I'm a firm believer that happiness comes within yourself. Be Happy. ❤
Showing posts with label Journal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Journal. Show all posts
Bourbon Beauty: Quote.
I'm a firm believer that happiness comes within yourself. Be Happy. ❤
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Bourbon Beauty: Quote -Life Lessons.
Lessons I teach my sons, but have to remember for myself as well ♡
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Bourbon Beauty: Level Up Louisville Review (Photography/ Calligraphy/ Writing)
Pink Letter Board from Amazon Available here
My husband purchased me a camera about 2 years ago (give or take) for Christmas, and it sat in my closet because I had no idea how to work the damn thing. I was annoyed because I didn't know how it functioned, he was annoyed because he thought I didn't like the gift, it was a hot mess. (Maybe we need to take a communication course haha).
Fast forward to summer 2018, I noticed an Instagram account about classes given locally in Louisville, (yes it included a photography class...) and now I'm obsessed! I love crafts, I love candles, I love food.... and as I scoured their class list my wish list of courses grew and grew. EVERYTHING was appealing to me! I knew how to do a lot of these things, but how fun would it be to give me an excuse to actually do the craft I never make time for, learn from an actual pro, and take home said project. It was a win/win.
Photography 101
I rarely go out without my kids (my husband works long hours, so the last thing I want is to leave him with the responsibility of watching the boys), but this could be the exception since I could use this class for work myself (Mom/Wife Guilt 101). I signed up for a photography class, and I enjoyed it so much, I continued to sign up for more. (for work, of course.)
My photography class was held in Story Louisville. I probably walked passed it 3x before I realized where the class was located (another student had her camera bag, so we were both frantically looking for the entrance lol. At least I was in good company!).
I was relieved when I found it (it was a slender door, so if your looking for it remember what the above door looks like lol!). As I walked up the stairs, I saw their fun sign and was ready for the action.
As a courtesy to the teacher, and her hard work, I'm respecting their privacy and am not publishing their slides. The image above gives you an idea of what the class looks like. You've invited to grab a beverage, (Wine or Water) take a seat at the table, and listen to the instructor as they guide you through the basics of how to use your DSLR. I found her class very informative, so much so that I was finally able to use my DSLR for the first time. I still need practice like everything else, but its awesome that I'm finally able to easily use my camera! Thanks Natalia Bishop!
The next class that I took, was a Calligraphy class with Elise from Old Glory Paper Co. This was FUN! Not only did I get to learn the basics of Calligraphy, but I was able to take home my own pen and nib (partly why I signed up for the class...lol.), and calligraphy paper to practice on. I was so excited to learn this art! I've purchased old fountain pens with the removable cartridges, but this was my first time using a pen that I dipped in ink. I LOVED the class! I felt so fancy with my new pen... its the little things.
The last class that I took, was a writers class with the one and only Minda Honey! She was funny and very relateable. She gave amazing tips on what companies to pitch, how to pitch them, and knowing you're own worth. She's a boss babe all on her own, if you're looking for a writing class, I HIGHLY recommend you go see her. Shes's worth every penny plus more. (You can read her column in LEO Weekly, I picked it up last week just to read her!)
Again, I wanted to respect her process and not publish the goodies you find in her class. Basically, it was everything you needed to know to get your writing on, and make money while doing it. Very informative, inspiring, and a must take if its something you're interested in.
I want to take more classes, but hubs is already figuring out its for my own pleasure instead of *just* for work lol. I'm running out of excuses (Totally kidding... somewhat).
Level Up Louisville was not only fun and informative, it gave me a bit of peace & me time to enjoy the company of other women (all while laughing at ourselves for goofing up as we learn!).
Photography 101 Next Class is: Tuesday September 18th, 2018 @ 6:30 pm
Hand Lettering (Closest to Calligraphy I could find!) Next Class is Thursday Sept 13th @ 6:30 PM
Pitching your Writing with Minda Honey (next class is): Wednesday September 26th 2018 @ 6:30PM
And she has another for Breaking your Writers Block Sept 19 2018 @ 6:30 PM
Find out more on their Instagram: http://instagram.com/lvlupofficial
Website: https://levelupwithus.com/
What do you like to do in Louisville for fun? Any other classes I should check out?
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Bourbon Beauty: Louisville Classroom in Need.
This. This. This.
I was made aware of a special classroom, here in Louisville, that could use your help. I always try my hardest to support our teachers, in any way that I can. The time, and dedication, that all faculty/staff give to our kiddos, goes above and beyond what a normal job should entail. If you can read this, thank a Teacher!
Special Education classrooms, in general, always tend to need a little bit of an extra boost. They typically contain children with an array of disabilities, and because of that, different learning techniques and tools are required to help these little ones succeed in class. Unfortunately, since schools are so underfunded, our special ed classes receive much less than what they need to help their kids. Thankfully, due to the internet and the awesome people that set up donor sites, we are able to spread the word out and offer opportunities to help!
This classroom in particular, contains students that have different levels of communication abilities, and would excel with the help of a tablet to help them communicate, and explore a world they otherwise may not be able to. (Just imagine the difference it makes, having the internet on your phone, all of the things you can look up, and how much easier it is to explore! Add in the educational/communication apps for a child who needs the extra help, and you basically have this amazing new world at your fingertips!).
With your help, the possibilities could be endless (and truly life changing) to give these kids extra tools to help them be successful in their learning (and hopefully equally successful when they age out of school.).
If you have the time, I ask that you please check out their page, and donate &/or spread the word, so that these kids can have tablets to help reach their own goals. My boys have their own Ipads at home, and it makes a world of a difference! I know the children in this class could really benefit from the use of their own tablet in class.
Here is the link for more info on the class, and how to donate! It's also worth noting; this donor site has a cap at how much they can ask for. They have 10 students in the class, so although they ask for only 1 ipad, 9 more are still needed. Thank you so much for your generosity!
The link has, and will continue to remain on my side bar until the donations have been filled.
Editor's Note: It is absolutely amazing to see how much love and attention my own children have received at their school. Their principal/vice principal, ALL of their teachers, aides, speech therapists, counselors, office personnel, front desk & school staff (I won't name them to protect their privacy), I couldn't thank them enough for all of the happiness and joy they've brought into our lives. Nothing in this world feels better than knowing your kids are in a safe place, with people that truly care! I have yet to meet a single person at their school that hasn't presented something positive to my children. From the second we get onto school property, we are greeted with warm smiles and this amazing energy of caring adults. I couldn't rave enough about my kid's school. I would never in a million years be able to repay them for everything they've done, especially for my special needs son. My son's success in school, and in his future, is due (and will be due) to the overwhelming help, love, and compassion that everyone at his school has blessed him with. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.
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Bourbon Beauty: Quote
It's okay to have different perspectives in life. ♡ Author Unknown ♡
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Bourbon Beauty: Happy 1 Year Anniversary Awakenings Boutique (Cancer Treatment Essentials)
Being completely honest, when I was first told about visiting Awakenings Boutique, I wasn't quite sure how I was going to feel stepping into the store. My grandmother passed away just 8 months ago from cancer, and it is still very much a healing process. I often catch myself wanting to call her, and I quickly remember that she's no longer here. I've attempted to write this post out a couple of times, but shut my laptop down, because I figure I'll write more clearly tomorrow.... Any reference to cancer seems to trigger an emotional response, and I generally prefer to keep my blog light hearted. Sticking with honesty, life isn't always light hearted. Life is beautiful, but its hard. Life is loving, but its cold too. I don't care how positive you try to be, things get messy. When it does, sometimes all you can do is laugh and roll with it... and this is exactly what Heidi Fuller has done. And let me tell you, she's done it very well.
Her shop is filled with pretty tops, and accessories with inspirational quotes (and those are useful for anyone! Lord knows I have days that I need a boost). Along with uplifting sayings, she also has some pretty downright naughty and funny as hell stationary for those that need a laugh too! It was funny, she told me a couple of stories about how supportive her husband and mother were during her own treatments, and how they used humor amongst themselves to help ease through the process. I could completely see how important those opportunities to laugh are. My (amazing) Aunt Bea would call and tell me jokes her and my own grandmother had with their own nurses. =)
Everyone's healing story is different, and very much full of so many emotions and needs. Since not one story is the same, it was important to Heidi to offer her customers a little bit of everything, and her shop really does carry it all!
Aside from clothing and accessories, she also carries planners to help document the process (write in Dr. appointments and such), as well as these bags she helps you assemble to create a kit to bring to appointments. (How AMAZING is that?! and how helpful!). I wish I had taken pictures, but she also had these neat shirts that had an already built slit in it to ease implantable ports (for Chemo, or to help give medicine.). I remember vividly my grandmother fumbling with her shirt, if only I had known something like that had existed. These are things you don't think of, or realize they even exist. It really is an eye opener to see products available through someone who has already had that experience.
Its very common for a woman to experience hair loss with cancer, and I've heard of some unfortunate stories of awful experiences when purchasing wigs. Its a sad truth, but some sales people (especially those who don't understand/ can't relate) aren't very kind, or don't know how to empathize with the delicateness of it. Its an emotional process (rightfully so), and working with someone who has been through it makes all of the difference. Not only has she created these beautiful warm (private) dressing rooms, she also has personally placed together paperwork to help customers find their insurance coverage for them!(!!), kits to wash (along with care instructions) the wigs. When I say she's thought of everything, she really has gone above and beyond.
Aside from the previously mentioned, she also carries some natural skin care products/ointments that help with the side affects of certain medications and procedures. (Along with books, mugs, housewares... it really is a store for everyone!) I'm going to swing back in and pick up a shirt I really loved when I visited.
Congratulations Heidi Fuller on your one year anniversary store opening! I loved seeing such a smart, talented, beautiful, driven woman such as yourself succeeding with your beautiful boutique! I wish you lots of success.
Check out Awakenings Boutique!
9708 Brownsboro Road
Louisville, Kentucky.
www.AwakenShop.com
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Bourbon Beauty: Louisville Youth Philanthropy Council - End of year celebration!
I received an invitation from the lovely Bella of Louisville & her social media coordinator (Ashlea Spears) of Bella Vita Media, to attend the "End of year celebration for the LYPC". If you haven't checked out her blog, I *highly* recommend you do. She's a beautiful person inside and out, I really enjoy reading her inspirational posts on Instagram.
The celebration took place at the Muhammad Ali Center, located in downtown Louisville. Its not very often I venture downtown, but I love it!
The beginning of the banquet, we were all invited to go the buffet for dinner. I of course indulged, ha! I enjoyed my evening with a very sweet group of women.
During the banquet (hosted by WDRB News Anchor Sterling Riggs, btw, such a nice guy!) we heard inspirational stories from young adults benefiting from the Louisville Youth Philanthropy Council.
Per their website:
The LYPC gives teenagers the opportunity to learn how to run a non-profit philanthropic foundation- and then helps them to put what they learn into practice by making grants of $5,000 in the Louisville, Kentucky area.
Two LYPC teams granted $20,000(!!!) to non-profit organizations selected by the 30 high school students in this year's class. The beautiful student-led presentations awarded the organizations receiving grant funds, and also shared personal stories from their own LYPC experience. These stories were so inspirational. It was such an honor to be in the same room with such amazing young men and women who I *know* will be the future of Louisville.
At the end of the evening, we were asked to look into a little envelope. The 3 winners who received a golden ticket, could choose a non-profit organization of their choice, to receive a donation made under their names.
I was a winner. I chose FEAT of Louisville.
I'm so grateful that a program like LYPC exists. There is nothing more uplifting, than to know these young adults will take everything they've learned, and go out into the world to do good. Thank you LYPC for all that you've done, and continue to do.
If you're interested in donating to this amazing organization, (and make a positive difference in our community!) you can go to www.lypc.org
Thank you LYPC, and Bella Vita Media for inviting me to join you in celebrating. I left the dinner very uplifted, and I can't wait to see what positive influence you will have on Louisville, and these young adults' futures!
For more information:
Louisville Youth Philanthropy Council
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Bourbon Beauty: Rosaura Serna De Jaime; of Garden Prairie, Illinois. January 7th 1941 - September 27th 2017
Desplácese hacia abajo para la traducción al español
Editors Note: On September 27th, 2017, my beloved grandmother, Rosaura Serna De Jaime, passed away quietly in her daughter's home (Beatriz Galvan) in Rockford, Illinois. When my grandmother passed away, I was very unsure of if (or when) I would write anything online. My grandmother was a very private person, and was not one to pour her personal life on the internet. I want to give her the respect she deserved, and write everything with a clear, and dignified manner. This is for you Vita.
When you look up the word Love in the dictionary, this is the definition you'll find:
Above the definition in the dictionary, I'm positive you'll find the picture of my grandmother rested above it. If I could choose only one single word to describe my grandmother, Love would be it.
Editors Note: On September 27th, 2017, my beloved grandmother, Rosaura Serna De Jaime, passed away quietly in her daughter's home (Beatriz Galvan) in Rockford, Illinois. When my grandmother passed away, I was very unsure of if (or when) I would write anything online. My grandmother was a very private person, and was not one to pour her personal life on the internet. I want to give her the respect she deserved, and write everything with a clear, and dignified manner. This is for you Vita.
(My grandmother and my hands together, taken with permission last summer. )
Love.
When you look up the word Love in the dictionary, this is the definition you'll find:
Love;
1 a (1) : strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties
* maternal love for a child
b : an assurance of affection
2 : warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion.
Above the definition in the dictionary, I'm positive you'll find the picture of my grandmother rested above it. If I could choose only one single word to describe my grandmother, Love would be it.
My grandmother was one of the most (if not the most) selfless, beautiful woman I have ever had the blessing to meet. I believe when my great-grandmother named her Rosaura, she could not have chosen a more perfect name for her. My grandfather lovingly called her Rose (In Spanish, Rosa is short for Rosaura, meaning Rose). When I think of a rose, I picture it as a symbol of love, purity & devotion. These are all of the things my grandmother entailed.
Roses, while beautiful and delicate, have thorns built in that protect them, unlike some of the other more fragile species. That's exactly how I picture my grandmother, a beautiful graceful being, but a mother and wife that always protected her children and husband. My grandmother was the strongest woman I knew.
When you were in the presence of my grandmother, it was like this warm hug of beautiful energy. The gift of her love, affection, grace, and magic is unlike anything I could ever compare it to. The beauty of her being, was a gift to anyone around her. and I am proud and lucky to say I was blessed to have had her in my life.
Words cannot describe how much gratitude I have for my grandmother.
When I say my grandmother was selfless, that would be the biggest understatement of the century. Her devotion and love for all of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, would be enough to put any saint to shame. She was the epitome of selflessness.
When I close my eyes, and picture my grandmother, I envision her in her old apartment, kneading the dough for warm tortillas, and the scent of the sizzling lard from the hot comal filling the air. I also envision my grandfather, sitting right besides her in the kitchen, opening up nuts and offering them to my giggling cousins as they scurried by. Whenever I stepped foot into their home, love is the only thing I felt.
My grandmother will always have a special place in my heart. Not a day goes by that she doesn't cross my mind, and my home will always continue to carry her traditions, and love of her family.
When my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer, it was very difficult. Being far away, and knowing that she was going through this, was hard on all of my immediate family. The only thing that gave me personal peace of mind, was knowing that my Aunt (Tia) Beatriz was by her side. She unselfishly put her life on hold, left her job, and moved in with my grandmother to make sure that she was well taken care of. She was the best advocate for her. Because of her love, selflessness, and willingness to keep me updated on her condition, I knew that she was getting the best care possible. She was just as much my personal strength, as she was a guardian and caregiver of my grandmother. From the bottom of my heart Tia, I thank you. I know Vita and Vito are grateful of everything you and your family did to make sure she was okay.
Because of her, I know what unconditional love is.
Because of her, I have an example of what the perfect wife and mother should
be.
Because of her, I am able to give my children a better life.
Because of her, I understand when to be selfless.
Because of her, I have strength.
Because of her, I love.
Because of her, I am.
When I say my grandmother was selfless, that would be the biggest understatement of the century. Her devotion and love for all of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, would be enough to put any saint to shame. She was the epitome of selflessness.
When I close my eyes, and picture my grandmother, I envision her in her old apartment, kneading the dough for warm tortillas, and the scent of the sizzling lard from the hot comal filling the air. I also envision my grandfather, sitting right besides her in the kitchen, opening up nuts and offering them to my giggling cousins as they scurried by. Whenever I stepped foot into their home, love is the only thing I felt.
My grandmother will always have a special place in my heart. Not a day goes by that she doesn't cross my mind, and my home will always continue to carry her traditions, and love of her family.
When my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer, it was very difficult. Being far away, and knowing that she was going through this, was hard on all of my immediate family. The only thing that gave me personal peace of mind, was knowing that my Aunt (Tia) Beatriz was by her side. She unselfishly put her life on hold, left her job, and moved in with my grandmother to make sure that she was well taken care of. She was the best advocate for her. Because of her love, selflessness, and willingness to keep me updated on her condition, I knew that she was getting the best care possible. She was just as much my personal strength, as she was a guardian and caregiver of my grandmother. From the bottom of my heart Tia, I thank you. I know Vita and Vito are grateful of everything you and your family did to make sure she was okay.
Vita, I love you, and miss both you and Vito with all of my heart.<3
♥ Vanecita.
Nota del editor: El 27 de septiembre de 2017, mi querida abuelita, Rosaura Serna De Jaime, falleció tranquilamente en la casa de su hija (Beatriz Galvan) en Rockford, Illinois. Cuando mi abuelita falleció, no estaba muy segura de sí (o cuándo) escribiría algo en línea. Mi abuelita era una persona muy privada, y no era de los que le servían en su vida personal en Internet. Quiero darle el respeto que le merecía, y escribir todo de una manera clara y digna. Esto es para usted Vita.
Sobre la definición en el diccionario, estoy segura de que encontrarás la imagen de mi abuelita descansando sobre ella. Si pudiera elegir una sola palabra para describir a mi abuelita, Amor sería.
Mi abuelita fue una de las mujeres bellas que tuvo la bendición de conocer. Creo que cuando mi bisabuelita la llamó Rosaura, no podría haber elegido un nombre más perfecto para ella. Mi abuelito cariñosamente la llamó "Rose" (en español, Rosa es la abreviación de Rosaura, que significa Rosa). Cuando pienso en una hermosa rosa, la veo como un símbolo de amor, pureza y devoción. Estas son todas las cosas que mi abuelita conllevó.
Las rosas, aunque bellas y delicadas, tienen espinas incorporadas que las protegen, una diferencia de algunas de las otras especies más frágiles. Así es como yo imagino mi abuelita, un ser hermoso y elegante, pero una madre y una esposa que siempre protegio a sus hijos y su esposo. Mi abuelita era la mujer más fuerte que conocía.
Cuando estabas en presencia de mi abuelita, era como este cálido abrazo de hermosa energía. El regalo de su amor, afecto, gracia y magia es diferente a cualquier cosa con la que pueda comparelo. La belleza de su ser un regalo para cualquiera a su alrededor. y estoy orgullosa y afortunada de decir que tuve la suerte de haber tenido en mi vida.
Las palabras no pueden expresar mucho agradecimiento tengo para mi abuelita.
Cuando digo que mi abuelita era desinteresada, esa era la mayor subestimación del siglo. Su devoción y amor por todos sus hijos, nietos y bisnietos sería suficiente para avergonzar a cualquier santo. Ella era el epítome de la generosidad.
Cuando cierro los ojos y me imagino mi abuelita, la imaginación en su antiguo apartamento, amasando la masa para tortillas calientes, y el aroma de la manteca chisporroteante del caliente que llena el aire. También imagino a mi abuelito, sentado justo al lado de ella en la cocina, abriéndose nueces y ofreciendo los a mis primos que sé ríen mientras corren. Cada vez que puse un pie en su casa, el amor es lo único que sentí.
Mi abuelita siempre tendrá un lugar especial en mi corazón. No pasa un solo día, que ella no pase por mi mente, y mi hogar siempre sigue transmitiendo sus tradiciones y el amor a su familia.
Cuando mi abuelita fue diagnosticada con cáncer, fue muy difícil. Estar muy lejos, y saber que estaba pasando por esto, fue difícil para toda mi familia inmediata. Lo único que me dio tranquilidad personal fue saber que mi tía (Tía) Beatriz estaba a su lado. Ella desinteresadamente puso su vida en espera, dejó su trabajo y se mudó con mi abuelita para asegurarse de que estaba bien cuidada. Ella era la mejor defensora para ella. Debido a su amor, desinterés y voluntad de mantenerme actualizado sobre su condición, sabía que estaba recibiendo la mejor atención posible. Ella era mi fuerza personal, ya que era guardiana y cuidadora de mi abuelita. Desde el fondo de mi corazón, Tia, te la agradezco. Sé que Vita y Vito están agradecidos por todo lo que hicieron usted y su familia para asegurarse de que ella estaba bien.
Vita, la quiero mucho, y extraño a usted, y a Vito con todo mi corazón. <3
♥ Vanecita.
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Nota del editor: El 27 de septiembre de 2017, mi querida abuelita, Rosaura Serna De Jaime, falleció tranquilamente en la casa de su hija (Beatriz Galvan) en Rockford, Illinois. Cuando mi abuelita falleció, no estaba muy segura de sí (o cuándo) escribiría algo en línea. Mi abuelita era una persona muy privada, y no era de los que le servían en su vida personal en Internet. Quiero darle el respeto que le merecía, y escribir todo de una manera clara y digna. Esto es para usted Vita.
(Mi abuelita y mis manos juntas, tomadas con permiso el verano pasado).
Amor.
Cuando busca la palabra Amor en el diccionario, esta es la definición que encontraras:
Amor;
1 a (1): fuerte afecto por otro que surge de lazos de parentesco o personales
* amor maternal por un niño
b: una garantía de afecto
2: apego cálido, entusiasmo o devoción.
Sobre la definición en el diccionario, estoy segura de que encontrarás la imagen de mi abuelita descansando sobre ella. Si pudiera elegir una sola palabra para describir a mi abuelita, Amor sería.
Mi abuelita fue una de las mujeres bellas que tuvo la bendición de conocer. Creo que cuando mi bisabuelita la llamó Rosaura, no podría haber elegido un nombre más perfecto para ella. Mi abuelito cariñosamente la llamó "Rose" (en español, Rosa es la abreviación de Rosaura, que significa Rosa). Cuando pienso en una hermosa rosa, la veo como un símbolo de amor, pureza y devoción. Estas son todas las cosas que mi abuelita conllevó.
Las rosas, aunque bellas y delicadas, tienen espinas incorporadas que las protegen, una diferencia de algunas de las otras especies más frágiles. Así es como yo imagino mi abuelita, un ser hermoso y elegante, pero una madre y una esposa que siempre protegio a sus hijos y su esposo. Mi abuelita era la mujer más fuerte que conocía.
Cuando estabas en presencia de mi abuelita, era como este cálido abrazo de hermosa energía. El regalo de su amor, afecto, gracia y magia es diferente a cualquier cosa con la que pueda comparelo. La belleza de su ser un regalo para cualquiera a su alrededor. y estoy orgullosa y afortunada de decir que tuve la suerte de haber tenido en mi vida.
Las palabras no pueden expresar mucho agradecimiento tengo para mi abuelita.
Gracias a ella, sé lo que es el amor incondicional.
Gracias a ella, tengo un ejemplo de lo que hablo haciendo la esposa y la madre perfectas
ser.
Gracias a ella, puedo darle a mis hijos una vida mejor.
Gracias a ella, entiendo cuándo ser desinteresada.
Gracias a ella, tengo fuerza.
Por ella, me encanta.
Por ella, yo soy.
Cuando digo que mi abuelita era desinteresada, esa era la mayor subestimación del siglo. Su devoción y amor por todos sus hijos, nietos y bisnietos sería suficiente para avergonzar a cualquier santo. Ella era el epítome de la generosidad.
Cuando cierro los ojos y me imagino mi abuelita, la imaginación en su antiguo apartamento, amasando la masa para tortillas calientes, y el aroma de la manteca chisporroteante del caliente que llena el aire. También imagino a mi abuelito, sentado justo al lado de ella en la cocina, abriéndose nueces y ofreciendo los a mis primos que sé ríen mientras corren. Cada vez que puse un pie en su casa, el amor es lo único que sentí.
Mi abuelita siempre tendrá un lugar especial en mi corazón. No pasa un solo día, que ella no pase por mi mente, y mi hogar siempre sigue transmitiendo sus tradiciones y el amor a su familia.
Cuando mi abuelita fue diagnosticada con cáncer, fue muy difícil. Estar muy lejos, y saber que estaba pasando por esto, fue difícil para toda mi familia inmediata. Lo único que me dio tranquilidad personal fue saber que mi tía (Tía) Beatriz estaba a su lado. Ella desinteresadamente puso su vida en espera, dejó su trabajo y se mudó con mi abuelita para asegurarse de que estaba bien cuidada. Ella era la mejor defensora para ella. Debido a su amor, desinterés y voluntad de mantenerme actualizado sobre su condición, sabía que estaba recibiendo la mejor atención posible. Ella era mi fuerza personal, ya que era guardiana y cuidadora de mi abuelita. Desde el fondo de mi corazón, Tia, te la agradezco. Sé que Vita y Vito están agradecidos por todo lo que hicieron usted y su familia para asegurarse de que ella estaba bien.
Vita, la quiero mucho, y extraño a usted, y a Vito con todo mi corazón. <3
♥ Vanecita.
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Bourbon Beauty: Barre Code Middletown/Louisville : Elegance Meets Fitness
I don't know about you guys, but every so often I get this rush of energy & motivation to make some changes. I'll make my new to do lists, reorganize my home, purge things that I no longer need, and start modifying my health goals. Every time its a little different, but one thing remains the same. *Staying* consistent with my health goals is hard! Sometimes I have a wedding, or event, that will encourage me to do rapid weight loss. Other times I'll just feel sluggish, and decide maybe its time to modify my diet. Between our move to Middletown (LOVE), and other life changes going on, sometimes life just takes over. I find it harder and harder to get into a "healthy" lifestyle routine. I'm always weary of jogging, because finding other friends who have the time that coordinates with mine, impossible. I don't feel safe doing it alone (its the Chicago girl in me I guess lol.). I hate huge gyms because guys can be creepy, and I feel lost finding my way through the machines without a trainer. First world problems?
(yep.)
Luckily, I was invited to try out something a little different. I almost said no thanks (I wasn't emotionally ready to start fitness planning ha!), but I decided everything happens for a reason, and maybe the universe was telling me in its own way to GET MOVING. Plus, I scared myself a little when I realized I couldn't keep up with my boys energy at the park. Something has to give!
When I read BARRE listed as the place to visit, my first reaction was okay, how hard can this be?
Upon visiting The Barre Code, I realized I had remembered seeing it on my many Subway trips over the fall (hence why I need some exercise, ahem). From the outside walking in, the first thing you notice (aside from the cheerful smiles of everyone in there) is a trendy chandelier hanging in their gorgeous studio.
To the left, you'll see its fully stocked with stylish tank tops. I don't know who their designer is, but these are clothes I wouldn't mind running around in and get errands done. Amazing job on the designs, very trendy and cute.
The next thing I noticed? Their glam bar! (I call it their glam bar, because it literally looks like a glam room.) Its filled with vanities to get made up (I wouldn't have the time to run home and get ready in between exercise and running errands, especially before getting my boys from school. Makes it SO convenient to get ready, and go do my stuff!), along with cute changing rooms.
Their workout equipment (everything looks very clean and tidy! So important to me.)
And of course, the positivity quotes. THIS. There's nothing more powerful than surrounding yourself with uplifting pictures, quotes, and things to get you motivated before your workout (and really visualizing it daily).
Entering the studio, I noticed it was clean, simple, and oddly serene. Before our workout, they dimmed the lights, and it felt very ZEN. Is it weird to mix zen and workout together? Amanda Hiner, (The studio owner) conducted her class in such a soothing voice, she pushed you to your own limits (offering modified versions of workouts, thank God), and it was refreshing to find such encouragement, and positive motivation to push you through it. I felt like I was dying (I hadn't worked out since the fall, & it kicked my butt.). By the end of the workout, I felt soooo good. I felt like it gave me a moment to clear my mind, focus on me, and she helped me push myself (and everyone in the class) to do my best.
She mentioned she had been in Louisville for 15 years, and opened The Barre Code 2 years ago. Fitness has always been a huge part of her life, and the inspiration behind The Barre Code was the program, and the sense of strong community. In her opinion, The Barre Code separates themselves from others because of "The experience we create in our classes! You have a class with more then just a physical workout! We also offer more than just Barre; we have HIIT, Bootcamp Dance & Kickboxing".
She went on to mention, "All fitness levels are welcome. Modifications are given during a class so that you can tailor your workout for your body. Everybody leaves feeling successful!"
I also asked, do you have any advice for anyone struggling to get fit?
"Take it one step at a time. Enjoy the journey, and make lifestyle changes to reach your goals. Make sure it fits with your life!"
When asked if there was anything she would like someone considering her Barre classes to know?
"Anybody can do it!"
And I can attest to that :-) It was a great experience, and I can't wait to go back. Thank you to The Barre Code for having me, it was a pleasure.
Check them out!
The Barre Code
12442 Shelbyville Rd.
Louisville, Ky. 40243
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