Summer Sun and Treating Sunburns - General/Family Life

It's still full on summer season, if you're on my blog page you may have also noticed that I've changed the theme to correlate to the summer feel and colors too! :) I know korny but I like to keep the flow and colors with the season or whatever I'm doing. That's besides the point of course - squirrel!

So as I was saying, it's still summer and I realized that I should have posted this at the start of summer. Hopefully this helps many of you and especially others moms! Obviously there will be varied results because everyone's skin type is different and treatments may not work as fast or the best as what I write on here-just for your FYI. 

For starters, I hate using the Banana Boat brand not only on my kids but for myself. It leaves this awful oily sensation after spraying or rubbing it into your skin and the worst part is the sticky sensation as well! Then lets not forget about the fact that I have sensitive skin on my face (and yes that's not me just self diagnosing as many people do, I went to a specialist Dermatalogist to have that determined) and I noticed that using Banana Boat would have my breaking out after literally every use! It didn't matter whether it was a spray on or a rub in or whatever versions they have and it also didn't matter if I wiped it off right away or left it on as long as the directions instructed. So in my book this brand will always be a NAY. I'm not going to be going into every brand used as sunscreen but I started with this one at least because it's the most commonly used and I know it's purchased/sold literally EVERYWHERE.

So which one do I use you may ask and its one that I advocate for anyone (especially for your kids)...

I use and advocate using the Neutrogena brand and the image above shows the exact ones I use routinely and for the occasion, they are also approved by my doctor and have done really well for my kids and I; so much so that even my mom and sister like using it as well and they each have different types of skin types. Yes before any of you decide to point out, on my snapshot there's a CVS one and NO I DO NOT use that one but I didn't feel like cropping that one out to just copy and paste :p I found that the "roller" ones (the ones that look like deodorant sticks) are convenient and so easy use. I have one literally at home, in my vehicle, and I carry one around in my purse just in case! The specific ones I routinely purchase is the "Sheer Zinc" one that I use on my kids and the one I tend to carry around in my purse and vehicle is the "Mineral Ultra Sheer". The ones I purchase are the ones I also make sure that have for "face and body" in addition to making sure that they are waterproof. My kids and I tend to sweat a lot when it's super hot out so I found that the ones that have "waterproof" labeled helps and still works well when you're sweating in the sun!

The best part you don't have to worry about some oily feeling or sticky and the wait time for your activity after "rolling" it on your skin is pretty instant, so you can feel secure in being protected right after having put it on! I have also found that you don't have to worry about if it was evenly sprayed on or evenly spread by your hands because it's almost like you're "drawing" lines along your skin with the deodorant like stick design so you have an even coverage throughout!

NOW, we come to the treatment of sunburns! It's common knowledge and advertised to use aloe vera for sunburns I know, but I also know that a lot of those products can be expensive and/or are sometimes hard to find when you need them. SO I'm all about alternatives when I need it and being prepared; that means I've also done the trial and error (especially before I write a post about it). With that being said, I'm going to use a most recent event of sun exposure to exemplify my healing methods. I personally don't get red when I've had an extensive amount of sun exposure, on the contrary I bronze/tan after the sun exposure no matter what I'm doing, BUT some specific areas of my body will have this "red lining" mixed into the tanned area or I'll have what looks like a bruising design but slightly dark red coloring if it was an area that got the burn. So below is the example of what I'm talking about...

So the same day of the sun exposure I get home and shower, without scrubbing the skin at all though! I simply use the dove sensitive skin bar soap and rub in with my fingers. The reason why I don't scrub is because I don't want to irritate the skin especially not really knowing yet what area got more "burned" than others. Since I want to make sure that I'm still clean and that I get off all of the sunscreen layer, that's why I rub in the bar of soap and "scrub" with just my fingertips to clean up. I DO NOT use hot water not warm water; I use a slightly cooler water temperature than a "warm" temp; to help refreshen the skin and body heat so that I don't feel like I'm continuing to boil even after the sun exposure. When you finish in the shower and are trying to dry off, BE GENTLE when towel drying-a simply hard pat down is more than enough to absorb the water/moisture and be dry before you lather up the lotion. YUP you read right, now ititss time for the lathering up part of the sunburn healing process! These are the specific lotions that I stand by and advocate for anyone, to help with the burn! 

So as I mentioned this is the day of after the sunburn and I'm already towel dried. So for immediate use I use the Jergen's Ultra Healing lotion and I use a simple suggested amount on my palm to lotion up the whole body for that first layer. Then I follow-up with a generous amount in my hands to lather only the areas touched/burned by the sun. You will almost feel like "sucking" feeling from your skin if you pay attention and the areas that are either tender or that you feel to be slightly sensitive from after the sun exposure are now being soothed by the cold feeling of the lotion. I don't rub in this generous amount (second layer) of lotion but I rub it around enough so I don't look white. I'll make sure I have and only using cotton clothing and its clothing that I won't care if it sticks or has the excess lotion on it. If you don't want to feel a sticking sensation of your clothing then I don't recommend this for you BUT it does work so don't knock it till you try it! ;) So now I'm all comfortable and healing...if you're immediately going to bed than I suggest drinking at least 30mL of water before bed to take care of the hydration portion of the sun exposure you had your body go through. Because it's no joke when they tell you to stay hydrated and drink lots of water after you got your sunburn! It really goes a long way! NOW if you're like me when I have the sun exposure events, there's at least a few hours before bed SO I have plenty of time to drink at least 40 to 50mL of water, then right before bed I'll simply check the sunburnt area and if it doesn't feel as slick as then I lathered that excess lotion layer (the second layer) than I use the CeraVe lotion and lightly rub some of that lotion in for the night...by the next morning none of the burnt/tanned areas are sensitive or hurt and I don't have to worry as much for the types of clothing I use or the rubbing of clothing and anyone touching the areas of my body that were exposed to the sun. Of course I continue to drink plenty of fluids as well! 

So there ya go that's it in a nutshell! Usually by the next day I'm ready for some more sun but the max timeframe that it takes me to heal from a full fledge body exposure is about 2 days...

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman

Mochio Donuts - Recommend

If you're in Texas and happen to be in the DFW area, with a craving or hankering for something sweet and delicious I have a suggestion/recommendation for you! I know you're probably wondering "why would donuts be so special". Well first off, there's another "donut" post coming BUT this one is more north. 

I don't know about you but donuts are usually (for me) super sweet, sugary, and can "feel" on the dough end of things. Sometimes I've had donuts that leave this awful oily feeling too on my tongue or at the roof of my mouth. The oily donut places I definitely never go back to, actually that goes for bakeries in general with their cakes, etc. Sorry squirrel moment-back to the donuts! 

This place is relatively new with the owners being humble, kind, passionate about their establishment as well as passionate about their delicious items they serve. They like to expand their flavors, they deliver freshness, and their ingredients that include a flourless base (as they're made with almond flour). They are conscientious and educated in their kitchen as well to be up front in stating that they are gluten free but are not Celiac Disease friendly so they don't advise for those with Celiac's Disease to eat their donuts. 

So when you're in the mood for a guilty pleasure without the awful feelings of a full-filling donut, stop at their location for some light, airy, fluffy donuts (which you wouldn't have probably tasted the difference if I hadn't mentioned it) almond flour delicious donuts made daily until they run out. With the convenience of their location even opening early for your delicious morning craving if you need it! By the way the best part or what I think to be the best part is their playful design of the donut that leaves also kids to have fun eating their delicious donut! But don't take my word for it and try it for yourself! 

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Kids are NOT Messy - Family

Let's just begin with, this post isn't meant to be offensive to other parents its simply to provide an opinion based off of personal experience AND no one can refute my experiences as well as my proof :) So I don't wanna hear from the nay sayers or unbelievers, because we all know as parents the first thing that comes to mind is "you haven't had kids you don't know" or my favorite "its easier for you because of how your kids are." So here we go!

The other day my family and I were sitting at a table in a well known chain restaurant and while my kids were sitting down and coloring their kids menus I looked around the seating area and here's what I noticed...One table was a young couple with two little ones (probably no more than 5 years each) and low and behold they had the tablets in their special kid rubber cases and while the parents were glued to their little phone screen the children were glued to the tablets while also making a huge mess of food not only on the table but leaving a trail of a mess on the floor! There was another large party table that seemed to be celebrating something and to my dismay the children of that particular table were allowed to run around the table WHILE they were eating, almost bumping into the wait staff and the children never even put attention to the parents who would call out saying, "come here right now, I'm talking to you, listen to your father, what did I just say..." with so many statements that followed, but those kids had no fearful respect for those parents and those parents were probably of the mindset to NOT punish their kids and NOT discipline their children in a forceful way either. In the other direction of my eyesight was another young couple with a newborn (probably around 5 to 6 months because the little cutie was sitting up right in the highchair) but sadly the couple was so glued to their own cell phones that they only placed attention to the baby when the wait staff appeared at the table or when the baby would whine or cry out; in turn that baby was trying to eat but instead ended up playing with their food in a artistic display of squished and soggy items all over the table and all over the floor. Then the last table was an older couple with three children and they were seated nicely in their chairs like my kids were, but when the oldest tried acting out the father's (or what I presume to be anyway, since he had that stance and also kissed the woman intimately on their departure) tone changed drastically to a firm and deep tone while also displaying a firm look; the child instantly reacted and didn't think to attempt a naughty task at the table.

After describing the surrounding families aside from noticing a lot of no no's for starters! The biggest thing that popped out to me was that ALL of the children no matter their age from baby to ten years old, were messy! I was baffled and looked to my kids as they began cutting their grilled chicken breasts and eating from their plates. When I went back home that evening, I started looking through my digital albums of my kids and noticed the same thing, something that both my sister and I would do as well...we were never messy! So for evidentiary reasons the above video is of my oldest daughter at around 7months. 

So incase you didn't know, I'm posting about how the adults are the ones screwing up the kids! When my grandmother's would tell stories about how they raised their children I found the stories comical and entertaining. Then once I got pregnant her stories became wisdom only to then be reinforced in their ability to work because my own mother disclosed the fact that they worked on us, therefore after more than three generations in I at least am of the belief that they will continue to work, maybe also with my little twist to it. This is where I differ from the rest of society in their "they'll have emotional damage" and "you shouldn't punished your children" crap. If the methods worked before then why the hell would anyone change them?! So one of the generational motherhood statements is, "no matter what anyone tells you especially doctors or books or even 'specialists' in children tell you, babies are very smart and they're learning since birth what they can get away with. They'll learn your habits and methods from breast feeding to the time they walk and then even after that they become the biggest sponge especially to bad habits! Don't let them get away with anything and discipline them from the beginning otherwise they'll walk all over you and worse won't be able to function properly in the world for the gifts that they can offer the community." Being excited for motherhood I didn't want to risk screwing it up because as my grandmother says, "don't read those stupid books because there's nothing written in stone when it comes to being a mother; every child is different and never has more than one of the same thing (quality, characteristic, personality, etc) and the experiences or questions you might have can't be found in a book but in the more pronounced intuition you have as a mother and also learning from the same experiences (new or otherwise)." 

Having friends with kids and even seeing how so many parenting styles there were, I thought to myself how the heck should I do this?...I listened and actively did what my grandmother and mother told me. I put effort into deciphering my child AND listening to my intuition as a new mother. I have to skip the breast feeding part because it wasn't typical with my first born, so let's fast forward to starting solids. I would place her in her highchair, place her simple cloth bib around her neck, and feed her the smashed solid food while using a Walmart brand baby spoon purchased from the baby isle. I would feed her the food and when they were was even slightly more than anticipated on the spoon that would leave a remainder on her lip and the end of her mouth, I would use the same spoon to swipe at the remainder food so they would practically be "scooped" back up and fed it into her mouth. This simple act continued over and over again was necessary to teach her the eating ritual as well as educate her into how she should eat right. Well it soon became more than that...with the more food smashed and then incorporating organic baby food, along with homemade items before true solids were introduced, the lesson was to know that she would always have and maintain a clean mouth. I can count on one hand how many times she tried the cute baby, baby food bubble blowing technique, that usually lands with baby food spread out on the highchair tray and on your clothes or whatever have you. So her first attempt I couldn't help myself I chuckled and smiled and said "no" but I even knew it was without authority or conviction. Her little eyes acknowledged my reaction and she did her little baby smile and continued eating normally after I wiped her, the area, and myself clean. Another day, another time, and another meal later my daughter attempts this again! Her little eyes immediately targeted my face and my reaction and thankfully I did not smile nor laugh and I firmly said "no" to her as I wiped the area and her clean. The third time was more interesting because not only did my daughter try to do the same "test" but she added on by trying to create a mess with her hands on the highchair table top as well. Oh hell no I was not having that! It was a firm no in an authoritative tone and a minor finger slap to her little hand that tried creating the mess. Kind of like the same way you would try to shoo away a fly from your plate, without the sting or full on "slap" sensation. 

I know, some of you reading might be saying how cruel or why would you do that or my favorite, "she's just a little baby let her be a kid, she doesn't know any better." However, for you real parents who actually pay attention to your kids from birth, you know exactly what I'm talking about because guess what...after those little tests my daughter decided to do with me and my reactions/responses to those "tests" by the time the real solid foods came around she may have used to her little hands to pick up the solid foods to get used to the items and before the introduction to the utensils came into play, but she never had a mess on her highchair table top, on the floor, and the bib was more for her drinking habits than really keeping her clean. My daughter's eyes were always trained on me whenever she would do a task (whether new or old) and then the time came to using utensils. The "introductory" portion didn't last long, as you can tell from her video above, she was in solid use of her spoon and fork after the about a month and a half after the very first introduction to the utensils. When we would go out her eating habits carried over to a public setting, but don't think she didn't try testing me the first four restaurant adventures out. My daughter tried throwing some small pieces of bread/rolls on the floor - AND only because she saw at another table another child doing so! Well the same way I handled the baby food before is how I handled the eating habits in public - directly and head one in the moment. 

My immediate rectification of her "tests" didn't diminish or hinder or cause emotional damage to her bubbly and energetic personality and happiness, on the contrary she bloomed and even implied by pointing her adventurous side in trying new foods as well. I used the same technique on all my children and to this day, no mess on the tables and no messed on the floors...This went for all areas of food, restaurants (and yes I've taken and took my children to fancy restaurants without concern, slight worry but no real concern) and family members houses. Yes if you're wondering, my children never had those cupcake smeared all over face and clothes moments nor the smooshed cake/s all over the highchair table tops and on their hands/arms - maybe cute to some families but not sure why. Suppose to each their own but I could more easily excuse my kids playing in the dirt than having food/cake smeared everywhere as if they're animals or don't have I don't know PARENTS to help them actually enjoy the food item that they're eating. 

So the next time someone says "the little kid doesn't know any better" or "oh just let them be messy or a kid while it lasts" don't listen to them because you'll be doing your children an actual favor by making them well rounded individuals to bring into the world. I have TONS and I mean tons of videos and moments of solid experiences/proof that go against how society and the new parenting styles are nowadays...it worked for our parents and their parents before them so why the fuck is anyone "corrupting" good parenting styles. I preferred the world back in 2016 and heck even 2017 as opposed to now...but guess to each their own right?...

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Do you actually know what Mental Health Awareness is? - General/Health

This month has really been crazy for me and not just because the days are going by fast but also because of life in general it seems. When I had originally started this post it was literally on May 1st but here we are with my writing and finally finishing the post on May 20th! My goodness how time has flown by. 

I wanted to write about something pertaining what what society has dubbed the month of May to be. For the Christian religion, more specifically the Catholic community, this is the month of Mary in addition to it also being the month of moms with Mother's Day (having already passed of course) - which reminds me, for all/any of you mother's reading this post I hope you had a great Mother's Day weekend and especially a wonderful Mother's Day! So as I was saying, I found that apparently the month of May is "Mental Health Awareness" month. I literally rolled my eyes when I read that. Actually I have a tendency of rolling my eyes internally when I hear someone say they took a "mental health day." Now before and of you get huffy with me I'll get to explaining. 

First off I feel that society is misusing the phrase "Mental Health Awareness" associating it to everything involving their head period; they should be more specific or make sure to clarify to the public accurate definitions, or at least explain before someone starts googling the wrong thing. Then again I know, we can't control other's behaviors/emotions/actions. What I'm about to begin writing about is coming from someone who's had her head extensively and thoroughly examined, so believe me when I say that there's a difference between "Brain Health Awareness" and "Mental Health Awareness." For example, someone to the eye can be both mentally and emotionally sound, but due to something involving their brain health, their mental health can be affected or perhaps theirs a chemical hindrance in the brain that's creating a mental health problem-something such as a Vitamin D deficiency which affects many aspects of the body (specifically mental and brain function) can prompt some concerning symptoms and affect someone's mental health. You may not know or have a doctor consider that thought until your neurological function is looked into. Like anything else, it could go vice versa as well. The simplest disconnection from the brain to mental health can create more chaos than one can fathom. 

Secondly, the main difference between "mind" and "brain" is that the functions that the mind does is controlled by the brain, which is the physical organ responsible for those same functions. I found this well laid out image on google for what I am attempting to explain:

According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC for short-and yes that's the one and the same when announcements for COVID were being sent out) mental health is defined as: is the emotional, psychological, and social well being that affects how we think, feel, and act. Our mental health assists in determining how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices (my opinion here but I think it's for ALL choices whether "healthy" or not). The CDC states that mental health is important at every stage of life. I can appreciate when one invests into the mental health by delving into the issues they might have on hand-basically the individuals who acknowledge there's a problem that needs to be fixed instead of someone being in denial or worse (like most of the society likes to use the phrase for) as an excuse to deter from adulting, life, and responsibilities. What everyone should keep in mind is that your mental health is constantly changing or its not stagnant, but evolves as you age especially with the contributors surrounding ones mental health. The biggest impact on the mental health is when demands placed on an individual exceed their coping abilities and personal resources.  https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm#:~:text=Mental%20health%20includes%20our%20emotional,childhood%20and%20adolescence%20through%20adulthood.

The World Health Organization I feel defined "Brain Health" beautifully: its the state of brain function across cognitive, sensory, social-emotional, behavioral, and motor skills allowing the individual to realize their full potential over their life span with the presence/absence of disorders. There are variables that influence the way in which our brain develops, adapts, and responds to stress and adversities; physical health, environments, safety and security, life-long learning, and social connection are basically the genres of brain development. To optimize brain health one must be able to address those genres and adversities not only to improve both mental and physical health but also optimize the creation of positive social and economic effects to the overall greater well being of a person and the society in which they walk in. There are conditions that affect the brain and nervous system and emerge throughout the life span, characterized by disruptions in brain growth, damage to brain structure and/or impaired brain function; some examples are congenital, neurodevelopment, and neurological disorders throughout the life span. The treatment and care of these examples will require both a multi sectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration of specialists with the focus being on promotion, prevention, treatment, care, and rehabilitation along with an active engagement of the individual and their loves ones as well as career groups.  https://www.who.int/health-topics/brain-health#tab=tab_1

This is a topic that hits very close to home for me due to my life experiences and this specific post a prequel to my upcoming posts so stay tuned!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Furry Family - Family/General

A friend of mine recently purchased a dog. Granted I've been dog shopping now for about three months now but haven't purchased one yet. I have to admit though that his recent purchase inspired me to write about my dogs. At one point and time there was a total of four (including my ex-husbands) dogs. My two boys are the focal point of this post, but my third dog was a shelter dog that I had found and turned in but ironically adopt and take home to start the whole process all over again :) Duke, Fido, and Aurora were my fur babies.

You see I was begging for a dog all throughout my childhood, would even covet my neighbors dogs and would always offer to take care of them when our neighbor needed the help. Well I had decided early 2003 that I would be getting a dog and I had to figure out how to put my best foot forward in convincing my parents. I realized I had to appease to their mindset of both parents and as I would be entering into high school, I figured to approach it like an "adult" would right. I knew my Mom was going to outright so now with no negotiation room SO I approached my Dad first. For like a month I would ask questions about all the family dogs both my parents had growing up and also the one that I remember seeing in some really young videos of my sister. Making them tell the stories and revealing which dogs they loved the most. Then I entered into Phase II of my plan which was to begin the hypothetical conversations of owning a dog. If we did own one which ones would it be or which dogs did they feel were the best, etc. I already had a specific dog breed in mind but that also meant I had to aim my timing of approaching this topic with patience...

By fall of 2003 I had a contract worked up with my parents, more specifically my Dad, about their purchase of the dog I had extensively scoped out, and made my selection. And yes before you ask I literally had a contract. The contract terms was that the hours I worked getting paid through my internship with my Dads company would be given to my parents towards the balance on the purchased dog. I vetted out a specific breeder and come summer of 2004 I would hopefully have my dog in tow. My parents paid for the shipping cost and my Mom and I went to go pick him up at the airport. The rest is history and the training began! Although for a girl who did everything to get one dog I ended up having two!

You heard me! For my first time in getting a dog I didn't just have one pet I had two, with ironically them both being of the same breed! So the purchased dog was Duke, a beautifully bred half Siberian husky and wolf dog that had a gorgeous white and red brown coat. My second dog was named Fido (short for fides, Latin word for loyalty) and it was a great name for one very loyal dog even unto death...So you know how I came to have my Duke but the story is pretty interesting on how I ended up getting Fido. For starters my mother wasn't all to happy about the arrangement or "contract" that my Dad and I had entered into, but she didn't renegade on the deal (since she also got her end of the deal with my grades being almost perfect). See my Mom likes dogs but she's worried about the maintenance and emotional attachment that comes with them, since she had seen so many of her family pets die or be put down. Understandable, however even that I knew wouldn't phase me into not having a dog. I don't like to compare animals with people but I viewed it as a family member right, you get emotionally attached to them and they are going to get older and eventually pass just like your uncle or aunt or cousin will eventually get to an age in which they too shall pass away. Even not knowing the pain I would years later feel of putting down or dealing with an animal about to pass, I was determined to feel it and have it all. So one afternoon during my freshman year in high school, my mom picked me up from school and as we were entering our subdivision, I took notice of a beautiful black and white Husky dog, sitting on the porch of one of the houses. I thought it odd and mentioned to my mom if she had seen the dog; her response was, "oh is it with its owner because I saw it wandering the yards going from house to house, I figured it may have gotten locked out of where it lives." I answered her letting her know that I didn't see anyone outside with the dog and that, in all my days walking our neighborhood I had never once seen that dog at that house; not to be nosey but I knew all the pets and where they were housed in the neighborhood I grew up in and was still living in at the time. So oddly enough my mom says, "we'll just keep an eye out for the poor dog."

I looked at my mom oddly as we drove into the garage of our house. A little after dinner I mentioned to my mom that I would check to see if the other dog was still out there in the neighborhood. She didn't make a protest and even said, "let me know if he's still there." Remember by this time I already had my Duke so it was interesting to see my mom getting concerned about another dog...Since I was outside playing with my Duke within the fence lines, I was able to keep an eye on the dog that didn't seem to know where he lived. I was able to see when he left the porch of that house and started towards the Main Street, exiting our subdivision. I quickly went inside the house and let me mom know and she immediately said to leave Duke out in the larger gated area while we went to pick up the black and white Husky. Between what she said and the motion of action I was both excited and shocked! My mom mentioned for me to grab some things that I thought would lure him to trust us for us to grab him and load him up in the vehicle. So there we go to pick the dog up. 

I remember so vividly to this day, how the late afternoon and evening went...we drive up beside to where he was walking up to each and every garage in the alley of the neighborhood, which faced the Main Street leading to the highway. My mom parked and I got out of the vehicle, went down on one knee and called the dog to me by tapping my leg (so there was a smacking sound since I was wearing shorts) and doing a low whistle tone. I had some dog food in my palm and he walked up to me cautiously, not skittishly but had his ears at attention and his head on a swivel. As he ate from my palm and was chewing I noticed no shaking or an aggression, so I took my chances and wrapped my arms around the dog and lifted him slightly into the back seat of the vehicle, all while staying on one knee. Yes by this time I was able to confirm the gender of the dog so boy it was! I scooted into the back seat with him and he was calmly eating out of the ziploc bag of dog food I had brought while I was petting his head and rubbing his ears. Calm and serene, a serious contradiction to my Duke. No more than a three minute drive back to our garage, we were unloading the rescued dog. I placed Duke's collar and leash on the black and white Husky to tie him down in the yard, in an area where he could be washed. My mother literally went inside telling me to get him ready so that we could bath him and have him settled to eat. Knowing that Duke was clean and had already eaten and that my mom had said they would be sleeping together in the dog pen, I would do an introduction for them after the newest dog was situated (meaning fed). I was relieved and glad that after a good introduction for the dogs, they were inseparable as if from the same litter.

My mom shocked me that day but from that point forward, my Duke had a companion that complimented him and Fido was part of the family. I trained both to come to me with their name and a specific whistle; trained them to sit on command, trained them to sit and wait until the dog bowl was on the ground so that they could eat, trained Duke to shake on command while I trained Fido to lay on command. Duke was the protector against animals in the yard and around/in the house whereas Fido was surprisingly protective of our family, almost guard dog style. Fido had been in two serious fights and both in efforts of protecting the "family member" of member of their pact; one was against a K9 unit dog that had been adopted due to being and inactive officer after an injury (he was very aggressive) and saved my mom. The second time was protecting me against a mix breed of pitbull and another breed (at least that's what the owners said), Fido was even on a leash-it was severely impressive how he continued to protect me even thought the attacking dog kept circling us! Fido to the end was super loyal and so in tune in the emotions of whoever he crossed paths with in our family. His eyes I remember were countless times my consoler, stress reliever, and life...

Fido was so loyal to my mom and I, that even on the day that pwe were waiting for the facility to prepare his needle (he was found with a tumor in his anal gland) we were all SO emotional and not just because I was pregnant, but we all felt it hard how incomplete it would be without him. My mom sat on the floor crying reaching out to pet him, when Fido limped to her and snuggled up to her and just let her hold on to him. He couldn't sit anymore at that point because the tumor was hurting him...it was amazing and sad to see but it was almost as if he knew what was happening because he was making rounds with the family members who were there in the large room with us...he finally got to me, where I was seated on a bench already past my three month pregnancyl marker. I felt I was gaining my new baby while losing one of my first biggest responsibilities...he walked up to me having tired eyes and did this painfully slow slanted sitting position as if he was laying on his side more than trying to sit, receiving my ear rub and than slowly let his head drift onto my leg, where I whispered to him, "its ok, you did good boy, relax and it'll all be over for you soon. No more pain..."

The vet nurse walked into the room saying it was time, the other family members there gave him once last rub and walked out, leaving only my mom and I. Her and I had decided that we weren't going to let him feel and see a face that he didn't know before he went. I saw the light go out of my beloved baby blue eyes...

Those two boys could not be separated and it showed apparently even into their deaths, because after Fido was put down Duke followed suit thereafter in June of the following year, about six months after...I had already delivered my second baby and I was unfortunately not able to be involved or a part of Duke's farewell, that was more my sister and Dad...He had a brain tumor, my sister had to deal with the episodes of seizures he was having.

Moral of the story, do right by your pets and even treat them like family, but do not DO NOT misinterpret loving them with caring for them-they need discipline, love, positive reinforcement, and a good reprimand when needed (just like kids) so make sure you don't get a dog because you feel lonely but because you're going to do everything for your furry life partner.

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Whats in The Oven - General

Before any of you ask or think, no I am NOT pregnant :) but I can understand why you may right away think that to be a possibility. Rest assured no baby in my oven :p

No the purpose of this post is all about baking. So todays a Sunday that involves my immediate family and family to our friends house. With that being said I was volunteered for the baking. I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it but I’m gluten free, so knowing that their household in kind is also gluten free I was designated to whip up the desserts or “postres” (they are a Latin family so Spanish would be involved through the day and event). The postres were a gluten free chocolate chocolate chip brownie and my experimentally found and now used, blueberry apple cake. 

If you noticed some missing areas I am a baker that likes to quality control before providing :p no comments!

I don’t know about any of you but something so mundane to be is actually the most exciting and calming think I truly love to do. I honestly have no problem when someone volunteers me to bake because it’s soul soothing for me and feel down gives me pleasure to put into the task my touch for someone else to have. I’m no whiz in the kitchen for cooking but I absolutely love to bake! I like the experimenting of ingredients along with the sweetness of the elements used and finding out how to make something gluten free taste delicious. I’m sure many could say, “then do the same with cooking for entrees” but it just isn’t the same…my theory is this: I feel that in providing my creation of a dessert I’ve provided something important with a part of me because it’s the last course of the meal right. I’ll be the last thought the person or people have because of my dessert, and what better way or better thing to do than provide something sweet by not only your ingredients but the “love” you’ve baked into it…

Anyone else feel the same way? No maybe just me- haha might be a possibility. Well anyway! If you ask, I can share a version of the recipe but I’ll admit I go by “feeling” because I don’t always use the same servings for all the ingredients. The only ones that stay constant are the amount of gluten free flour, lactose free milk, and olive/vegetable/avocado oil used. 

Let me know if you have any recipes to share!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Gaylord Texan - General

If you're thinking of visiting Texas or perhaps need to plan something indoors with lots of options The Gaylord Texan in Grapevine is the place to be. On a stormy day, holiday, vacation, or just simply during a hot Texas summer day the Gaylord is a place to visit and/or frequent. Here's more specifically why :)

The resort by far has some great accommodations for couples and families alike. They are very family friendly not just in the mannerism of the staff of the resort but also in the activities that they also have; activities that are planned in advance and scheduled in their calendar of events. Their paths indoors and out (from the parking garages to the entire facility) are also family friendly for strollers or large wagons that families have for their kids, in turning also providing ample accessibility for handicapped family members as well, especially those in wheelchairs. They are plenty of restrooms to accommodate the potty breaks and also the diaper changing ages. There so many things to do as a family both inside and outside of the resort.

Now there are no kitchens in the rooms but whether your staying over night or even just for the day to pass the time, they have plenty of restaurant options within the resort that you needn't bother with leaving the premises. You can walk along the indoor "river walk" to see what restaurants you prefer, have room service, or yes you can leave the hotel for some nearby delicious Grapevine restaurant spots that are delicious and memorable. There is of course the Glass Cactus for the night life/restaurant/adult entertainment. (image below is not mine but from a google search of the Glass Cactus).

They're something both chaotic but peaceful when walking the grounds of the Gaylord Texan resort. I say that because it is a popular spot during the major holidays because they tend to plan and have these events for all age groups so it can get pretty crowded, yet there are some trails inside the main dome area of the resort that allow moments of peace and the sound of the water flow, making you almost feel as if you were out in nature instead of a man made/created indoor trail and nature walk. Whether you're inside looking throughout or perhaps in one of your rooms looking out, there are great views everywhere you stop. (image below not mine and is from a google search for "exterior view of the gaylord texan."

With the resort being next to the Grapevine Lake, you have the ability to venture out of the resort (if you're having an overnight stay) to have a day on the lake with the dock area nearby the resort where you can both take your boats and rent boats for the day. The cool part of the resort and the lake views is also the beautiful display of lights and colors during their major national holidays. For example on the 4th of July, there is a beautiful display of lights in the sky with sunset as many wait for the 4th of July fireworks to begin. They have their tradition to display the fireworks for all over the lake. It's not only a memorable display but its also serene in its own way with the reflection of the fireworks against the water (the Grapevine lake). So you don't have to feel stuck just using their workout room and their large poolside accommodations but you can explore the lake events as well during your stay and/or outing. (image below is not mine and was found with a google search for "gaylord resort and grapevine lake").

The Gaylord Resort has a vast schedule throughout the year and as I mentioned before, the holidays are also where the Gaylord tends to shine. Specific ones I can attest to and have been in attendance would be; Valentine's Day, 4th of July, Christmas Season both in their decorations and their special events like the ice sculptures and the Christmas adventure they host in the convention center area of the resort. There's also Thanksgiving and New Year's Day along with some other national holidays. There's always something going on at their location.

I have not personally had a staycation to be able to elaborate on the rooms themselves, however I've seen the pictures of the room accommodations and they look nice/pleasant for the needs of those staying. Personally only seen the room accommodations in passing but there have been good review on their rooms. Guess I'll have to stay there in order to provide and update on their room service and their room accommodations. 

I mentioned briefly about the indoor trails that the resort has and the "riverwalk" but it's hard to do this facility justice by my writing to explain truly how awesome the trails are and the extensive steps you can enjoy all indoors within the AC (during the summer) in the warmth of being indoors (during the winter). From the main entrance all the way into the convention center areas of the facility, it's all connected and can be explored whether you're just stretching your legs and trying to get steps in or you're on a mission to enjoy every facet of the event that the resort is hosting. You won't be disappointed. 

Hey some of these pictures don't really do it justice so feel free to take a day out there to explore yourself!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman