#INEVEREXPIRE

When I was younger I remember I had written on my diary all the goals I had for the future.  Like becoming a lawyer, getting married at 23 and having my first child at 25.  I had designed the house of my dreams which was going to be in the country with a pool and an awesome gazebo for my future family reunions.  And boy oh boy how was I wrong.   

I mean not everything is bad; I can say we do have a beautiful country home in Puerto Rico.  But I'm an administrative assistant, never got married at 23; I got married at 27 and I remarried at the age of 32; and we currently don’t have any children.  Not by choice but by nature.  Now let’s talk about all the nonstop questions of, “when are you going to have kids?” or the endless comments of “you are not getting any younger”.  FYI I’m 38 and I’m proud of my age :)

Let me just say hubs and I are eager to start a family; and I don’t even know where to begin when it comes to all of our sarcastic answers to the ignorant comments like “oh we are living the life without kids”, “we are traveling the world”, “and this is why we look so young”; but deep down inside we are both in pain and in a horrible heartache because infertility is just fucking hard.  But the pressures that society puts on you it’s something normal in life.  You know…  study/become a professional and get married/have kids. 

Well I have some news… Has it ever occurred to anyone that not everyone can afford to study what they truly want too, or wants to get married or desires a family, or maybe some are unable to have children LIKE ME?  But the age or time pressure seems never ending.  It is time to live our lives how we want too without the need to put a limit on our goals.  I’ve learned not to waste my time giving excuses on to why I don’t have kids or when will I have kids.  I promised myself that I would walk with my head up high because I NEVER EXPIRE.   We as women get to choose everything we want in our lives; don’t let society choose for you. 

Last night I was browsing YouTube and I found this short film which inspired me to write this post today.  Let’s take control of our own destinies without letting others make us feel less because we don’t have or we don’t want what they expect we need.  What I loved the most about this video and campaign, is how we have the power to take control of our own lives.

Paradise: Culebra, Puerto Rico

I just got back from my vacation in Puerto Rico.  It was two weeks of beaches, family and friends.  Today I want to talk about one of my favorite places in Puerto Rico, which is Culebra. This tiny island off the east coast of Puerto Rico is truly a tropical gem.  I always tell my husband this is my paradise and my happy place.  Culebra is home to one of the top beaches in the world: Flamenco Beach!  It's full of pure, white, silky sand and crystal clear turquoise water. 

Getting There

You can fly from San Juan to Culebra.  Flights are short and relatively affordable.  From San Juan, you can take a flight from Isla Grande Vieques Air Link, Cape Air, and Air Flamenco.  You can also fly from Ceiba on the east coast of the island.  We traveled via ferry; this is the cheapest way from the Fajardo post. There’s also a parking lot where you can leave you car overnight. 

Transportation on Culebra

To avoid surprises, coordinate your transportation before you arrive to the island.  Standard rates for golf carts for the day are $40-$50 and for jeeps $75. We opt for the golf carts as we wanted something exciting for the day.

 

Word of Advice

DO: Go, even if it’s just for a day trip. Totally worth it! 

DON'T: Give three fucks what you look like in a bikini.  Not worth it!!! 

Spring & Wine

I just realized spring is almost over and we will be heading into summer (thank God).  For me living in Fort Drum, NY Spring literally was like Winter I mean can you believe it snowed in the beginning of May??? I was still wearing my leather jacket because the weather was simply bipolar.

 

Anyway, changing from season to season to me it’s like changing fashion and changing wine.  Every season has its wine and for spring here are my personal favorites.  Now here’s the funny thing in my house we always open two different bottles. Because I’m into semi-dry to dry and my dearest husband only drinks sweet wine – yes you read right.  He’s only into sweet wine.

1.      Prosecco - Mionetto 

 This is beyond good on its own, but if you want to drink it like a good Italian simply add Aperol and a slice of orange and you are good to go.  Prosecco also happens to be generally much less expensive than it’s cousin champagne; and Mionetto tastes way more expensive than its actual price. 

2.    “Clone of Moscato” - Fior d’Arancio 

 Ok… so I’m not into sweet wines but this here is delicious.  Fior d’Arancio (orange blossom) grapes have thick skins and high sugar concentrations, which, when air-dried, make them particularly good for making sweet wines with a fresh, delicate, blossom-like aroma.

3.    Rosso - Roàn 

This wine is one of my favorites.  I’ve had this in the winter warmed up with some spices and convert it into a good and delightful Vin Brulé in Italian or in English mulled wine.  But for spring I love this wine on the days my husband decides to do BBQ and it’s a bit chilly in the house.  This wine is great with read meats.  It has a 70% of Cabernet Franc and 30% of Malbec; can anyone say yum here!!! 

4. Malbec: Terrazas de los Andes

Another goodie. Aged 12 months in French oak barrels.  Easy to drink and very good paired with grilled Angus beef burger.

What are your favorite wines for spring??? I’d LOVE to hear and try different wines! Cheers!

Wellness Friday || Getting Keto Crazy

Hello ya’ll, I’ve decided to do a new session on my blog just to talk a little about wellness, health and fitness.  You see… about a month ago I went to my doctor because I had all sorts of symptoms and I was not feeling myself.  So after some tests and because I have PCOS, Hypothyroid and suffer from vitamin D deficit he decided to put me on the Keto diet.  

Not only did my primary doctor suggested the Keto Diet, but the IVF Clinic we have chosen to restart our fertility journey as well highly recommends Keto because it helps to decrease inflammation, boost your metabolism, lose weight and help improve with egg quality. 

What is Keto (short for the Ketogenic Diet)?

The ketogenic diet is essentially a very low carb, moderate protein, and high fat diet that will allow your body to fuel itself without the use or need of glucose or high levels of carbohydrates.

Before I started keto I was eating a very high carb diet: rice, pizza, pasta, pastries, you know how it all goes.

What are Macros?

Macronutrients, or macros, are the three ways (fat, protein and carbs) in which our bodies produce energy.

Am I supposed to hit my macros every day?

Think about it…

Fat is a lever. It is designed to keep you full. 

Protein is a goal. Very IMPORTANT -- If you’re losing weight, you want to make sure you’re eating enough protein so you’re not also losing muscle.

Carbs are a limit. Don’t go above your allotted daily net carbs. 

What About Cheat Days?

NO, NO & NOOOO!!!  Keto is about changing your relationship with food.  It is not a diet for a month or two is a lifetime kind of thing.  At least this is how I see it. BUT… If you were to cheat, or are in plans too… keep this as a friendly reminder and don’t say I didn’t tell you because I’m talking by experience, you’ll likely feel awful/sick the next day because of how your body will react to carbs after getting used to not having them.

And just a little disclaimer I am no doctor, nutritionist or any other sort of wellness guru.  I just want to share what I’m doing and my progress.  Pictures will be posted soon. With all this being said I hope you all have a great weekend!!!

I’m Not Crazy I’m Mourning

We lost our beloved Knela last Friday after seven amazing years with her.  Knela was given to us when she was 7 human years.  Although she was already an “adult” we saw her as a baby; I mean you can’t even imagine how spoiled she was.  We have her all the love, happiness and caring she needed and more.  She brought us happiness while dealing with infertility.  I cannot even begin to express how she won my heart.  

The loss of Knela has broken my heart into pieces, people say “time will heal”, “it’s just a dog” and so many other things that makes me wonder if I’m going crazy or if they simply don’t have a heart. To love a dog is to truly know the meaning of unconditional love.  If you are lucky enough like me to share your life with a dog, especially a soul mate dog that has passed, then you know the meaning of grief.  

Burn With Love: Ash & Syd Soy Candles

My sister once told me that our olfactory system, which is just a fancy word for “sense of smell,” is the part of your sensory system most closely tied to vivid memories.  And in my opinion she is completely right.  Every scent I have chosen whether if it’s a candle, a perfume or even a flower; each has a memory or emotion for me. 

One of the too many things I have in common with my sister is the love for candles.  My sister Dixie had a passion for candles that she transformed her passion and founded what today is Ash & Syd Candles; but they are not just candles they are made with soy.  And if you didn’t know Soy candles are non-toxic, so they won't release toxins into the air as they burn.  And they last longer and have better scent.  I took some time asking her about her journey and I’d love to share a little more her story.

Dixie: “Quite movie like (but without the cameras and supporting cast) it happened. I stood in the middle of my living room, robe tied, curtains drawn and out loud I asked, "If you like them so much, why don't you make them?" - so that's exactly what I did.

Ash & Syd candles were created by my own wild ambition, but they are inspired by the two most beautiful things I have ever made: my daughters. Ashley, my calm and collected ocean, who ripples and waves, but always leaves me feeling safe at shore. And Sydney, my delicate rose, whose spirit and scent was truly crafted for the heavens. I pour my heart and soul (and of course soy) into my candles so that you may burn a little bit of the love that I feel each day knowing that I am making someone's day...someone's world, just a little bit brighter.”

With the foundation of Ash & Syd Candles comes a series of scents:

Brooklyn - A rich scent of balsamic greens and grapefruits. 

New York - Vibrating scents of sea salt and orchids. 

Citronella - Keep the bugs away.

Ashley - For our beach bums.

Sydney - For our rose scent lovers.

Love - For our lustful secret admirers.

Citrus - For those who love fresh, vibrant yet subtle scents.

Summer Love - A mixture of pineapple and coconuts

Relax - Just imagine a day in a spa

Gardenia - Like the flower that symbolizes love, harmony and grace

Buddha - For our peace seekers.

Him - For our strong men, or women.

Pumpkin Spice - Seasonal candle

Christmas Scent - Seasonal candle

You can purchase these amazing candles at http://ashsydsoycandles.bigcartel.com and you can also follow the Ash and Syd Candles journey on Instagram @ashluvsyd and Facebook @ashsydsoycandles.