I've really made it!!

Last week Kristin was talking about searching your name on Google to see what comes up. I've done this in the past and was always disappointed that there was absolutely nothing about me. Lots of other Stacey Severson's out there making a name for themselves...but not this Stacey Severson. Until now!! I searched today and I'm the second link down!! There is a link on there for my Big Brothers Big Sisters award. I feel so much more present in the world now! If you do an images search....low and behold....there I am in the first picture.

I love you Google!

Snacklicious

I've been scouring the aisles for healthy snacks and so far have come across some really delicious stuff! Today I found something sinfully delicious! They are called "Lesser Evil." There's a variety of flavored kettle corn and chips. I got the Black and White Kettle Corn and it is so yummy. Apparently there is a peanut butter one that I'm going to have to hunt down or buy online. If you want to check it out the website is www.lesserevil.com Plus...the packaging is super cute which makes it taste even better!

Ball Throwers

I found the outfits for the kids in the wedding. I went into an Osh Kosh because I spotted the boys shirts through the window and low and behold...cute little stripped dresses for the girls! I'm super excited!!! The kiddos are going to look super cute walking down the aisle.

Mexico dress!

Target has the coolest Go designer stuff right now. It's a guy named Patrick Robinson and I'm really digging his stuff. I picked up a dress this weekend that I'm planning on taking to Mexico with me. It seemed very lite and summery...the perfect combo. I can't wait to wear it and CAN'T WAIT to be in Mexico!! This is the detail on the dress since the picture doesn't really show it well.

I love to knit...

and this makes me really want to pick up knitting again really soon. Louie would look amazing in something like this!!

S.U.C.C.E.S.S that's the way we spell success!

Carol, Kathy and I had our Garage Sale today to try and raise some money for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Friends, family and neighbors donated additional items and there was a TON of stuff. The garage sale was a HUGE success. We made $744.00!! That's the most I have ever made at a garage sale. I think part of it is people don't try and nickle and dime you as much when it's going to a good cause.

Thanks to all those that shopped and all those that donated money and goods to sell!!! We really appreciate it!

Oh Dr. Oz................

I have allergies....mean, brutal, painful and exhausting allergies. I have had them for years and they get worse and worse each year. I've done pretty good so far this year thanks to my good friend Astelin (whom I blogged about before.)

Then along comes Dr. Oz on Oprah. Yeah, yeah...here I go blogging about Oprah again! Apparently there is this thing called a Neti pot which basically cleanses out your sinuses using salt water. You put the pot spout in one nostril, tilt your head and the water comes pouring out the other nostril. Yes, I know..sounds very weird. Dr. Oz claims, and had people there to back him up, that this can make allergies go away if done daily because it removes all the allergins from the nostrils.

I broke down and got one. I've tried it once so far. It feels really weird, but I'll keep giving it a try in hopes that it works. I'm not sure how much I trust that Dr. Oz. I find him interesting, but there is also something that creeps me out about a guy in scrubs with his chest hair showing through his v-neck scrub top while wearing ridiculous slip on/mule style tennis shoes. I'm also not sure how much I trust the fact that when I searched google for a neti pot photo...this is what I got!!

Trash the Dress

So there is this very cool website that is all about trashing your wedding dress after you wear it. The theory is that it is better to trash your wedding dress after you wear it to really take it with you showing your commitment to the wedding instead of wrapping it in plastic and keeping it suffocated. I think this is AWESOME! Part of this is having pictures taken while you are doing it. There are some amazing pictures!! Most involve getting the dress really wet. I may have to think of a way to trash my own dress. Any suggestions?

Check out some of the pictures and website at:

www.trashthedress.com

I hate crows!

The squirrel frenzy in the neighborhood has subsided and now we have moved onto an animal that I completely dislike.....The Crow! I hate everything about crows...the way that they squawk, the way that they eat dead carcass, that they chase other birds and they way they can look you down with their beady little black eye.

Two nights ago I think a cat got ahold of a baby crow and now the whole crow clan is in our neighborhood making all kinds of racket! It's really driving me crazy. I went online to find a picture of a crow to post with this blog and learned that in the US crow hunting season is from August to March.....damn, just missed it!

I saw the witch doctor...

I started having a real problem with my hip when my walks increased in length. Let me just remind you that this is not a blog of a 90 year old! Anyway, my friend Kristin recommended that I go to a guy named Lino Cedros downtown for a "massage." She said it wasn't really going to be a massage, but more of a pressure/stretching session. I figured I'd give it a try.

I know firmly believe that Lino is some sort of witch. The hip was amazingly better after one visit. This visit consisted of about 10-15 minutes total interaction in which Lino put intense and excruciatingly painful pressure on parts of my hip and leg WHILE moving it around. Whatever he is doing....it works! I've now been going for two weeks and the problem is so much better. I will definitely see him for all my aches and pains. That says alot considering that he inflicts alot of pain while I'm there and sometimes I leave with bruises.

If you are interested in finding out more about the "witch doctor" Lino, visit his website at http://www.kinectionsinc.com/

Oops, I did it again.....

Ok, strap in for a story cause this could be a lengthy one. As many people know, I have a weight problem. I think I've always been on the "thicker" side, but things didn't get out of control till a couple years ago. Here's my sad tale.....

Roughly 7 years ago I decided that I needed to drop some weight and went on Weight Watchers. I was swimming and taking water aerobics at the time and it made the weight "melt" off. I was quickly down about 50lbs and weighed in at a whopping 134lbs (I'm 5'10" by the way.) I was REALLY skinny, actually too skinny but at the time I couldn't stop losing. Then that all changed. My shoulder decided that it had had enough swimming and I woke up one morning unable to move it. This put all activity on hold, and suddenly made my body reverse from losing to gaining. Thus the pattern began. Although I went back to WW 100 times I just couldn't stick to it and became the heaviest I had ever been. Almost a year ago I decided to give Jenny Craig a try just to spice things up. I lost weight again very rapidly, but eating out of a box gets old very quick and I knew that I couldn't stick to it. I figured I'd go right back to WW, which I didn't, and most of the weight has come back on. I thought I had come to terms with this, and although I didn't want to be a fat bride I also didn't want to starve myself to reach some crazy goal.

This changed one week ago. I went to an event and ran into someone that hadn't seen me in a while. This person said hello and proceeded to rub my belly and tell me that it looked like things were going really well for me............she thought I was pregnant! I was totally mortified and quickly found a way to basically walk away without being rude as this was not someone I wanted to be rude to or make feel bad for that matter.

So, there you have it. I know this is being posted on a blog that MILLIONS of people who know me and don't know me can read but in a sense this is my therapy. I keep hiding behind it and trying to avoid and ignore the fact that I am fat....unhealthy fat and it's time to really do something about it. I can't be like this because it's not good for me on many different levels.

Today, I am back on Weight Watchers. I know I need to do this for myself for my physical and emotional well being. Part of that emotional well being was just laying this all out on the table for the world to see. This is definitely a place that I want to post about my progress, but by no means is this going to be a losing weight/gaining weight blog. Just another part of my life that I'll share from time to time.

Thanks for reading, sorry that it was such a long and downer story. It feels better just putting it out there! Wish me luck!

Asparagus "make my bicep hurt" risotto!

I decided to make some asparagus risotto last night. I searched the web and found an Alton Brown recipe that I thought sounded delicious. This was my first time making risotto, and while it came out delicious, I may have to find an alternate recipe next time. For those of you that haven't made it before, it required stirring CONSTANTLY while cooking so you develop the nice creamy sauce that the rice naturally makes. Most recipes say this will take 30-40 minutes. Mine took AN HOUR AND FIFTEEN MINUTES!!! I was hot and my arm was tired by the time I was done, but boy was it delicious!!

Holy moly grass man!

After just one week...look at the growth!

Lips that plump!

A while back I purchased a tube of lip gloss called "Lip Venom." It's a lip plumping gloss that kind of feels like rubbing cinnamon, or pepper spray, on your lips. It works really nicely making the lips full and slightly tinted red. You just have to get past the burn.

Now I've found a new one from Bath and Body Works called "Superfill." This one is a completely different feeling. Becki describes it as what it feels like to put a nine volt battery on your tongue...only on your lips. Of course, we both bought a tube! This really emphasises that sometimes it is painful to try and look beautiful.

The Alps at IMAX

Last night I got to see "The Alps" at the IMAX theatre. It really was a combination of two favorite things....IMAX movies and watching people climb. Notice how I used the word "watching." I have a deep fascination about people climbing big mountains, but it's something I'd never do myself. I just find them amazing and crazy people all at the same time. I highly suggest the movie. One of my favorite scenes really had nothing to do with the climb at all. You watch an avalanche come straight at you and crash into the camera bringing complete darkness. Fantastic and wasn't even 3D!!

It's growing!!!

After less than a week the grass head it starting to sprout! I know it looks pathetic, but pretty soon he will have a big full head of hair that I can design to my liking. Well, fingers crossed anyway! Knowing my luck as a green thumb this is all it's going to do.

Headband

I found this gorgeous headband, and hairstyle, that I want to have for the wedding. The headband is by Jennifer Behr. I'm so happy because I finally found it and it's on order! I meet with my hairstylist today and hopefully he will agree that it will work perfectly. Now if I could only find a dress as easy!

Over it......

In the last 6 months I've seen 3 movies that were about pedophiles. Two of which were just in the last week!!! I can't say that they were all bad movies, but I think I'd like my pedophile movies a little more spread apart. I hope that they don't do any profiling off my Blockbuster queue or I'm going to be under the microscope! I feel worse for Patrick Wilson, the cutie in the Gap commercial dancing with Claire Daines, because he was in two of the three movies. Talk about being typecast! If you'd like to avoid movies about pedophiles...avoid watching: "Hard Candy," "The Quiet" and "Little Children"

Whole Earth Festival

Went to hippie fest today in Davis. Well, it's really called the Whole Earth Festival but when the first thing you see is patchouli being applied all over someones body...what else could it possibly be called? I dig this festival because there are always alot of cool crafts. I got a couple cool things while there, one of my favorite being the Happyfish. They are these ceramic fish with the coolest faces. I got a whole school of them and now have them hanging from a backyard tree. You can see more pictures on Flickr. You can also buy some Happyfish of your own at www.rakufish.com

The grandest opening!

18th and Cap had the grand opening tonight. It was great!!! The cafe looks soo good and there was definitely a great crowd there as seen here:

There were even more behind me and people outside. They had a fashion show onsite so people were outside watching the "models" walk the sidewalk runway. It was pretty funny actually, but I did totally dig the hairdo's on the ladies!

There was this company there called "Napkinnights." I guess they go around to events taking digital pictures and posting them online for people to access. Pretty cool idea really. Got this shot with RP, Kristin and Krista. I was happy because I was feeling bad that I didn't take out my own camera. Boy...those heels really do make me tall!

A romantic dinner for three!

I joined my Dad and Nana today for dinner to surprise her for Mother's Day. I don't get to see her very often so I knew that she would be really happy. Plus, we were going to Slocum House. I've never been to Slocum House, but have always heard alot about it. It typically gets voted "Most Romantic Restaurant" each year...and what's more romantic than having dinner with your Dad and Grandma?!

It is a fantastic restaurant. There are chickens and roosters walking around all over on the outside patio. Sounds funny, but creates a great ambiance. There is also a water feature that attracts hummingbirds. You can just feel the romance reading this can't you? As for the food.....fantastic! I wasn't super drawn to anything on the main menu, so I went for an appetizer instead. It was ahi tuna that had been marinated and was filled inside these ice cream con shaped wonton cups. It was the best fish filled ice cream cone that I've ever had!! Plus, you can't beat the presentation.

Now all I need is to have dinner there with Bill so I can experience the full romantic theme, cause you know....there is nothing that screams romance more than Bill and chickens!

Bring out your dead!

I'm still digging the show on Showtime called "The Tudors." Definitely makes me want to study up on my Henry VII knowledge. I had to laugh during the most recent episode though. It was a very dark episode dealing with the plague. They did a city shot and in the background you could hear the ringing of the bell and the call, "Bring out your dead!" Struck a heart chord for one of my favorite Monty Python scenes!!

Pass the veggie squid please!

Bill and his buddies at work have this fun game they play where they put random stuff in each others mailboxes. It's always good laughs to just check out mailboxes to see what is inside. Our friend Chris, aka Lare, put the best item thus far in Bill's box. Veggie Squid. Yep, you read that right. It's the squid alternative for those that don't eat meat. He apparently found it at an Asian market near his house and this isn't even the best item. He also has veggie chicken feet.

I'm so happy about the feet personally. I've been thinking of going vegetarian for a while now and not being able to eat chicken feet has really been holding me back. Now...problem solved!

These boots are made for walking...

I got myself a pedometer for my walks. I don't really need to "count my steps" but I thought it would be a good way to tell the distance of a walk. Before, if I needed to map out the distance of a walk, I had to drive in my car to see how far it was. Now the pedometer does that for me. It's nice, but there is a weird element to it. I have a COMPLETE lack of distance perception. I went on a walk tonight and I would have told you it was going to be 6-7 miles. Then I walked it and it's only 4.5! Walks sure are alot shorter than they seem!

On the Grid!

The remodel of the Java City original location at 18th and Capitol is complete and let me start by saying it looks fantastic! Although we opened last Saturday, the official grand opening is this Saturday the 12th. It will be full of coffee, fashion and fun. I highly suggest that everyone comes and checks it out. I'll be posting cafe photos soon for those that can't make it!!

Sisters...

Frances and I decided that for Mother's Day we would take some pictures together for her mom. We went to one of those "Picture People" places in the mall. I'm not a big fan of pictures...or these types of picture places for that matter. They always want you to get in the most ridiculous poses. Of course, the picture I liked the most was when I was in the mermaid pose! Sorry for the word "zazzle" across it. That's so people like me have to pay for the pictures instead of just printing them out!!

Happy Cinco de

Bridesmaid Shoes!

The bridesmaids really have their s*&%t together!!! They pretty much have their complete outfits together for the wedding. Just have to get their pants but their on their own for that one! Picked out some shoes last night and they are not only adorable...but comfortable as well. I'm so glad my bridemaids will be happy in a comfy outfit instead of some ridiculous ball gown!! Now...it's onto the groomsmen.

Just a little luck!

I wanted to have a little piece of my wedding to carry with me always so I decided to get a tattoo. I got a big "I love Bill" on my shoulder.....ha ha...just kidding! As much as I love Mr. Ball, I'm just not into putting names on my body. Instead, I got the horseshoe from my Save the Date and invitations. I love the way it came out and I know that it will always bring me luck.

*neck is not as hairy as it looks in this picture!!

The Knot

I've been using this website called The Knot to help me plan the wedding. It's a site full of wedding info and has a great checklist to work on each month. I'm always excited when I can go on and check something off the list.

I apparently got the worst idea the other day. You can go to the checklist and look at each month up to the wedding. I'm having a very casual wedding, VERY casual....and yet looking at the full checklist sent me into my first "pre-wedding" panic attack. There is so much to do!!! Yikes.

To all you other brides out there...just take the list one check at a time!!

Another dress option?

I got some exciting news, or potentially exciting I guess. Target is releasing a line of wedding dresses! Issac Mizrah is designing a line of low cost dresses for budget conscious brides. It makes sense. Target has always pushed registering and also is associated with The Knot. The dresses are due to arrive sometime in May. I'll post if I find anything fabulous!

http://www.target.com/gp/browse.html?node=16033001