Rest In Peace Papa

First off, I want to thank everyone that has said prayers, sent kind words and thoughts... and basically just been there for my family and I thru this extremely tough time. We couldn't of done it without you all. Everything still is very surreal and will only get harder the more reality sets in but we have several loved ones around us and are very grateful for you all in our lives. 

Second, I want to explain a little bit what happened so that all the loose questions to what exactly happened are answered. I have not been able to post much about the whole saga because I have been at a loss for words...I want you all to know that Papa was more than a grandfather to me...he was a best friend, a fatherly "male" figure in my life, he was someone I could talk to about anything.. my wild dreams and big goals and he would 150% support me. He believed in everything I did and still do. He always wanted the best for me and was always pushing me farther than I myself thought I could go. I loved that about him. He taught me to cook, bake, how to play bocci, taught me as well as many of our family members all about our ancestry when he tracked everyone down and was able to get into contact with many distant relatives. He always was one of the first people to comment on any blog posting or anything that I would ever write always pushing me and telling me that writing is what I need to pursue because he can tell I am passionate about it.  Those were just a few among MANY things I've learned from him. Papa's baking and cooking was something to be talked about...it was ALWAYS good even when he was "just trying" something new it always tasted good. Many of my friends and family LOVED coming over when he would make desserts because they were unlike any they had ever had. He was very talented in the kitchen and loved baking and cooking. 
Him and my nanny would travel the world together and come back with amazing stories and spectacular photos. Something I always looked forward to seeing and hearing all about. Papa was an extremely wise man and lived a long and wonderful life.  He taught us all many things and although we are sad that he is gone and no longer "physically" present in our daily lives we know he is with us in spirit. We have all the wonderful memories in which he left for us and know that he is just another guardian angel of ours watching over the rest of the family.
Although towards the end it was rougher and quicker than expected he did not have to suffer as extreme of pain as he would have had to if he were to have lived and fought the cancer.

Here's what my family has been going thru and what we all went thru....

July 18th, Papa was diagnosed with stage 4 Lung cancer after almost a year of every kind of test you could imagine. By this time the symptoms that he was experiencing were : loss of blood count "somewhere" and extreme difficulty eating. More scopes and tests were need and several trips and check ins to hospita

ls local and at Rush in Chicago. During this time he had also lost 30 lbs., his health and nutrition level were NOT what they needed to be to begin treatment. The local GI doctor was not able to get a scope down his esophagus as previously performed back in September of 2011...some doctors felt we were dealing with two types of cancer lung and esophageal, which determined the type of Chemo he was going to receive.
August 9 he was admitted to Rush for a esophageal stretching and to possibly have a G-tube, feeding tube inserted into his stomach...that was done. He ended up with a foli catheter as a going home present. A week went by with follow-up and finally the day arrive we would begin to fight and attack the cancer that was inside his body and media nodes. 

August 20th was the first Chemo treatment, that morning my mom got a call from nanny saying "Papa had a rough weekend, and wasn't feeling to well" but the oncologist said come in and we will access the situation. Complaining of stomach pains, looking at G-tube site they felt he was still healing in that area and that the pain was probably from the cancer that was now beginning to attack his other organs and lymph nodes..they proceeded with treatment.
My mom took them back home, waited and the pain was getting worse, about 5:30 my mom said we need to call 911...I am NOT walking in on foot and he was extremely dehydrated. My moms thinking his kidneys were not working well.
Papa arrived, and my mom and nanny shortly after...the ER was began...2 hours before anything was done and a doctor came to see them. Pacing the nurses station my mom and nanny finally got them to start ordering some tests.. The first was a chest xray...hmmm the doctor says...you have a puncture in your stomach somewhere...there is air where it is not suppose to be...all hell broke lose and the doctors went into panic mode....a few more tests and several hours later it was determined that it was not the esophagus tear but the feeding tube had become dislodged in his stomach.
The surgeon came in a performed emergency exploratory surgery at 2:45 am...they waited. Feeling Papa was not going to make it off the table...at 5:00 am he came out to tell us that he made it through but he was a VERY sick man, probably the sickness in the hospital and IF he makes it through this, he may not be able to even fight the cancer. The next 12 hours will determine that. The G-tube had come lose and he had a hole in his stomach that was the size of a half dollar...pouring out into his belly were fluids, waste, bacterias, and MAJOR infection.
Mom and Nanny went home at 6:15 am to try to get some rest...headed back to the hospital not sure what we would find and hear. Things didn't look good, Papa was not really responding to the meds and his blood pressure was very low. Family started to come in...my aunt jean spent the morning trying to get on stand-by flights from California, arriving at 5:30 to Condell Hospital, we needed to make a family decision...the ventilator was removed and meds were reduced and at 6:55 pm he went home with family surrounding him.
We cried, we laughed, we gave Papa a hard time for leaving us to do the cooking and make the cannolis...
WE are glad that he did not have to plow the Chemo road and go through all the treatments BUT extremely sad that he is gone and didn't get a chance to fight.

Rest in Peace Papa.. I love you so much and Miss you more and more everyday. </3

"

Cause when I look to the sky something tells me you're here with me,
And you make everything alright,And when I feel like I'm lost something tells me you're here with me,And I can always find my way when you are here "

"Every step I take, every move I make, 

Every single day, every time I pray, Ill be missing you ...Thinking of the day, when you went away, What a life to take, what a bond to break, Ill be missing you..."

Daytime Smokey Eye Shadow Look :)

This is a VERY popular and trendy look. With this few step process we will have you rocking a sexy, smokey look for your lunch date and even something you can wear out for drinks and dancing after work.
This is a simple look to achieve as long as you follow the steps and blend well you will achieve this beautiful smokey eye.

#1 Once you have your foundation and powder, blush/bronzer on then you can start on your eyes. (In this photo I already have foundation, powder and bronzer applied from earlier.)

#2 BROWS are what frames your eye area. This means you must keep them groomed and filled in to achieve the complete look. I am using a blonde colored Maybelline Expect Wear brow pencil. You can find these at any drug stores or anywhere you get makeup









#3 This has become my FAVORITE palette of colors for smokey eye look. Start with the lightest color on the palette. A neutral, tan base color will do.









#4 You want to apply this color all over your eyelid, up into the brow bone and in the inner and outer corners of your eyes. This will create a "clean" neutral look.







 

 

#5 This is what the base of your eyeshadow will look like. Very plain and single colored. A "clean", neutral look.

 #6 Now you are going to start the shadowing of the color. In this particular palette I am choosing the third darkest color but you can use a medium brown color.

#7 Apply the darker color into the crease of your eye. This crease is below the brow bone. If you want a more dramatic look take the dark color a little over the brow bone to create more depth. The trick with the smokey eye look is the layering of your colors... So start light and just keep adding on layers.

 #8 If you want a darker look just add a layer of darker color to your crease. I am adding some dark just for the picture sake so you can see the dimension and "smokey" look I created

#9 Next you are going to add a shimmer color which will create a highlighted look on the lighter areas of your eye. You want to apply this on the inner corner of both eyes and on the brow bone. DO NOT apply on the darker creased shadow.

 #10 After you apply the shadow the best way to add "darker" and "depth" your eyes is with eye liner. I am just using a pencil liner BUT liquid liner works amazing as well... You want to create a "winged" look to help add in with the smokey dimension of the eye shadow that you already have going on.

#11 I find that it helps if you pull the skin tight in the area in which you are applying the eye liner to create a "winged" look.

#12 Now for your lashes. I ALWAYS curl my lashes to give them that VA-VA-VOOMM lift.  Then apply mascara of your choice. My latest favorite mascara is: POWER VOLUME COLLAGEN by LOREAL. This is also when you would apply false lashes if you please to add extra length and drama to your look.

#13 The Finished look :) Hope you enjoyed this DIY smokey eye demo. Let me know if you have any questions and at all and be sure to post any pictures of YOUR smokey eyes! Thank you!!!!!

   THIS BRUSH WILL TRUTHFULLY BE YOUR BEST FRIEND WHEN IT COMES TO BLENDING THE PERFECT SMOKEY EYE. Make sure that it is a soft, long bristel brush that way it will lightly blend your colors together without removing a bulk amount of shadow that was already applied. :)

ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"HAIR CHALKING"

The HOTTEST TREND :)
Learn how to get beautiful, bright and bold colors in your hair that just wash out instantly in the shower!!! NO MORE MESS.. Or unknown colors added to your hair... If you want pink one day, and green another... Here's HOW!!!

[BEFORE THE PROCESS]

I got these chalks at Michael's for under $5.00. MAKE SURE THEY ARE OIL FREE chalks/pastels...Because if they have oil in them the color WILL NOT wash out.

Choose a hairspray of choice to help make the strand sticky so that the chalk has something to grab onto.

Make sure to wear gloves as this can be quite messy.

Select a strand of hair and separate it from the rest of your hair.

With the hair spray begin spraying the strand of hair in which you have chosen.. Make sure it is damp and sticky.

Choose a piece of chalk.. Any color that you desire and begin "chalking" your hair in a downward motion.

 To create a darker look keep going over and over with the piece of chalk on the desired strand of hair. If you are wanting a lighter look just do a light "chalking" (one layer) of the chalk.

You dont have to use bright colors either you could even use black, browns or reds to give a lowlighted look. A more "natural" chalked look. I decided to go the more colorful route this time.

[Finished look.] This look is something fun and spunky to do every once and awhile. It allows you to try the colors you may not try if they were permanent. :) Have fun and enjoy! Post photos if you decide to try this out!!!!

HOW TO APPLY BRONZER

1.) Before applying the bronzer you will add a foundation of your choice and/or a tinted moisturizer. (In my photo I already have foundation and a light setting powder on my face)

2.) Apply bronzer to your cheekbones to enhance the shape of your face and lift your cheeks.

3.) DONT FORGET YOUR NOSE. Add bronzer to the very tip of your nose to add a sun-kissed glow. 

4.) Adding bronzer underneath your chin will help create depth and shape to your face.  

5.) Be sure to add bronzer to your hairline so that it gives your complete sun-kissed glow. 

                                                 

6.) This is the completed sun-kissed summer look. Perfect for a day at the beach or a night on the boat. Enjoy :)!!!!

HOW TO AVOID A HANGOVER

Now, Now... we all have those days where you cannot wait to be off work to just have a drink.. Or after a long week you look forward to the weekend to let loose and enjoy a few drinks with some friends.
BUT! NO ONE enjoys a hangover.... So here are some tips to help avoid having that dreaded hangover the next day...

****Pick drinks that do not have a lot of refined sugar. Instead try natural sweeteners like ripe fruit puree, honey or agave nectar. Just taste as you go: agave and fruit puree are much sweeter than sugar.
****Drink lots of water before and after a night of drinking to keep your body fully hydrated.
****Take two advil before you start drinking to help take the edge off any headache or body ache from drinking all day. Also take two before you head to bed with a glass of water.

ENJOY!

FLAUNTABLE LEGS

Feeling pastey and pale??? Don't want to encourage skin cancer by going to a tanning bed? THERES ANOTHER WAY.
All you need is a little glow to add some color to your legs.
*Try a self tanning daily body lotion marked as GRADUAL... it will give you a subtle bronzed look.
PREP YOUR SKIN:
If you are going head first into a full strength sunless tanner the you need to exfoliate and moisturize first. "use a washcloth in the shower to scrub evenly."
DONT SHOWER:
for about 6-8 hours after you apply the color you need to give it time to develop onto the skin.

JUICE UP!

When you think about JUICE... most people automatically think orange juice, apple juice etc... THOSE ARE THE MOST COMMON and are equally as good for you. BUT! There are OTHER juices out there that studies show help offer some surprising health benefits!
CHECK IT OUT :)


TART CHERRY: People who drank just 1 ounce of this drink twice a day reported sleeping longer and more soundly than those who did not.


ORGANIC TOMATO: Spending a bit more for the organic might be particularly worthwhile when it comes to this savory sip. Tomato juice is filled with antioxidants that have been linked to reducing the risks of some cancers.


CRANBERRY: Cranberry juice is more effective than cranberry extracts in fighting the growth of bacteria that causes urinary tract infections.




WHO KNEW?! Well.... NOW YOU DO :) ENJOY!!! xo

GOOD MOOD MUNCHIES

Studies show that certain foods can help keep hormones and brain chemicals balanced, meaning a "less stressed state of mind"


PEPPERS: These veggies are packed with Vitamin C, which can inhibit the production of the stress hormone cortisol. Yellow peppers have the highest levels followed by red then green.
WALNUTS: A handful a day has been linked to heart health and weight control. Walnuts can boost your serotonin which is the hormone that increases feelings of well being.
CHICKPEAS: Just a half cup of these legumes supplies 141mg of folate, a type of B vitamin necessary for the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure.
SARDINES: The omega-3 loaded fish may help you feel calmer. Studies show that people who consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are 20% less anxious than those who don't.
AVOCADOS: Stress depletes stores of B vitamins, essential for the creation of serotonin. Avocados are an excellent source of not only B vitamins but also potassium which helps LOWER blood pressure.
SUNFLOWER SEEDS: A magnesium deficiency can slow dopamine production, leaving you feeling frazzled. These seeds help balance out your dopamine levels.


Article found in SHAPE Magazine, written by: Mitzi Dulan, R.D.

Coffee, Coffee, Coffee

So if you are anything like me.. Your morning typically starts off with a cup of coffee. Helps get me going throughout the day and gives me that instant boost of energy!
Now after reading an article in SHAPE magazine I wanted to share a few facts about this thing we call Coffee.... 
COFFEE IS THE NEW BUZZZ 
Dont feel guilty anymore about going back for another cup of coffee, Research has linked coffee to a reduced risk of various conditions... including strokes, diabetes and the perks just continue on...


SKIN CANCER: Coffee is loaded with inflammation fighting antioxidants... People who consume more than three cups of coffee per day are 20 percent less likely to develop basal cell carcinoma which is (THE MOST COMMON SKIN CANCER)...


DEPRESSION: Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant, which makes people feel better and more energized through out the day. Studies state that people who consume 4 cups of coffee a day were less likely to become depressed over a 10 year period.


ALZHEIMERS DISEASE: The magic ingredient appears to be a compound that works in concert with caffeine to help produce new brain cells. Studies found that people who had 3 to 5 cups of coffee a day in their 40s and 50s were 65% less likely to get Alzheimers in their 60s and 70s than those who drank 2 cups or less daily.


SOo0o0o0o0o drink up :)

7 of the MOST FLATTERING COLORS for Spring 2012

RED AND ORANGE LIP COLORING. 
*** If your skin has cool undertones, go for blue reds; warmer skin tones can try fiery, orangey hues. And if you want to go for outright orange, stick to one that has a hint of red—a true orange requires a heap of confidence to pull off.
ORCHID PURPLE EYE SHADOW
***Choose a powder version with a satin finish and spread it over your lids so the color is truly opaque. Add a thin line of black pencil along top and bottom lashes and brush on several coats of mascara. Because this shade has pink undertones, cover up any undereye circles with a good concealer or light-reflecting pen so they aren't enhanced.
CITRUS EYES
***First, pick a shade—yellow, orange, or lime green, it's up to you. Just make sure it has a satin finish, and again, avoid shimmer; it'll give these hues a juvenile vibe. The second step is to apply—softly. Wearing your citrus shade as a wash over your lids is the most feminine approach. Take a big, fluffy shadow brush and sweep it from the lashes to the crease, then follow with natural-colored blush and a sheer lipstick that's close to the color of your lips.

CORN FLOWER BLUE LINER AND SHADOW

*** If you want to wear the color as a shadow, use a domed shadow brush to sweep it over your lids and just up over the crease, diffusing the edges with a clean brush. To create more definition, line the inner rims of your eyes with black pencil and, yep, go extra heavy on the mascara.

CORAL LIPS AND CHEEK COLOR

***The more prone your skin is to flushing, the more you need to avoid corals that are too pink; if you have yellow undertones, go for more pink and less orange. When it comes to blush, cream formulas are usually more natural-looking (but powder is okay as long as it's transparent), and your lipstick should also be on the sheer side.

TERA COTTA EYE SHADOW 

***Don't worry, this is not the dusty terra-cotta that you associate with planting pots, but a shimmery take on the warm, orangey brown shade that looks good on anyone. Brush it on your lids and up over the crease, tracing along the inner lash lines with black pencil and finishing with mascara. Or, dust it just on your lids and add black shadow to the outer corners for a mellow smoky-eye look. And don't forget bronzer—if you don't warm up your skin, the terra-cotta eyes will make you look washed-out.

GINGER SHEEN

***There aren't a lot of colors you can wear all over your face without looking totally ridiculous, but warm, shimmery taupe is one of them. "It's a great option for women with fair skin," says Page. Transparency is key here: Pick creamy, sheer formulas for eyes, cheeks, and lips. To create a similar effect on dark skin, choose redder brown shades instead.

---FOUND ALL THIS INFORMATION FROM THE LATEST ADDITION OF ALLURE MAGAZINE :)

TOP TRENDS FOR THIS YEAR

PLATINUM STRANDS-BLEACH, BLONDE HAIR " it brightens the whole face, just make sure to keep it conditioned since it is bleached it can dry out your locks so make sure to have a deep conditioner in the shower to put on your platinum strands at least once a week."


NAIL ART-GLITTERY NAILS-DECALS-BOLD BRIGHT COLORS "It completes your outfit"


BLACK EYE LINER "It gives a feeling of power, confidence that allows your eyes to be sexy and strong"


RED LIP "Classy, sexy and timeless look"


CURLY HAIR "embrace your natural curl, and rock that dooo"


BLUNT BANGS "a balance of feminine and cool"

How to Hide an Acne Scar....

An article in Cosmopolitan couldn't of said it any better..... So I thought I would share what they had to say about hiding acne scars.... We all have had acne once in our lifetime... and with acne it leaves scars... Heres a few tips to hide them :)


"Erase the evidence of a past breakout with this dent-plumping, skin-perfecting fix"
THE PREP: Lather up with a salicylic acid cleanser for about 30 seconds. It dissolves surface oils, helping makeup stay put all day.
(1.) Tap a silicone based primer (it;ll have an ingredient endearing in "cone") in circles over the scar, the silicone helps fill the divot. Let it set for about a minute, then apply the foundation the same way... (in a circular motion).
(2.) Brush concealer across the scar diagonally then again in the opposite direction forming an "X". This provides two thin layers of coverage.
(3.) Tap concealer with your finger, starting from the center of the "X" and moving outward until its completely blended in with skin. Press on powder to set the concealer into the scar.

TIP: Green tinted primers help neutralize the look of a fresh, purple tinted scar thats still in the process of healing.

SOLUTION TO PROBLEMS WE HAVE ALL COME IN CONTACT WITH...

PROBLEM: Bad Breath....
*salt water, fennel, licorice sticks or fresh parsley*
After each meal, sprinkle 1-2tsp into a glass of water and swish in your mouth for about 20 seconds; SPIT then repeat this three or four times.
WHY DO THIS? Bacteria thrive on food stuck in your mouth and this can cause bad breath. The salt rinse helps to remove those bits of food. Chewing on fennel, licorice or parsley after eating can sweeten your breath and mask that bad breathe smell!

PROBLEM: Hickey.....
*frozen spoon, pure aloe vera gel*
Coat the hickey with aloe vera then rub it in with the back of the spoon ( keep one in the freezer ) for about 10 minutes daily to speed up the fading of the hickey.
WHY DO THIS? A hickey is basically a bruise. Ice constricts blood vessels, so theres less bleeding under the skin; the aloe vera helps reduce inflammation.

PROBLEM: Gas/Bloating....
*peppermint oil, water*
Put a couple drops of peppermint oil in an 8oz glass of water and drink it. If discomfort continues then have another glass.
WHY DO THIS? Most painful gas occurs when stubborn bacteria in your intestine don't easily digest, resulting in spasms and pain. The menthol in peppermint oil helps ease those spasms and controls your discomfort.

PROBLEM: Menstrual Cramps.....
*about 1tbs dried raspberry leaves, decaffeinated tea bags (caffeine will make you cramp up more), and water.*
Steep raspberry leaves and tea bag in boiling water. DRINK UP!
WHY DO THIS? The heat relaxes the uterus and can prevent pain causing contractions. Raspberry leaves have been used for years to alleviate cramps, though doctors aren't sure why this plant is so soothing....

THE SIX MONTH COUNTDOWN TO BEAUTY PERFECTION

"Planning your hair, nail, skin and body regimen before you say I DO" By: Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa.......Found this article in Chicago Bride Magazine and thought I would share this with all your newly engaged women out there!

ENJOY!!

 **6 MONTHS**
-Schedule complimentary skin and makeup consultations
-Begin booking facial, massage and body services every 4-6 weeks
-Consult now with your colorist about hair color changes or highlights
**4 MONTHS**
-Strengthen weak nails by setting up bi-weekly manicure appointments
-Schedule a series of customized hair and scalp treatments for shiny, healthy wedding day hair
**2 MONTHS**
-Decide on natural eyebrow shape with a waxing specialist
-Confirm all wedding day hairstyling/makeup appointments for you and your bridal party
**1 MONTH**
-Try out hairstyles with your stylist using your headpiece or veil. Share photographs of your favorite looks with your stylist
-Book a Bridal Trial appointment with a makeup artist to find your perfect wedding day look
-Purchase any cosmetics you need for wedding day touch-ups
**1 WEEK**
-Meet with your hair stylist for final touch-ups on highlights and hair shaping
-Schedule a facial to relax and prep your skin to glow
-Have your eyebrows, legs and bikini line waxed
**1 DAY**
-Schedule a manicure, pedicure and relaxing massage for you and your groom
-Wash your hair the day before for a wedding day up-do, Natural hair oils will help set the style
**THE BIG DAY**
-Final hair and makeup appointment for bride and wedding party
-Makeup application no more than a few hours before photos
-Nail polish touch ups
-Smile and enjoy every moment of this special day!!

 :)

Things men HATE but women LOVE about beauty/makeup

1.) HEAVY FOUNDATION and HEAVY POWDER APPLICATION
"no guy wants to kiss a girl on the cheek and then find he wearings foundation himself." Don't cake on the foundation and powder to disguise your "imperfections" everyone has them so embrace them and be YOU.
2.) BUMPS or POOFS
"be wary of anything that makes your head look unnaturally larger."  Its one thing to pull your hair back out of your face but we don't need any more Snooki's in the world.
3.) NEON LIPSTICK
"orange lips are definitely a departure from what we're used to and not necessarily something a lot of guys I know really respond to just quite yet..." most guys are "hip" on the trends so bright, bold colors on your lips might freak them out a tad.
4.) TOO-THIN BROWS
"overly plucked brows"Bold brows are in..... stay natural ladies
5.) BOLD EYESHADOWS
"smoky eyes when don't right are great, very sexy, very attractive but when done wrong they look a total mess"Learn the proper way to apply eyeshadow before branching out and trying "new" colors and techniques at home.
6.) ROSY CHEEKS
"rouge is for old ladies" Bronze is the new "blush" it gives a more natural appearance to the face rather than a bold image that the rosy blush color would.
7.) TWO TONED LIPS
"when I see thin lines drawn around a pair of lips, I think : is this part of some gang initiation?"
Lining your lips is not necessary and more, but if you must stay natural and closest to your lip color.
8.) GLITTER
"women need to be judicious with it" Every girl loves shimmer and glittery things.. so when the whole concept of "eye" glitter came out... it was a craze. The issue is glitter goes everywhere it never stays in one stop so be sparing when applying to your face. REMEMBER LESS IS MORE.




Article by Piper Weis from the Shine Staff... when I read this article I just knew I had to share this with you all, I am guilty of doing some of these things and it is funny to have a males perspective on our appearance to truly see what they do and do not like. ENJOY! :)