rascals forcing 21 turnovers! We looked like we were being bullied around by a big brother, one who had a foot of height, 50 more lbs of body weight, and a wiffle ball bat. (not a real baseball bat, that would be violent! By the second half with us trailing by 8, I joked with my friend who brought me to the game that our Wildcats looked like they needed to be more aggressive, B-E aggressive. After a moment of laughter, friend loudly shouted into the crowd "BE AGGRESSIVE B-E AGGRESSIVE!" repeatedly. Yes, this cheer was busted out loudly, and the crazy part, I feel like it totally worked! We went from down 8 to ahead by 11 within minutes, clutching the win for the Wildcats. How wild is that! Love it!

Words of Wisdom Wednesdays

2011-11-09T06:09:00.000-08:00

Today I'm sharing Words of Wisdom I found in a recent post of Paloma over at La Dolce Vita. When someone says something so beautifully, you shouldn't try to re-word it. So here it is....
I think this quote is a great reminder for us all.
Sincerely,
Sara Cate

Source: myonlyinstinct.tumblr.com via Paloma on Pinterest

Weekend Love

2011-11-08T08:01:00.000-08:00

I loved this past weekend. Dashing had 2 1/2 days off IN A ROW. I must tell you that this hardly ever happens. I loved every minute of it. So with all of these hours (as in a whole 60 of them!!!), what did we do?

I made Andi's (from Can You Stay for Dinner) Chicken Tikka Masala.

It was SOOOO delicious. Dashing ate it (which is success step 1)! THEN to really put the cherry on top. He ate the leftovers the next day. Let me tell you....Dashing NEVER eats leftovers. This should scream out to you TRY THIS RECIPE! I made Saffron Rice and steamed cauliflower to accompany this yummy dish. We ate it all before photos...so I used Andie's photo. Her photo is prettier anyways!

I also made homemade Pesto with basil given to me from a co-workers garden. To 3 cups basil, just add 1/2 c. toasted pine nuts, 1/8 c. grape seed oil (or to taste), a little salt to a food processor. You'll be in heaven! We used it as dip and then I made pesto grilled chicken. I marinated the chicken in the pesto in a ziplock bag in the fridge for a few hours, then Dashing grilled away. So yummy.

We also had a fantastic date night out to this place called Zin Burger in Tucson. Seriously Fabulous burgers, sweet potato fries, and cookies and cream shakes. Dashing saw one of his Emergency Department attendings (ie: physicians done with training) there. She has two beautiful young boys. Dashing introduced himself to the one boy and instead of saying hi or on the flip side, being bashful, he said "I like tacos." HAHAHA. It reminded me of this classic YouTube video.

We then traveled the 2 hours north to Phoenix, Arizona for our cousin's wedding at the "majestic" Royal Palms - that's quoting their website. It's a beautiful boutique hotel that hosts Presidents and celebrities regularly. Needless to say it was beautiful. It's always fun to go to a wedding to remind you and your husband of the vows you took too. Such a wonderful moment to celebrate love and tradition. Swoon....

I was concerned with my hair.....Here's how my hair turned out. I think it was alright. I was emotionally ok with it. I thought my dress and Dashing's tux rocked though!

Congratulations and best wishes to the couple!

Sincerely,
Sara Cate

These are the days when I wish I had long hair

2011-11-03T05:07:00.000-07:00

This weekend, Dashing’s cousin will be getting married – a black tie event. Dashing will look dashing in his full bow-tie tux and 5 o’clock shadow. I will showcase a cocktail length black fitted dress with classic sleeves and a great pair of black patent leather peep-toe heels………AND sporting my I-didn't-choose-it short hair style/cut. I never have been a short haired girl, so that's what makes this even tougher. To me, events like this scream for me to have long hair (Hence, I wore a long wig at my own wedding).

I want the LC waves

Source: people.com via BreAnn on Pinterest

or georgeous updo bun

Source: andeelayne.blogspot.com via Brittiany on Pinterest

or a trendy side style

Source: google.com via Jenna on Pinterest

So these are the days when I am again upset, dare I say even a little angry, that I had I had to go through this.

Those days will never leave my memory, and my hair is still a constant physical reminder of what happened only 18 months ago.

These are the days when I wish I had long hair - long hair because it would mean this never happened.

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

2011-11-02T07:02:00.000-07:00

Ifyou think yourself a victim, you'll act the part. But if you think yourself aproblem-solver, you'll figure things out. If you think your work is difficult,you won't be disappointed. But if you enjoy a challenge, you'll find yourselfengaged. If you think your boss is an idiot, she'll live up to yourexpectations. But if you find her thought-provoking, your perception alters.You decide what thoughts fill your day. - Nan Russell

11 (painfully) honest things...

2011-11-01T08:17:00.000-07:00

It was so much fun playing the Duchess yesterday, and I absolutely adored seeing the dolled-up trick-or-treat-ers bounding up my sidewalk last night. I would have loved to have taken pictures of some of the munchkins but clearly realize that parents would think I was a devient so I resisted. So, transitioning from being someone else yesterday (Kate Middleton that is), I'm going to share some things about the real me.

Ages ago, I was totally inspired by blogger The Whole Kristen Caboodle to write 10 painfully honest things about myself. I apparently started this, saved it as a draft, and just stumbled upon it today. So I set out to finish writing all 10 plus one for good measure (and by that I mean 11). For those who know me well, digging deep and letting it out has been a tough thing for me to learn how to do, so I am completely not surprised a half-finished, painfully-dig-deep post has sat in my draft posts for so long. So, this is a good test for me to see how far along I've come with reaching a place called comfortable in my own skin.

11. I am a terrible window shopper. I hate looking at things I can't buy. I simply won't go to the mall/retail store unless I am going to be purchasing something.

Tory Bruch Store in Hong Kong - isn't it beautiful!

10. I have patience. I just think it takes a vacation now an then.

9. I love iced lattes. I claim that I don't need them for the espresso caffeine, but refuse to get them decaf claiming "what am I paying for then!" Hmmmmm. I may be misguided here.

How do they do those designs!

Source: tumblr.com via rebecca on Pinterest

8. I have left dishes, laundry, and trash to do just to see if Dashing will do it without prompting. However, I have come to realize that if I just simply ask, it ~~will usually~~ will get done. If I don't ask - it's on me.

7. My dream job is to be a domestic goddess. Inspirations include stylist like Mrs. Lilien, cook like The Pioneer Woman, an artist like Caitlin McGauley, an interior designer like Erin Gates of Elements of Style, provide comedic relief like The Blogess, have wardrobes like 9 to 5 Chic, Atlantic Pacific, and Sweet Caroline, Lauren Conrad, and Olivia Palermo and of course, be a wonderful wife and mother.

Source: thechloeconspiracy.com via Sara on Pinterest

6. I once took an ATM cash withdraw from Dashing and my joint bank account to go buy a shirt I wanted so the retailer's name wouldn't show up on our bank statement. I only did this once and no more!

5. I compare my body size to others and will make myself upset with my current size and shape.

4. I will rationalize with myself that eating mega servings of ~~chocolate chip cookies~~ [insert any kind of food or sweet here] is the same caloric intake as eating one because it's the same food. Slightly self-destructive here as this is obviously not true.

3. I am irritated by odd things like: "just two for dinner" YES hostess, just two. My husband and I are very happy coming to dinner JUST us two. How about you say, "two for dinner?" Thank you. Also, I know these songs have a great meaning, but "live like you're dying" songs miss a major point. Every day we live, we are closer to death. Therefore you should live life to its fullest BECAUSE you're dying. Think about it in a philosophical and inspiring way - not as a downer. Finally, I hate it when my three favorite radio stations are all playing the same song at the same time. There are a billion songs out there and you can't seem to find a different one to play?

2. I find myself making backhanded comments (especially to my husband) more than I'd like to admit. I'm working on this.

1. Ugh, one more! I've shared lots of painfully honest things so far. This is exhausting. Ok, last one. I have a tendency to judge MY self-worth based on my salary and job title. What's crazy is that in my heart, I value my personal life, memories, experiences, future plans, and accomplishments so much more. So, I'm not sure why this matters in the grand scheme of things, but for some reason, it apparently does.

Happy Halloween - From SNL and The Duchess

2011-10-31T10:19:00.000-07:00

I love celebrating Halloween! This weekend, Dashing and I went to a Halloween party for his Emergency Department group. We dressed as the SNL skit "The Barry Gibb Talk Show" with Jimmy Fallon as Barry Gibb and Justin Timberlake as Robin Gibb (these are the brothers from the Bee Gees). If you haven't had the pleasure of experiencing this skit, you absolutely must!!! We went all out with the white suits, "chest hair" and "crazy, cool medallions" (all skit references).


Check out the nifty chest hair and long wig on this Dashing 70s icon!

My next Halloween challenge was to find a work appropriate outfit that I could attend all kinds of professional meetings in (how did I end up with 5 important work meetings on Halloween!). I really just wanted to wear jeans and go as a cowgirl, yet something told me this outfit at a department meeting with The Boss (another SNL video reference). So, I came up with a way to express Halloween in the classiest of ways.....no other than Kate Middleton, excuse me, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.

Tonight, I'm making dinner for Dashing and me - I'm thinking Chicken with Pesto, wild rice, and a salad with a pumpkin mousse pockets to finish it off. We're hoping we get lots of trick-or-treat-ers too as this is our first time living in a neighborhood for Halloween!

Happy Halloween!!!

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

2011-10-26T05:30:00.000-07:00

It's the small things in life

2011-10-25T11:24:00.000-07:00

After posting about our trip, I got to thinking...what was my most favorite part of the vacation?

I can tell you it definitely was not the emotional breakdown I had over Dashing's lack of free time during his Emergency Medicine residency and his stand off reaction (we're not perfect. we just continue to communicate to work it out - and that's just what we did). That was an important piece to share to segue to my favorite part. After a long, positive, encouraging, and heartfelt conversation that night on the beach and a good night's sleep, we went on a walk the next morning, hand in hand, laughing about past memories and what we were excited about for our future. We then got silly and started walking around Coronado with funny gallops, skips, and strides without a care in the world - like children frolicking in the backyard as the parents secretly giggle at the shenanigans happening in front of them. We didn't care if we looked funny - we were enjoying each others company and laughter. So even the fun moments of whooshing down a roller-coaster slope or eating the most delicious of Disneyland treats (Yum Dole Pineapple Whip!), the best moment was simply gallivanting hand in hand, laughing and smiling, with my Dashing.

To Infinity and Beyond....and then back to reality

2011-10-24T15:42:00.000-07:00

A vacation was a much needed and welcomed event this past week. This was Dashing's first time since the beginning of June having more than 36 continuous hours off from his Emergency Medicine residency schedule - he had two whole weeks actually! It was great to get to see him relax - let alone see him at all!

During the first part of our trip, I read blogs during downtime with the sounds of the Coronado, California ocean waves crashing in the background and rays of a cool sun blanketing my SPF covered skin. I took brisk walks with the family on the beloved Coronado island (technically a peninsula). We ate at some of my favorite restaurants - if you're ever there, try Bali Hai in San Diego, the Village Pizzaria on Coronado, and The Fisherman's Restaurant in San Clemente. We played cards in the evenings while sipping on smooth Coco Loco pina coladas and relaxed the days away.

The second part of the trip was high energy as we all (that's 6 adults and my 5 month old niece) ventured north to Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. This is part of our yearly trip, and we embrace it every year. Disneyland is definitely not just for kids as this was the first time (out of the 6 years I've been going with Dashing's family) that we have even had a child with us adults!

The jolly music, the smells of cinnamon and sugar, the lights of fantasy, and the feel of being transported into a whole new world (Aladdin pun intended) draws a smile to your face without you even realizing it.

Dashing and my self-photo shoot in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle. It was very overcast. There was a lot of squinting involved. You do not want to see what my photos sans sunglasses looked like...ok they were funny.

My niece (and as of last Saturday, goddaughter!) was enthralled with all of the action and hardly slept a wink! I guess the lack of sleep could have also been from us continuously sticking Minnie Mouse ears on her - it was cute though! Dashing and I were also wide-eyed indulging in our favorite old and new rides.

Favorite new ride:At the new Star Tours 3d Ride.

One of our favorite old rides: Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters. YUP that 228,300 is my score - beating Dashing by almost 100,000. I rock at zapping aliens.

Our favorite Disney's California Adventure ride California Screamin' roller coaster. From top left to bottom right, Sara Cate, Dashing, MIL, SIL Miss E.

Miss E (SIL), Dashing, Miss E's Hubs, Sara Cate

I hope you all had a wonderful week. After buzzing off to infinity and beyond, I am now back to reality.

Sincerely,
Sara Cate

Winner winner winner

2011-10-20T12:56:00.000-07:00

I am currently at the happiest place on earth...Disneyland! So I am announcing the winner from a bench just around the corner from Sleeping Beauty's Castle.I want to thank Sandy from ForYoo for offering this giveaway.Her products are amazing and she is offering a deal to all readers! Visit her store ForYoo on Etsy and use the code SWEETDEAL2011 for 10% off!!! And her Facebook page.And drumroll please.......The randomly selected winner is ....Miss Southern PrepPlease send me your email address to claim your prize!Thank you to all who entered! And to new followers, I am so looking forward to getting to know you through your blogs!Sincerely,Sara Cate

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

2011-10-19T08:41:00.000-07:00

Well, I am currently vacationing in Coronado, California. I'm enjoying the sun, the fog, the beach, and of course, the view of the beautiful and historic Hotel del Coronado.

So for Words of Wisdom Wednesday today, I'll give you a little piece of history.

The 1959 movie "Some Like it Hot" with Marilyn Monroe was filmed here at the Hotel Del. The epic last line of the movie gives some great words of wisom.

"Well, nobody's perfect!"

Giveaway Reminder:

Remember today is the final day to enter my Etsy Giveaway by For Yoo! All you have to do is comment! Giveaway entries will close today (Wednesday 19th) at 5pm EST, and the winner will be announced Thursday morning.

For Yoo Offers traditional wood mounted and self inking stamps. All For Yoo stamps are individually made one by one with much care and attention. Custom and made to order, For Yoo stamps are individualized for a unique touch to your paper goods for home, office, or personal occasion.

Visit For Yoo on Facebook

Sincerely,

Sara Cate

Giveaway reminder!!!

2011-10-18T09:10:00.000-07:00

Remember to check out my First Giveaway posted yesterday from Etsy shop For Yoo!Sincerely,Sara Cate

GIVEAWAY!!!

2011-10-17T11:45:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to announce to you my very first giveaway!!! I have two of these myself, and I love to gift them as housewarming presents.

What is it you ask??

A self inking return address stamp from For Yoo on Etsy! These stamps not only look lovely and exude style, they actually work so well! One lucky random winner will win one self inking return address stamp in the design of their choice courtesy of Sandy at For Yoo! Visit Sandy's For Yoo Etsy page http://www.etsy.com/shop/foryoo and check out all of her beautiful things! Southern ladies... This is another way to monogram your things too! Gotta love it!

How to enter: get up to two entries for the random drawing! It is easy! Contest will end Wednesday, October 19 at 5pm EST. Winner will be drawn at random and announced on Thursday morning.

1) one entry for posting a comment on my blog

2) a second entry available for posting about this giveaway on your blog OR Facebook status. Just leave a comment of where you shared it!

I guarantee you'll love these stamps as much as I do!

Sincerely,
Sara Cate

Big Things to Come

2011-10-13T13:08:00.000-07:00

1. FRIDAY: Appointment with my Radiation Oncologist for a 1 1/2 year check up! Everything is looking good and hoping for another clear report.
2. FRIDAY: Cousin is getting married in my Dashing in-laws backyard. Photos next week!
3. SATURDAY: Niece's baptism - Dashing and I are going to be her godparents! Photos next week!
4. SUNDAY: California....Here we come!
AND......
5. MONDAY: My FIRST giveaway will be ANNOUNCED ON MONDAY! I am so excited! You'll love it.

Until Monday.....Have a glamorous weekend !

Source: weheartit.com via Mallory on Pinterest

Sincerely,
Sara Cate

Words of Wisdom Wednesday - What a day!

2011-10-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

What a day! This day has started off beautifully, thanks to all my bloggy followers and friends.

First, I logged on to my google reader to find that I won Hannah from The New Black's Postcard giveaway from UPrinting! Thanks to Hannah and UPrinting for the postcards! Be sure to visit her blog too!

Then, I logged onto my blog and discovered I hit 100 followers!!! I think that is cause for a little celebration! Stay tuned for a giveaway announcement soon to celebrate 100! A big thank you to all!

AND it's Words of Wisdom Wednesday! YAY

"Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day." H.Jackson Brown, Jr.

It's beginning to look a lot like....FALL

2011-10-11T08:10:00.000-07:00

Arizona had its first stint of cold weather this last week. And by cold, I mean in the low 70s. That means it's frigid to an Arizonan! This got me really feeling like fall.

I wore a sweater....and drooled over a fall outfits that I want to buy...like these.....

Source: kendieveryday.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: shop.nordstrom.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: None via Sara on Pinterest

Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

I made ~~a few dozen~~ some Pumpkin Scones adapted from a Brown Eyed Baker Recipe. (I added 1 more tablespoons of pumpkin, extra nutmeg, 1/4 tsp. allspice, 1/4 c. more flour - I used oat flour for the whole thing - , and topped it a homemade caramel drizzle in addition to the glaze). I did share them - and they were a big hit!

Source: browneyedbaker.com via Sara on Pinterest

I also went and purchased a few pumpkins to decorate the front porch AND stuffed a black cauldron with fabric batting as a bubbling dining room table centerpiece with some candle sticks.

What's next on my fall agenda?
1. Go to an apple orchard or pumpkin patch.
2. Head to Coronado, CA for a fall break vacation (Week of Oct 16)
3. Bake these Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes from the Not So Simple Housewife:

Source: notsosimplehousewife.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

Happy Fall!

Sincerely,
Sara Cate

In Rememberance

2011-10-06T14:52:00.000-07:00

My purse, pocket, car, and home are filled with Apple products. My Dashing converted us a few years ago. The visionary behind how we now live our everyday lives revolutionized the way we use our technology - but did you know he could also tug on your heart strings and challenge your being? I was sent this video only a few months ago from my brother-in-law, and I really appreciated Steve Job's words. If you haven't watched the entire Stanford commencement address, I suggest you do.

Words of Wisdom Wednesdays

2011-10-05T08:55:00.001-07:00

made on Wondersay - Animate text with style

The Dash - It's all about how you got there

2011-10-04T14:10:00.000-07:00

The title of this post is The Dash - which actually comes from a poem a close friend shared many years ago [watch The Dash Poem Movie here]. It's not as much about where you began or where you end, but it IS about what you do in the meantime.

So, I’ve been actively working on myself the past month – doing things I enjoy doing, making tweeks in my temperament, and pardoning my flaws. I am ready to start sharing some things I’ve done [and love to do] to help me become closer to the woman I want to be. This will be a continuous thing I'll post about!

Arts and crafts of all kinds. I’ll share my bookcase re-do soon, and next up I’ll be working on painting a canvas.

Spending time with family and friends. I flew out to Indiana to see my dad, and have spent time with my in-laws and niece. I also went dress shopping with a best friend – so special.

rocker niece

Reading not just girlie magazines, but books too – yes, those ones with lots of non-glossy pages. I read The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion and am finishing up Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project (I like the Rubin’s book a lot. On the other hand, Didion somewhat comes across as un-emotional and pompous - but that is just my opinion.)

Volunteering as an alumna advisor for my sorority.

Watching football. Dashing and I looked into playing a little fantasy football. After two weeks of us forgetting to make team line-ups for that week's game, we gave up. But we still love watching!

Working out regularly. I'm loving Jamie Eason's bodybuilding.com program - It's FREE TOO! Anytime Dashing is working late and won't be home, I just got to the gym. Although in the last 4 weeks I've not been near as much as I would like to have been, I'm not punishing myself for it because I've been doing other important things too (see above).

Watching my favorite TV shows and not feeling guilty that I was a couch potato. Hey, if I enjoy watching Project Runway, Glee, Dexter (I know, 180 degrees from Glee!), How I Met Your Mother, and all things Food Network, then it's worth spending my time doing!

Tell me....what do you love doing?!

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

2011-09-28T10:49:00.001-07:00

Source: lilhoot.blogspot.com via Janet on Pinterest

Words of Wisdom Wednesdays

2011-09-21T09:06:00.001-07:00

Source: lavenderandlilies.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

Words of Wisdom Wednesdays

2011-09-14T08:38:00.000-07:00

To balance out (not in opposition, but to complement) the trend of Wordless Wednesday posts, I am going to start my own Words of Wisdom Wednesdays for continued inspiration and thought provocation. Well, it may be more for the my soul more than anything else. Anyways....here it goes.

Source: sunnydia.tumblr.com via Sara on Pinterest

A Little Perspective

2011-09-06T11:54:00.000-07:00

I found this guest post on The Wiegand's blog. Miss Ariel of A Beautiful Journey is only 21, but has such insight into life. I feel like this post has some relevance to my life as I frequently still feel like I'm 27, married, and a working gal, who is living the life of a college student - renting a home, not yet financially ready to start a family, unable to furnish the house with our style of decor, watching pennies, no vacations (nor honeymoon). Being married to a resident whom just finished 8 years of education does not equal the glamorous life of a doctor's wife. Sacrifices have been made, and will continue to be made for the length of Dashing's career, now finances and time and later mainly time away from home. I think about the sacrifices we've made, where we are, and why it seems like everyone else is where they want to be (I know this isn't true, but it sometimes still feels like it!). Anyways, here is the post to keep things in perspective....

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Avoidance

2011-08-19T09:46:00.000-07:00

There are certain things in this world that I must say I avoid:
shellfish, sketchy people on street corners, snack and dessert aisles
in the grocery store, chatty masseuses, and kitten adoption tables (I'm weak).
Each of these has a different reason for why I avoid them, yet yields
the same result. It prevents an outcome or confrontation. I have been
doing the same with my blog recently. My last few posts shared my
excitement for my golden 27th birthday. However, the entrance of
another year of life brought along some unexpected feelings. On the
evening on my Wednesday birthday, Dashing on a late shift at the
hospital, I relaxed at home, solo, making a little dinner (a dish I knew my
Dashing wouldn't want to eat, but one I love), read a little on my new
iPad (thank you dad!!), watched a little TV and crawled into bed. I
actually enjoyed my evening of me focusing on me, but wondered what
kinds of things make me truly happy and now can I focus on making
myself the best me. Kicking avoidance (at least in some situations)
would be a start. I have been avoiding my blog because I would have to
admit that I question what hobbies bring me the most joy, that I have
faults of guilt and jealousy, and feel that my work channeling classy
ladies like Jackie O and modern women like Kate Spade only to result
in a Kristen Whig SNL rendition of these ladies. I know in my heart
that I am kind, loving, respectful, and supportive. I just want to
grow into the woman that I know I am. This blog will help me face my
feelings of insecurities and questions as it forces me to look into a
mirror, not with criticism or remorse, but with a lens of continuous
growth and improvement.

The Birthday Girl

2011-07-27T14:18:00.000-07:00

Today is my 27th birthday, and it is truly wonderful.

I'll be back later with recaps.

Happy birthday, ME!

Photo borrowed from Semi Gloss Chic

Gold Luxury

2011-07-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

My Golden Birthday is almost here (27 on the 27th). So, here are some of my favorite [Golden] things.....

Gold Elephant Accessories: I heart elephants in design elements. I've spent significant amounts of time with elephant accessories, so I cannot speak to how much I actually like the entire species of elephants, but I think I'd like them too.

Gold mirror: I've been really swooning over unique gold guilder mirrors and venetian mirrors recently. They are such statement pieces.

Gold sequence fashion: I'm loving the sparkle in these pieces. JCrew recently paired a gold shirt with a casual top and I thought it was gorgeous. Gold fashion can frequently go wrong - so watch out - no gold leggings or spandex allowed!

Source: smadirty.tumblr.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Gold nesting/nightstand bowls: Any kind of jewelry bowl makes me happy. I love making my jewelry into a beautiful vignette when I'm not wearing it. My pretty jewelry deserves a pretty place to rest. I particularly love these Olive and Cocoa gold gilded bowls.

Source: oliveandcocoa.com via Vanessa on Pinterest

Gold Pendant Necklace: I think gold pendant necklaces, especially monogrammed ones, can go with almost every outfit. You can definitely "make it work!"

Source: catbirdnyc.com via Andrea on Pinterest

Have your birthday cake and eat it too

2011-07-22T06:16:00.000-07:00

The past two years have been quite a journey. It's time to celebrate life and count my blessings. So, for this birthday especially, I think I'll have my cake and eat it too!

Happy Friday! Enjoy your cake!

Source: la-lalinh.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: recipegirl.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: ohdeedoh.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: None via Sara on Pinterest

My Golden Birthday - My Lust List

2011-07-20T06:03:00.000-07:00

It is one week until my Golden Birthday - 27 on the 27th. I love my birthdays! Over the next week I'll be posting birthday related things. The first - my lust list. Although I am most excited to spend my birthday celebrating with the people I love, I still can have a gift lust list :) I just adore these things, and I think you'll see why! Happy Wednesday!

1. Personalized iPhone Case: Dani Notes on Etsy makes beautiful ones!

Source: etsy.com via Sara on Pinterest

2. Pandora Bracelet: Love that each charm has a special meaning for the wearer.

Source: fab-hairstyles.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

3. These J Brand Jeans

Source: thesartorialist.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

4. This J.Crew top

Source: notwithoutheels.com via Sara on Pinterest

5. This travel bag from Saltbox NYC

Source: saltboxnyc.com via Sara on Pinterest

6. This Horchow floor mirror

Source: horchow.com via Sara on Pinterest

7. An awesome oversized watch

Source: michaelkors.com via Sara on Pinterest

8. These crazy expensive currently unattainable David Yurman Earrings

Source: saksfifthavenue.com via Sara on Pinterest

9. Pink Peonies

Source: elementsofstyleblog.com via Sara on Pinterest

10. Quartz Lamp

Source: shadesoflight.com via JaimeeRose on Pinterest

Source: lillysnotebook.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

11. Lucite Legged Bench

12. SLR Camera

Source: google.com via Sara on Pinterest

13. Tufted Headboard

Source: tuftedfurniture.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

14. Shun Kitchen Knives

Source: sodahead.com via Sara on Pinterest

Trip to Tombstone

2011-07-19T06:35:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, we drove through this....

to get here....

to Tombstone, Arizona. The real Wild West! We saw the famous O.K. Corral

where the Wyatt Earp gun fight went down. See what happened by watching this movie...

The town...

has this saloon restaurant where we ate...

Isn't the bar so cool! I love the old wood, the arches, and the mirrors. Sarsaparilla anyone?

I'm glad we didn't get into any gun fights and end up here....

The Tombstone Courthouse. I love its historic-ness. Is that a word?

So if I've got you in the mood for a good, hearty southwest BBQ treat, check out The Pioneer Woman's Spicy Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork and Cilantro Jalapeno Slaw. It's delightful. All of your guests will want seconds.

Source: thepioneerwoman.com via Sara on Pinterest

Publish Post

Retail Therapy and Latte Delights

2011-07-14T08:39:00.000-07:00

~~Unfortunately~~ This post is not about shopping. In fact, it is the exact opposite - retail therapy to stop purchases. I've recently found a ways to discourage yourself from swiping your credit card for impulse purchases like when you Sephora just because you feel like getting a new $40 blush (or is that just me?). Anyways, Dashing and I recently combined all of our accounts on a financial management/planner website Mint.com. Although this website provides all sorts of pretty little charts and graphs, it very clearly shows your husband how much you've been spending on items like cosmetics and coffee. Can I say self-guilt trip?

So, Dashing looked at me and said, "Honey, do you know you've spend $100 on coffee in the last 20 days?" Ouch. I'm thinking in my head, oh Starbucks venti, iced, non-fat latte how I adore thee.....so I replied, "ummm, yeah, I guess that sounds about right." I immediately got THE LOOK. I knew right then and there that my pleasant Starbucks mornings were no longer going to continue. I knew that if I swiped my little plastic card at any coffee shop, mint.com was going to tell on me. Crap. I had to figure out a new way to get my latte fix without the cost. OOOh this reminds me of a latte colored dress Kate Middleton wore!

Source: google.com via Sara on Pinterest

..........Stay focused Sara Cate! No retail thoughts!..............

Moving on.........Iced Latte at home:

Pretend you're making your iced latte in this beautiful kitchen:

Source: heirloomphilosophy.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

There are a lot of iced coffee recipes out there, and I've tried them. They completely work, and I think are very good. However, I wanted something I could make quickly each morning with more of an espresso taste. So ~~finally~~ here is my at home Iced Latte recipe:

1-2 oz. water

3 Tbl. instant expresso powder (I use Medaglia D'Oro)

2 tsp. Splenda

non-fat milk

ice

Fill glass with 2-3 oz. of water

Add 3 Tbl (or to your liking) of instant espresso

Add 2 tsp. Splenda (or as much as you like)

Add milk & ice

Tada! Latte at home. Enjoy.

Another Milestone

2011-07-12T14:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I visited my Oncologist at the Arizona Cancer Center for my regular 3 month check up. Another clean bill of health, another reason to celebrate life!

Me standing next to a photograph in the Arizona Cancer Center
that was donated in my name as a survivor by Dashing's parents.

I can tell you that a fantastic treat to go along with any celebration is this recipe for Better than Sex Cake.

Source: allrecipes.com via Sara on Pinterest

365

2011-07-11T22:47:00.000-07:00

I always look for moments in life to stop and reflect on where we've been and where we are going - our journey's past, present, and future. This weekend had many of these moments as Dashing and I celebrated our one year wedding anniversary [wedding photos post, and here, and here]. To properly revisit these memories, we paraded around Tucson visiting all of our favorite restaurants and doing the things we love to do together. Our actual anniversary was Sunday, but because of Dashing's shifts in the Emergency Department, we extended it over two days. So here is how we celebrated our 365.

On Saturday, I picked Dashing up from his Emergency Department shift (scheduled to leave the department at 4pm, but didn't walk out of the hospital until 8 - oh the life of a resident!). Our intentions were to originally spend all of our anniversaries at the resort where we had our reception, but once the move to Tucson happened, we realized we needed another plan...that's where this restaurant comes into play,

North - a Fox Concept restaurant.

Over the most delicious skirt steak, Italian wedding soup, and gourmet pepperoni pizza (Dashing's dish), we reminisced on "remember when's" and what the last year has brought. We looked out over the Tucson city scape view and were thankful for all of our blessings.

We walked around the outdoor restaurant/shopping area and enjoyed the warm breeze of 80 some degree evening and landed at a gelato place. Dashing and I have always seemed to end up at various gelato places over the years, so it only felt right to find one in Tucson. Frost was delicious (my peanut butter crunch was the best!) and just right to wind down the evening.

Dashing - rightfully so - was exhausted, and we headed home for a nice night in.

Sunday came, and the weather was simply beautiful. Blue skies with fluffy clouds and the sun shining upon us - and it was under 100 degrees! That is amazing for Arizona in July! For lunch, we did a throw back to 5 years ago. While visiting a very small town in Arizona (Payson) in 2002, we stopped at one of the few restaurants in town for lunch - Chili's. Yes the chain. BUT we loved the chili con queso and chips. So we revisited this trip by heading to Chili's and devoured some queso. Yum!

The afternoon consisted of letting our inner child loose by throwing a baseball around our new backyard; something we've always made time to do in Dashing's parents backyard. Our backyard, unlike the in-laws, is a rock yard. Not the same as a lush grassy yard, but it worked out all the same and no baseballs visited our neighbors' windows or the desert. Did I forget to mention I could have made it in the big leagues! hehe. We also did a little driving exploration - another activity we always find ourselves doing. Sometimes this can be interesting as I easily get car sick, but it is always a great time to spend together and leads to lots of memorable conversations.

Closing our our anniversary weekend, we visited a restaurant that our lives would not be the same without. Peter Piper Pizza. For those of you who don't know what kind of place this is....it's a version of Chucky Cheese's. Yes, a pizza and arcade place. Dashing has had almost all 26 birthday parties here. We celebrated his medical school graduation by heading to lunch at this place, and I have to boast that Dashing and I have before beaten the Terminator game at PPP in one evening. It may have cost $20 to do it, and a little bit of my pride as 1-2 hours playing a shooting game at a kids place isn't really in my DNA, but that night was so much fun as we laughed and shot down more creepy machine things. So pizza and games followed by a visit to Orange Leaf frozen yogurt made a wonderful night to laugh and think about what it will be like to one day bring our future children to PPP to do the same things with us.

Although all of these restaurants and activities made more wonderful memories for us, it was the time spend together that meant the world to me (plus the bouquet of pink roses - thank you, Dashing). I have a wonderful husband who tells me how much I mean to him, who will give me a hug and not think it's too girlie, and stands with me as we go through this journey of life together. I am truly blessed. Happy Anniversary, Dashing husband!

The (New) Adventure Begins

2011-07-08T07:19:00.000-07:00

I think my writing block has ended just as our new adventure begins. We've just settled in to our new home in Tucson, Arizona. I've begun my new job, and so has Dashing. There is so much to share! I am looking forward to writing regularly. Enjoy your wonderful weekend, and I'll see you Monday!

Try this summer treat from the Pioneer Woman: Chocolate Almond Mousse! It's delicious.

Source: thepioneerwoman.com via Sara on Pinterest

A Little Victory Dance

2011-03-28T08:43:00.000-07:00

It has been one year since my last treatment. I've been thinking about it for the past two weeks. The twist - apparently everyone I know was too.

On Saturday, Dashing and I were supposed to have dinner with his parents, his sister, her husband, and 2 family friends from out of town. We spent that day hanging out with our friend Zach watching the fantastic Butler basketball game at a great pizza place enjoying the 70 degree air and warm sun (sitting in the shade to avoid UV rays though !). Slowly, we made it to Dashing's parents' house and Zach went to "dinner with his grandparents". However, I didn't find the family ready to go to dinner, instead, I found a backyard filled with family and friends. I wasn't sure quite what was going on. I turned to Dashing and he was just smiling, not surprised at all, so I stood there in a little bit of shock. I said something to the effect of "what's going on?" and he replied, it's for you - you're one year past your treatments, this is to celebrate you victory. WHAT?! Excited and shocked, I started greeting and thanking everyone for coming one by one only to find a friend from Texas and another from Colorado who had come to visit followed by my Dad from Indiana. How incredibly special. I was so humbled that all of these friends and family were there to celebrate me. I truly should have been throwing them a party in thanks for all of the support they have given me through my journey. I turned to Zach, who we spent the entire day with, and said YOU KNEW THE ENTIRE DAY? How long have you all been planning this ....."Oh, for about 2-3 months." I am SO impressed that 75 people were able to keep a secret through baby showers (Miss E's), birthday parties, and family get together. I had no idea my friends and family could be so sneaky. And another fantastic surprise of the day, Dashing (the eternal non-planner), with the help of his family, put it all together...and kept it a secret! Ok Dashing - you did earn some bonus points here. Kudos.

Thank you to all who celebrated with me or sent me cheers electronically. I love you all.

I'm just glad I wasn't wearing something ridiculous!

The Harder You Work, the Luckier You Get

2011-03-18T10:28:00.000-07:00

My father-in-law uses this phrase ALL the time. Although, I actually don't mind hearing it over and over again as I think he is totally right. Yesterday, Dashing and I were given an envelope by his College of Medicine informing us of where he will be completing his residency in Emergency Medicine. (It was double-ly fun as I planned the event for the College!). We Dashing has put in lots of time and effort into his education and building relationships over the past four years, and it has paid off. We matched at our number one choice, The University of Arizona, University Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona. This was not luck on the lucky day of St. Patrick's, but a result of hard work and dedication. We are thrilled to begin this new journey that will start in June 2011.

It is done.

2011-02-24T07:38:00.000-08:00

Much of the past four years has been dedicated to Dashing's successes with medical school. Hard work, sacrifices, long nights, early mornings, study sessions, you name it - we made it happen - together <3. But it all kind of came together as of yesterday - the deadline to submit Residency Program Rank Lists. For you sorority gals out there, this process is EXACTLY the same. They interview, rank the programs 1, 2, 3, etc. The programs have an A list and then a B list in ranked order. If your your #1 program puts you on the A list....MATCH! Then, at a later date, they will receive an envelope to open with the name of the program where they matched.

This date will be March 17 - ironic that this is a lucky day, St. Patrick's Day! The other twist is that my job is actually to plan this event for the medical school. Pretty sweet. I cannot wait to post pictures of this moment (also to show you my endless event planning talents - hehe). So, I've now been asked if a weight has now been lifted off my shoulders. The answer is no. There is still a lot of waiting to do.....

February = Hearts

2011-02-03T19:23:00.000-08:00

Whether you choose to celebrate Valentine's Day or not (Dashing considers it is a Hallmark ploy), it seems to be a month of red and pink hearts galore. I think it is a great reminder to celebrate the ones you love. Yes, I said that plural. I mean whatever relationships you love - including pet babies - celebrate and relish them. So, as the month goes on, I plan to discuss a few "heart" topics.

My first topic, the traditional escape of the newly married couple...the honeymoon that is. Regardless of its potential historic beginnings, I We want one, and we haven't had one.

Photo from e-how

Dashing and I lived together (at his place) before we were married on July 10, 2010 . We had been together for 4 1/2 years at that point. Our finances were muddled together. We shared ownership of a car. We weren't moving into a place of OURS. So the vision of a honeymoon was one that whisked me off my feet - not that the wedding didn't, but I guess I always put the two together. It was like a round 2 of the wedding in my mind. Dashing doesn't quite see it the same way, but appreciates the opportunity to spend time together doing out-of-the-norm vacation-y things. However, due to Dashing's medical school schedule, he went back to the wards the Tuesday after we were married. This is just one of the small kinds of sacrifices medical families make.

Now, we are looking for that special spot to travel to to celebrate our marriage (1 year out). This will be our first full blown vacation together as we have always taken family vacations. So what's the problem? We are on a budget and have no idea where to go! We love tropical places (I'm not talking about the jungle, more like resort style tropics with an day adventure option). We live in Phoenix, can travel in late March or late May/early June, and are open to suggestions. Hawaii, the Islands, the unknown......

Dear readers......please share with us where you have been or suggestions for a fabulous vacation on a budget!

Laugh a little - it's good for you.

2011-01-26T07:30:00.000-08:00

So in 2011, I'm working on mind over matter. Some say you can actually think yourself happy. So let yourself laugh a little at these thoughts. A co-worker sent these to me at 8:30am today - what a great way to start a Wednesday! Enjoy. (It's worth the time to read each and every one.)

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die
2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the heck are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

17. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

18. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

19. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

20. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

21. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

22. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

23. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.

24. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.

A Christmas Island Birthday

2011-01-04T20:41:00.000-08:00

December 18th was Dashing's 26th Birthday. However, he has thought he was 26 since I turned in July. He usually just assumes that we are the same age. I, however, take the crown on that one by 5 months.

This year, I wanted to throw him a birthday party of "things he loved." So, here's how it came together.
Things he loves: Friends, Food, Islands, Christmas, Coor's Light, Mai Tais.

How was I possibly going to put all this together in one event??! Then, it just showed up. Dashing heard a song played on the sub-par PA system of Good Will as we were shopping for Ugly Sweaters. He immediately began Googling the song, and I started paying attention to the words. The song....Christmas Island (the version by Six Pence None the Richer). What perfect timing! That's it! A Christmas Island Birthday Party!

With Island Grill catering, homemade Rum Cupcakes, ugly Christmas Sweater's, card games, and Santa's Silver Bullet Beer; it was a hit!!! (Not to mention the "Icing" shenanigans that occurs that evening as well).

I would like to say that this has been an adventure in preparing for two of my 11 in 11's...preparing for my own Golden Birthday party AND experiments in baking!

So, I'd like to share with you the DELICIOUS Rum Cupcake recipe! I got the recipe from a blog The Cupcakery.

Rum Cupcakes

1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

1 18-1/2 ounce yellow cake mix
1 1-3/4 ounce (4-serving size) instant vanilla pudding mix
4 eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup cold milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup dark rum

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

2. Line muffin pan with paper liners. Sprinkle toasted pecans on the bottom of liners.

3. Combine all cake ingredients in a large stainless steel bowl. Beat for 2 minutes on high with electric mixer.

4. Pour batter into prepared cups.

5. Bake for 27-29 minutes or until toothpick comes out of center completly clean.

6. Cool on a cooling rack. Prick top of cupcakes with toothpick.

7. COOL CUPCAKES COMPLETELY, then dip cupcakes into Buttered Rum Glaze.

Buttered Rum Glaze

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup water
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup dark rum

1. Melt butter in saucepan.
2. Stir in water and sugar. Boil 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in rum. Be very careful when adding the rum, it will cause steam, so you do not want to burn yourself on this step!

Buttercream Frosting
1 package(s) 16 ounces, confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
4 Tbsp milk, plus up to 2 tablespoons more, as needed
1. Before starting, place your stainless steel bowl and the arms for mixer into the freezer, for about 5 minutes. The cold bowl and arms form stiffer peaks in your frosting.
2. In large bowl, with mixer at medium-low speed, beat sugar, butter, vanilla, and 4 tablespoons milk until blended.
3. Increase speed to medium-high; beat until light and fluffy, occasionally scraping bowl with rubber spatula.
4. Beat in more milk as needed for easy spreading consistency.
5. Once the cupcake is glazed, a dollop of of buttercream frosting added, drizzle remaining glaze over the top of the buttercream and insert a vanilla filled Pirouette cookie.

Goodbye 2010, Welcome 11 in 11

2011-01-03T19:22:00.000-08:00

Wow, where did 2010 go?

I'll tell you....

It went to spending all my energy recovering from my chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

It went to planning my marriage/wedding/life with my Dashing.

It went to training for and completing a half-marathon benefiting the Arizona Cancer Center.

It want to volunteering for my Delta Gamma alumnae group and St. Jude.

It went to spending precious quality time with my family.

It went to starting a new job.

It went to celebrating my 26th year of life.

It went to a family vacations to Coronado, Disneyland, Mexican Riviera, Indiana, and Oregon.

2010 Tucson 1/2 Marathon

Terri Brush Art Camp - Oregon

Searching for my first wig.

So what is next for 2011....
Becoming an Aunt to a little girl (Miss E)
Celebrating my golden birthday (27)
A one year wedding anniversary
Dashing starting Residency in Emergency Medicine
and much much more - but to continue to strive for a fulfilled life, I have created my list of 11 in 11 that I'll share with you as I not only check them off my list, but enjoy every minute of it.

Sara Cate's 11 in 11

1) Have a picnic with Dashing
2) Find an exciting museum or venue
3) Have a wine party
4) Do something totally spontaneous
5) Watch the Star Wars series (Dashing has been wanting to do this with me for years)
6) Hike Camelback Mountain
7) Go camping in northern Arizona
8) Have a board game night with a group of friends
9) Go a whole day without complaining (repeat as needed)
10) Take a cooking/baking class/attend a culinary event
11) Throw myself a Golden Birthday Bash (27 on the 27th of July)

Oh what a feeling

2010-11-05T06:43:00.000-07:00

Where have I been? I'm excited to tell you!

Over the past couple of months, I've seen a friend get married, started training for a half-marathon to benefit the Arizona Cancer Center (where I was treated), was featured in a cancer side-effects magazine story, taken on many new responsibilities at work, helped my husband with Emergency Medicine residency applications, hosted a Fall Dinner Party, celebrated election day, began planning my sorority's alumnae/collegian Founders Day, began volunteering for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and St. Jude Children's Hospital, and attended a fabulous art and craft camp in Oregon. It's been exciting, overwhelming, challenging, and inspiring (and there's actually a lot more updates to come). Whew!

So - to keep the spirits up (and answer the many of demands from friends and family), I'll leave you with some more wedding photos.

Cheers!

Blissfully Wedded - The Anticipation and The Ceremony

2010-09-20T20:18:00.000-07:00

The ceremony, the most important part! We decided to get married in our lutheran church; the church that prayed for and checked in on me while I was going through cancer treatments, the church that I went to with Dashing's family for Easter only 3 weeks after meeting him, the church that I have taken bible studies with, and the church that is home to the now retired pastor who confirmed Dashing's Dad, married Dashing's parents and his sister and brother-in-law, and baptized Dashing and his sister. Wow what a history. Before we could marry in our church, we worked with our Pastor and read 2 books - the better of the two was The Five Languages of Love and the other was Men are like Waffles and Women are like Spaghetti. We had read the love languages book before and have talked about it extensively in our relationship - it has really helped us understand one another better. (Like why I can find my shoes by the trash can if I don't put them away - You can bet that I now put away my shoes :) Despite the possible tossing of my wardrobe, we have found that our love is deep and genuine, that we make each other better individually, yet are stronger together.

While the girls primped in our plush dressing room, the guys hung out listening to music, took photos, and enjoyed some lunch.

We made the guys boutonnieres out of old book pages from a book called The Wedding!

Above - Dashing with his sister Miss E

Here are the new in-laws before we headed to the church.

The Anticipation - this is Dashing's serious look.

Maybe we should call is something like Black Steel?

Love this photo! I feel like a celebrity with the paparazzi chasing me into the elevator.

We were leaving the Four Seasons heading to the church!

I ended up changing out of my dress after bridal photos and re-dressed at the church.

Waiting at the church (above) for these lovelies (below)......

My dad walking me down the isle to Dashing's all-time favorite classical song Pachelbel's Cannon in D.

Dashing taking my hand to hold in marriage.

Marrying my best friend.

You may now kiss the bride!

The recessional.

This is my favorite photo (above).

Just outside the sanctuary...we did it!

Signing the marriage license. Check out how happy our Pastor is in the back!

Then we headed back to the sanctuary with family to take the formal photos.....we had fun too though.

Our church has these air vents in the floor. Usually we scold them because when you wear a dress to church, you have to be careful you don't flash anyone. However, they were perfect for our summer wedding! (above and below, girls just wanna have fun...like Marilyn Monroe!)

This is my favorite photo of my wonderful bridesmaids.

I started getting really warm...the vents were so perfect as we waited to take more family photos.

Dashing's close family. Do you see how many there are?!! I met them all after 3 weeks of knowing Dashing. They were so intimidating at that point, but now they are family and I feel so comfortable with them! (above).

My in-laws. From left, Miss E's Hubs, Miss E, Sara Cate, Dashing, Dashing's Mom, Dashing's Dad

From left: My dad's wife, my Dad, Sara Cate, Dashing, Dashing's Mom, Dashing's Dad

Us with our flower girl and ring bearer. They are just so precious!

A little relaxation before we head to our reception.

On to celebrate our Happily Ever After.

Reception photos are up next!

Blissfully Wedded - Before the Ceremony

2010-09-17T10:59:00.000-07:00

The morning of July 10 was so sweet. The leisurely morning was spent at the Four Seasons Scottsdale getting ready with my bridesmaids, rehearsal stand-in-bride, and mother-in-law. My friends (aka Rocks) brought us lots of coffee and we enjoyed fresh fruit and strawberry infused water. OOOOOh so luxiourious. I'm lusting to return to the Four Seasons as I write this! We listened to music (everything from Rhianna to Sinatra), danced around, shared stories. Here are some photos of how the sweetest day of my life began......

This is the guest book that my mother-in-law made for us (Above)

Above - Seeing my dad for the first time in my dress.

Above - Yes, that really is the sky! No photoshop. You want to move to AZ now right???!

Hold on to your hats, dear readers. Next week will be bridesmaids, groomsmen, and the church!

Blissfully Wedded - The Engagement Photos

2010-09-08T18:54:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to share with you our engagement photos from April. We loved spending the day together and with our photographers from About Love Inspired Photography. We wanted to make each "scene" special, and most importantly scream US. (Note: INSPIRED photography. How perfect as I'm "Rolling the Dice")

Scene 1: We have spend countless hours at Dashing's parents house, with quite a few of those in their backyard. Although located in the Arizona desert, Dashing's parents have a back yard most mid-western folk would envy. It's covered in soft green grass with trees that wrap you in shade. The outdoor fire place and cabana provide warm retreats (we really do need them in the winter!). The tile surrounded pool and rock covered pond sooth the soul with the sound of trickling water. Although serene, we've also had plenty of ~~alcoholic~~ beverage hosted parties including our annual Kentucky Derby Party, many graduations, and my cancer diagnosis party (yup, we had one of those. Any excuse to get a group of people we love together will work). This backyard has meant so much to us. So we had to use this as one of our stops.

Scene 2: The Mustang. Dashing has wanted a vintage Mustang pretty much his entire life. Just days after my diagnosis, Dashing's mom found a 1964 black Mustang Coupe in a random auction house under farm equipment. She to this day doesn't know why she was looking in that section - fate or is she wanting to get into farming??? Anyways, I went to a doctor's appointment, and she went and scooped up this beautiful car and Dashing handed over the check without batting an eye. Dashing and I could use the pick up me - especially him as he was in his third year of medical school, and I was getting all of the attention. The feel of the gnarly-dog growing engine in his control really ~~turns him on~~ makes him happy. So, enter THE MUSTANG.

Stay tuned......INSPIRED Wedding Photos are still to come.

Blissfully Wedded - The Design

2010-09-01T20:47:00.000-07:00

As a girl, I love to look at pretty things that exude "fairytale". Most of us girls dream of our happily ever after, and most of us love to share it. I think this is where our ~~obsession~~ love for wedding photos comes from. So, I'll give you all what you want, wedding photos!

The inspiration from our wedding came to me quickly. My creative mind is always seeking out ways to interpret daily sights. I saw this photo....

and immediately went to work! However, first I had to ~~beg~~ convince Dashing that this wouldn't turn out too frilly. He has an eye for design too - which means he has a distinct style of his own and was involved in the design and approval of everything from our invitations to our first dance to our gift registry pots and pans (that's a whole other story). I first created our engagement party invitations.... (April 24, 2010) I wanted sophisticated elegance with a personal touch to be present in everything we did.

Then, I was thrown a bridal shower in my coveted formal afternoon tea theme at the Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona...

Then, came the save the date cards and wedding invitations.

That's all for now....exercise patience. It is a virtue, you know!

Ready to Roll the Dice

2010-08-30T00:18:00.000-07:00

I gasped for air, doubled over on the exam table. “Honey, you’re hyperventilating.”

The organ roared, the notes of Pachelbel echoed off the ceiling beams, and I took that first step in my pink pearl, peep toe pumps.

” Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” - Unknown

These two moments happened in the last calendar year of my life. One year ago today, I was diagnosed with cancer (Hodgkin’s Lymphoma). A devastating moment that took my breath away in the form of hyperventilation. In one afternoon, my whole understanding of life changed – actually, I don't think I understood much of anything that afternoon. The other, the moment on July 10, 2010 of true bliss as I walked down the aisle to dashing, my future husband; father on my right, God above. Both of these life defining moments have taken my breath away. The devastation and the harmony of these moments have changed me for the better: more compassionate, more patient, more poised.

Here today, is the start of a new side of my blog as I, Sara Cate, am now an updated model of my old self. (Sweetly using the word ‘model’ as a homograph as I am also modeling my new pixie hair).The mode of change was ignited by a four key pieces: Dream, Inspire, Communicate, and Explore (I’m lovingly calling this DICE). This includes dreams for the future as well as those while I count sheep - inspiration from family, photographs, and blogs - communication with family, friends, and my husband (Dashing) - and Exploration of who I am and who I want to be.

So, let’s roll the DICE and see what’s in store, shall we?

New Beginnings

2010-05-25T08:38:00.001-07:00

Dear family, friends, and supporters,

After a long hiatus from my blog, I finally have re-gained the excitement of writing. The telling of a personal life story can be quite exhausting. Sometimes, it was therapeutic, while other times it meant re-hashing details I didn't want to remember. I just needed to retreat to my family.

So, here I am, strong of mind and heart with a renewed energy AND not to mention... a PET scan result that says I'm cancer free! I face the world with a different attitude, and am learning how to function with this new outlook. I possess much more empathy and peace these days. However, my patience level fluctuates. See, I have much more patience for sensitive situations, much less for meaningless ones. This Leo sometimes has to be tamed ;) I struggle when people make excuses for themselves and want to shake them to understand that they can do something about it - make every day a special one.

I'm learning how to essentially forgive others for not having gone through a traumatic experience or excuse them for not knowing what I've been going through. I'm hoping this is a normal post-trauma thing to experience?? I do recognize what is wrong with the picture - I'm just being honest with what runs through my head sometimes when I encounter mean or ungrateful or faith-less people. Work in progress I suppose :) On the other side of patience and understanding, I no longer get frustrated when someone takes the elevator up one floor or maybe scoops up the last close parking space - I don't know what their story is...maybe they needed it...just like I did at one point. You just never know someone's story. Also, if you do learn about someone's story, share your support. Some of the most touching moments during all of this were the ones that complete strangers hugged me or offered me prayers. What a generous and caring world we DO live in. It gave me reassurance and hope. Please share love and faith with others who need it.

In continuing my new beginnings, I have accepted a new job in a warm, welcoming office. This position will offer me the opportunity to be supported, to grow, and to continue to establish my new self. In addition, I have started to grow my stationery/invitation business Sincerely Sara Cate - 3 weddings and many notecard orders have been filled! Website soon to come....once I figure out all the nuances to building a website - much tougher than I thought! I am so thankful that through my life experiences, I recognized what makes me and have made changes in my career path to reflect that.

Now, onto what I would consider the most special new beginning... Dashing and my wedding! As you know, we were engaged on his birthday, December 18th. We will be tying the knot on July 10, 2010. OH SO SOON! We've got most things in order, and are just finalizing details at this point. Another new beginning moment.... I've got Dashing taking dance lessons! Now that is big! I think he has started many new beginnings right along side me. We have continued to grow closer with stronger support, understanding, and most importantly, love. We are enjoying every moment of our engagement from reading books together that our Pastor assigned to picking out centerpiece details (although agreeing on registry items has been a little bit more challenging, but fun none-the-less).

In reading about someone else's experience with cancer, I have adopted this explanation to wrap up this part of my life and move forward to the next....

I don't think I'll ever be able to say that I'm glad I've had cancer, but I must say that I am so glad and thankful for all of the wonderful changes it has brought to my life. My relationships with family and friends has grown stronger. I have been able to identify what makes me happy and ensure that all parts of my life contribute to my happiness. My relationship with Dashing has bloomed into an even more loving, caring, and supportive one - I am so happy to be spending the rest of my life with him. These are wishes many people hope to gain in a lifetime - and I've been able to do just that.

Thank you for all the support, encouragement, strength, and love you all have given me. You all have shown me the kind of compassion that I didn't think even existed. So, here is me, signing off on the old Sara Cate, and welcoming new beginnings. This fall, I will be transforming this blog into a new Sincerely Sara Cate to help me continue to find inspiration in the things I love. I hope you will join me on that journey.

Sincerely,

Sara Cate

My friends are fabulous

2010-01-22T08:55:00.000-08:00

My best friend, Lizy, told me she was going to come over for a surprise visit. Little did I know, she actually meant our whole group of girlfriends. The doorbell rang a few times, and then the girls presented me with a gift. A gift truly from the heart.Each friend decorated a fabric square and then made it into a quilt. Even friends from New York and Chicago had their hand in this. How lucky I am to have friends that are so thoughtful and caring. I love you girls!

The End is Just the Beginning

2010-01-14T09:34:00.001-08:00

As a movie comes to a close, and the film fades out, two words scroll across the screen to signify the happily ever after...The End. Although I finished my last round of chemotherapy, The End is not here.

On January 6, I received my final chemotherapy infusion. Although this was such a wonderful feeling knowing I was done, the event that matched it was throwing out Mr. PICC. Yes, you heard it from me. Mr. PICC is GONE. So after all of these events, the infusion nurses threw me a celebration "Bubble Party". I felt on top of the world.

PICC Line Removal - I braced myself for pain, but it didn't end up hurting at all!
Celebrating at the Bubble Party

Then the next chapter came - radiation. On January 13th, I met with my radiation oncologist (Dr. T). During that appointment, I got my tattoo - which I am happy to report is the size of a small pen dot. You would never notice it! Whew. I'll be starting radiation in the beginning of February - 5 days a week for 4 weeks.

Now I want to talk about the reality of it all. Although I responded beautifully to chemotherapy and really had a lot of great feeling days, I can't even think about chemotherapy without feeling sick to my stomach. This last round was definitely the toughest, and I had 2 dates with the toilet. I still don't have a taste for many foods and tire easily. My skin is very pale, my eyebrows are weak, and I've lost some eyelashes (I'm not sure if that's due to the treatment or stress - regardless, they're gone). My hair did not survive.

This photo was difficult for me to post because I don't want it to be real, but it is, and I want to share the truth with you. I frequently think about how much hair I'll have when Dashing and I get married.

So since THE END of chemotherapy, I have the next 2 weeks to recoup and recover before I BEGIN radiation.

The Quintessential Christmas

2010-01-03T21:04:00.000-08:00

The past two weeks have been a whirlwind of holiday cheer. I was able to spend the holiday's with family enjoying the true meaning of Christmas, and thanking God for all the wonderful people He has put in my life.

I also love seeing all of the Christmas lights and holiday decor this time of year - it makes me smile. So in pursuit of these scenes, I came across the oddest Christmas scene...Uncle Sam, Santa Claus, Baby Jesus, and the Virgin Mary. Who knew they all lived during the same time!
During this holiday time, I had my 7th treatment. Just this past week, Dashing looked at me and oh-so-delicately told me that I am finally starting to take on the look of a cancer patient. My skin is so pale, dark circles have formed around my eyes, and a bluish tint has settled into my skin. Luckily, as a female, it is perfectly acceptable for me to attempt to cover these things up with make-up. So, these days, I'm feeling like I could use a make-up artist around.

For a little bit of a pick me up, Dashing, the Entourage, and I went to the happiest place on Earth for the New Year's weekend...Disneyland. From the sounds of Main Street's singing quartet to the sparkle of the castle's icicle lights - I love it all.
So now this week, I will prepare for my final chemotherapy treatment. Although I'm so excited to have this portion of the treatment over - I'm still not excited to go through even one more round of this. Knowing that you will have to battle through the next week is daunting, and then knowing radiation is to come is challenging to face. Sometimes I think it's easier to not know what you're going to be up against.

I will prevail; I will be a stronger person after this. I know it.

An Engagement Story

2009-12-25T20:12:00.000-08:00

The story: Friday, December 18th was Dashing's 25 birthday. We always do 3 birthday events - dinner with immediate family, a friends' day/night, and a couple's dinner. As you can imagine, we more or less do birthday weekends. Dashing had a Med School exam during the day on Friday, and when he finished he gave me a call to say he had made dinner reservations at the Compass Room at our downtown Phoenix Hyatt, a rooftop rotating restaurant. I wasn't surprised by the restaurant choice as we had my couple's dinner there this year too. I was surprised by one thing though....he actually made reservations and evening plans? I was impressed as he usually has me call to make reservations. We drove downtown and stopped at the Sheraton's District Bar for a quick pre-dinner birthday drink. Then on to dinner....we talked, ate, celebrated his birthday. We seamlessly got into a conversation about how our past experiences, good and bad, make us who we are today and how that has made us stronger together. He then said, these past 3 1/2 years have been the best of my life. Just then the rotating restaurant viewed our loft, his school, my work, our car (he planned this too!).....he got down on his knee and asked "Will you marry me?" and opened up the ring box.

I have no doubt that I looked like a deer in headlights. From recent conversations, I was sort of expecting something in early spring....but definitely not on his birthday. He later said he wanted to do it on his birthday for that exact reason - to make it a genuine surprise. He said it's the best birthday gift he could have.

So after all of this, the waitress came back with champagne and congratulated us. We left the restaurant hand in hand and called his and my parents. Unbeknownst to me, he had asked my dad for my hand in marriage 2 weeks ago when my dad was in town visiting AZ, and his parents have known for the last month. AND Apparently, the ring was delivered to his parent's house on Thursday while I was standing in the entry way. Dashing's dad signed for a package and mentioned it was medical records. I was clueless! We then met up with his parents for a champagne toast at the OBar at the Ocean Club.

I am loving being engaged to the man of my dreams, and I have to admit I catch myself just frequently admiring my ring. We do not have a date set, and don't plan to until Dashing gets his medical school schedule for the upcoming year. He is so excited for all of this AND he (yes, I said HE) is pumped to be involved in the decisions on everything from location to color palate - amazing! He definitely got his mom's (Glenda's) interior designer genes!

Lots of new and exciting adventures to come!

The future Mrs. Dashing

2009-12-20T15:09:00.001-08:00

Yes, you read it right! Dashing and I are engaged! Here are some photos to feed your appetite....story to come soon!

Who brought the Grinch to Christmas?

2009-12-14T10:54:00.000-08:00

In my last post, I shared with you all great news about my PET scan results. I am still over the moon about how my chemotherapy treatments have gone thus far - but not really looking forward to 2 more rounds. So, in preparation for chemo wrap-up, I had to visit with a radiation oncologist to discuss my second part of treatment. After chemotherapy, I will have approximately 20 sessions of radiation to put the last nail in my cancer coffin. The radiation oncologist was wonderful, understanding, and explained everything in detail. Feeling pretty good about what was to come, I nodded in agreement with the process as my entourage (Dashing, Glenda, Dashing's dad, my dad) closely listened in.

I then asked "What will be the daily routine when I come in?" The doctor says, you'll be in and out in 30 minutes most days (I'm thinking fantastic!). For the first few times, there will be some additional planning needed." The doctor continues..."On the first visit, we'll give you some markings to properly line you up on the radiation table for each visit." Dashing's dad (who is an ER doc) is known for his sarcasm and one liners; he pipes up and says,"Now Sara, you know these will be permanent tattoos." I chuckle and say, "Oh sure Mark," and waive my hand as to nonchalantly wave it off. Then I see the look on his face and my grin quickly disappears - "Oh, you're serious."

So readers, the Grinch officially arrived with the notification of my upcoming nuptials with some nice blue tattoo dots on my neck/chest area. Just tally them up to some more battle scars. Ugh.

Here is a picture posted online as to what these tattoos look like. I can have them removed later on with a supposed simple plastic surgery visit. I'm just not a tattoo girl, never wanted one. In the holiday spirit, can't I just get a Santa Claus temporary tattoo instead???

Christmas came early

2009-12-10T14:33:00.000-08:00

Do not fret! Santa did not come down my chimney before any of yours. However, I did get a few of great presents early.

Last weekend, two of my dearest out-of-state friends, Miss. Emily B and Miss. Josie, flew out to AZ for a fantastic weekend. Throughout this whole experience, both of them have been so overwhelmingly supportive. They are wonderful friends, and I am so thankful to have them in my life.

This weekend, my dad came into town from Indiana to experience my chemotherapy treatment visit, and of course see me. I'm sure he didn't mind the warmer AZ weather either.

And finally, the most important health present was a report. Last week, I had to get a PET scan to determine how my tumors were responding to cancer. I got a very rare report that after only 5 chemotherapy treatments, my tumors have stopped growing, started reducing in size, and my previously active cancer cells are ALL stunned/killed! This is called a "negative PET" which is the best present that my friends, family, and I could receive this Christmas. Almost as great was my oncologist's facial expression when he heard about the negative report...priceless!

So Merry Christmas to all, and I hope for each one of you a happy holiday season and a new year filled with health and happiness.

Black Friday

2009-11-29T11:09:00.000-08:00

This past Wednesday, I had my 5th chemotherapy treatment - I can't believe it! I've been responding well to treatment and am still in the best of hands with my friends and family. I have to say that I've gotten used to being the patient in all sense of the word - at home and in the hospitals. However, I got a taste of what it's like to be on the other side of the hospital bed this Thanksgiving's Black Friday.

On Thursday, the entourage headed up to northern Arizona to spend Thanksgiving in the high country. Thanksgiving was moved to Saturday to accommodate every one's schedules. When you're with a medical family - you learn to change the date of holidays frequently. Dashing's sister, Miss E, then started having complaints of stomach pains, and by Friday morning, Dashing and his Dad had determined that Miss E would be appendix-less by the end of the day. Yes, Miss E had a head on collision with appendicitis. This was the start of Black Friday. We headed over to the emergency room (which luckily Dashing's dad runs) and Miss E was prepped for surgery after a positive CT scan. As she was lying in the hospital bed, I started to understand what my family and friends feel as I am going through my treatments.

The uncertainty overwhelmed me and I felt quite helpless. I tried to find ways to keep the Miss E's spirits up with the little things, like loaning her socks and reading magazines. I felt like this was my opportunity to give Miss E support like she has been giving me for the past few months.

As a medical student, Dashing was able to actually stand in and watch Miss E's surgery, which was a success. I am happy to report that Miss E is recovering fabulously and demanded to go out to a Mexican dinner only a few hours after surgery. What a trooper!

So, this Thanksgiving especially, I want to THANK every friend, family, and blog friend for your support and love. It makes all the difference.

The sweet taste of chocolate bread

2009-11-16T10:13:00.000-08:00

In my last post, I mentioned baking chocolate bread - a favorite of mine. Fantastic blogger For the Love commented to post the recipe - so here it is! It all started with Glenda finding this small bakery in San Diego that made chocolate bread every Saturday morning. Needless to say you had to get there early or else it was sold out. Then, I thought - why not try to make it ourselves! I gathered online recipies for chocolate bread and we went to work. Although we haven't completely perfected it yet and continue to tweak the recipe - here is a recipe to start with.

2 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast (we think we should still add more)
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/3 cup warm water
4 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour
1/2 cup plus
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
2 teaspoons salt
1 1/4 cups warm water
1 cup chopped semisweet chocolate (we tried Nestle, but are thinking a more rich milk chocolate will be better)
Egg wash (one egg plus 1 tablespoon water mixed)

Stir yeast and 1/2 teaspoon sugar into 1/3 cup warm water and pour into a large mixing bowl; let stand until foamy, about 10 minutes.

Mix flour, remaining sugar, cocoa and salt. Stir remaining 1 1/4 cups water into dissolved yeast, then stir in the flour mixture. Knead dough until elastic (5-8 min) and then add in chocolate chunks for the last few kneads.

Place dough in greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled in volume, approximately 1 hour.

Turn risen dough onto lightly floured surface, punch it down - not too much though or you'll lost the chocolate chunks! and divide in half. Form each half into desired shape and place on cookie sheet covered with parchment paper.

Cover with plastic wrap again and let rise. It doesn't rise as much as other breads do - we think it's because of the chocolate weight.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Brush loaves with egg wash and bake in 450-degree oven for 10 minutes, Then reduce the heat to 350 and bake for 30 minutes more or until bread sounds hollow when tapped - it really sounds hollow.

Enjoy warm or cool, and always good with a glass of milk!

Happy baking!

Sometimes it's all about me

2009-11-10T10:10:00.000-08:00

So many things have changed in my life over the past few months. In lieu of this, I have to remember that things like my hair aren't the only things that make me, me. So, here are some things you may not know about me that make me, me. Then, leave a comment and tell me what makes you, you!

I hate soggy cereal and melted ice cream.

I am a midwest girl at heart - plus it's confirmed by my Indiana birth certificate.

I ~~stalk~~ follow people in full parking lots to take their spot.

My favorite show is 30 rock...."Liz Lem-min" as TJ would say.

I'd rather go to the beach than a ski lodge.

I heart magazines - glossy pages get me.

I despise Cancer Treatment Centers of America's commercials.

I love fresh bouquets of flowers, especially peonies!

I am a Delta Gamma woman.

My new favorite thing to bake is chocolate bread. Both carbs and sweets....yum.

I just found out that my state business application for Sincerely Sara Cate note cards was approved! Website and order forms to come :)