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Red Velvet Waffles with a Cream Cheese Drizzle

October 28, 2015

I believe that we have a superhero in each of us.

We all have special abilities to help others, to save the day, to be someone’s hero.

It might be simple or it might be a spectacular thing. Maybe just getting someone an afternoon coffee when they are having a rough day. Or slipping a note in your kid’s lunch box on a day when they are nervous about a test. Or maybe it’s helping your friend pay for groceries when they are short that month. It can be little, it can be grand, but we all have great kindness and superhero powers in us.

…

Halloween Monster Cupcakes

October 27, 2015

Boo! Halloween is less than a week away and we are still scrambling with our costumes.

Well, we have Autumn’s all set as she is going at Minnie Mouse – of course! But Price and I are trying to figure out what to do for us. Get dressed up? Skip it? Do a family theme? Do whatever?

Ultimately, it will be fun as Autumn will love it, so it will be great but right now I’m all over the place.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Halloween but the dressing up part leaves me all panic-y until the last minute. We’ve had years when we have gone all out for parties but the past 3 years have been hard with either being super pregnant, having a wee one, and now a toddler who gets to bed at 6.30. Limits out trick or treating time, plus not many people give out candy by us, which is why we don’t get many, which is why I say to myself, why bother dressing up? I’m just in a quasi sick funk this week and need to shake it off!!

What are you doing? Are you getting dressed up? Skipping it? Handing out candy? Turning the light off?

I recently brought these Monster Cupcakes to Autumn’s daycare for the kids to enjoy. They enjoyed them as a fun afternoon treat to celebrate the upcoming Halloween.

These cupcakes are really easy to make. You can follow my instructions and use a boxed mix and cans of frosting, or you can make it all homemade. It just depends on your preference (and time constraints). You really can’t go wrong with how you decorate them either. It’s fun to be creative. Plus you can def involve kids!

Whip a batch of these frightfully delicious cupcakes for Halloween!!!

Halloween Monster Cupcakes

Makes 18 cupcakes

Ingredients

1 box of cake mix for the cupcakes, and accompanying ingredients
2 containers of frosting in bright colors
5 Twizzlers’ Pull and Peels candies
36+ eye candies

Process

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line 18 cavities of 2 muffin tins with cupcake liners.
Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions.
Evenly portion out the batter in the 18 cupcake liners. Bake according to package instructions. (As you are putting a bit more batter in each cupcake to make 18, instead of 24, it might take a bit linger than the package instructions.)
Once the cupcakes have fully cooled, frost half with one color, and the other half with the other color.
Cut the Twizzlers in half, then half, and half again to create 8 1″-long pieces. Either fray the pieces by separating the 9 ‘fibers’ while leaving a bit connected at one end. Or completely separate the 9 ‘fibers’.
Decorate each cupcakes with 2-3 candy eyes and the Twizzlers pieces to make fun hair!

Shrimp & Curried Coconut Risotto

October 26, 2015

Is your refrigerator running? Well, you better go get it! ha!

Okay, I have a point with starting with corny joke. I swear.

Our vacuum was acting up so I kept joking around that “Our vacuum sucks since it doesn’t suck” So Price dove into research mode, making me continually joke “But does that vacuum suck?” every time he would tell me about his findings. In the end we bought the Shark Rotator Pro Complete Lift-Away Vacuum (NV552), because we wanted a vacuum that had a hepafilter, had the ability to turn off the roller when on hardwoods, had a lot of attachments, and was relatively affordable (about 1/2 as much as a Dyson).

Since getting it we have been cleaning every inch of our house. It is amazing and horrifying at the same time as we are living in one of those corny infomercials when the people vacuum with their old one and then go over it with a new one to discover everything that was left behind. It’s amazing and horrifying. At the very least I am enjoying Price cleaning every surface in sight with every attachment the vacuum has. Win!!

Highly recommend this Shark vacuum #notsponsored!

Anyway, it’s Secret Recipe Club Reveal Day!!!!! YAY!!!! It’s my 4th year now!!

This month I had Sue’s blog Couscous and Consciousness. She is from New Zealand! So far away, but that is why I love blogging and Secret Recipe Club since it connects everyone from everywhere.

I had a lot of fun going through Sue’s Recipe Index since she had such a wide variety of recipes. We picked out several for considering, including her Salted Caramel Coconut Macaroons, Homemade Ricotta, and Pearl Barley Salad with Pistachios, Fava & Pomegranate (which I still have on my to-do list!). Ultimately, I selected her Shrimp & Curried Coconut Risotto.

I hadn’t made risotto in sooooo long so I was drawn to it. Plus, the combination of the flavors was so enticing. I couldn’t resist.

I’m glad I made this as it was a very satisfying lunch on a cool fall day. It made it really glad that I made a double batch since it made for great leftovers.

Sue’s tips about preparing this dish were spot on, like how you shouldn’t toast the coconut shavings. Sure, it will look pretty, but the contrasting texture from the crisp coconut to the soft risotto just wouldn’t work. I heeded her advice since it made a lot of sense.

So my 2 cents, if you like the flavor of curry then add a bit more. But, of course, this all depends on your curry blend, so just try it out as you go.

Hope everyone has a fantastic Monday! xox

Shrimp & Curried Coconut Risotto

Makes 2 servings

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon olive oil
2 Tablespoons butter
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
grated zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon medium curry powder
3/4 Cups arborio rice
4 Cups chicken stock, hot
1/2 pound fresh shrimp, peeled & uncooked
1/3 cup cream de coconut
generous handful chopped cilantro
toasted shaved coconut and wedges of lime to serve

Process

In a large stock pot, heat the oil and 1 Tablespoon butter in a large frying pan, set over medium heat until te butter is melted and the oil is simmering.
Add the shallot and cook until softened, approximately 2-3 minutes.
Add the garlic and grated lemon zest, cook for another minute
Then add the curry powder, again cooking for another minute before adding the rice.
Add approximately 1/2 Cup of the hot stock, continue stirring until all the liquid is absorbed. Then continue in the same way, adding the stock in ladle full batches, and each time stirring until the liquid is absorbed before adding the next ladle. Continue doing this until the rice has begun to release its starches and becomes “creamy”, but still has a little bite left to it.
Add the shrimp when you have 1 last batch of stock to add. By the time the rice has absorbed the stock the shrimp will be almost done, and will finish off cooking in the final resting time.
Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the rest of the butter and the coconut cream, cover and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
Stir the cilantro just prior to serving.
Garnish with the coconut shavings and wedges of lime when serving.

Adapted from Couscous & Consciousness

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Check out all the other great Secret Recipe Club posts this month!

And be sure to check out my 4 years of Secret Recipe Club posts!!!!

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Thanks for visiting. Please leave me a comment to provide some feedback. I appreciate all the comments I receive.

Earn Your Slash Challenge @ B/Spoke Studios – Update #1

October 25, 2015

I’m halfway done with B/Spoke’s Earn Your Slash Challenge and I’m loving it!

I’ve previously mentioned before about my new-found love of spinning and how I was taking this challenge on this month. I wanted to document this challenge similarly to my previous Whole30’s so I have been tracking each class with IG pics and recapping my classes progress.

The requirements in completing the Earn Your Slash Challenge running from October 5th through November 5th:

1. BRING A NEW RIDER OF THE OPPOSITE SEX WITH YOU

2. COMPLETE 2/3 “CHALLENGE” RIDES: HOT R/DE, R/DE 60, OR 530AM DAWN RIDER

3. POST A PICTURE ON SOCIAL MEDIA IN B/SPOKE GEAR & TAG @BSPOKESTUDIOS

4. COMPLETE 15 RIDES

5. SOCIAL MEDIA POST EXPLAINING HOW YOU REFUEL & TAG @BSPOKESTUDIOS

So here is a little update on my progress so far!

Ride 1

Wednesday, October 7th @ 12.00pm R/DE 45

Instructor: Katherine

I am so amped to start the Earn Your Slash Challenge. I bought a 25 class package to use for this month, and beyond.

It was a great class to get back into spinning after the month off. Plus, it was just mentally good to start off on a new journey.

I screwed up the damn stats counter so I have no data. Really annoyed with myself!

Ride 2

Friday, October 9th @ 6.30am R/DE 45

Instructor: Natalie

My legs were sluggish this morning. Maybe it was the time or the kind of work out or just because, but I felt off rhythm. However, I did more resistance than I normally go, so that felt good/horrible.

Natalie had a lot of ‘jumps/touch backs’ in the class (when you go from standing up to sitting back in the saddle, to going back up again) which are my least favorite move. I just don’t like them, I need to get over it. ha!!

Near the end of class we did 2 sprints, which I loved so much. You just pump as fast and hard as you can. I loved the intensity of those bursts.

Glad I got the workout done before work. yay!!

I screwed up the damn stats counter AGAIN. DAMN IT

Ride 3

Saturday, October 10th @ 8.30am R/DE45

Instructor: Kelsey

Kelsey’s energy is so intense. I loved it. She really amps you up with her enthusiasm and music selection.

I struggled with this class as Kelsey had a lot of ‘choreography’ related to arms in, arms out, touch back, right arm out, left arm out, double touch back, etc, etc. I’m just not coordinated enough for that shit. I was trying to keep up but it was getting discouraging. Don’t get me wrong, the class was great, just tough for me.

I got the stats counter to work but I honestly think the reading was off a bit as I was busting my ass and my counts (calorie) were way off (less) than my previous reads. We’ll see what happens in future readings.

Ride 4

Wednesday, October 14th @ 12.00pm R/DE 45

Instructor: Katherine

I had originally thought I would take a class on Monday, but due to a presentation deadline at work, I couldn’t take any extra time out of my day to go. And then I figured I would go Tuesday, but that didn’t shake out either.

Anyway, my ride on Wednesday was tough as I was feeling really bad with a cough. I’m glad I didn’t cancel the class though as I’m trying to stay focused on the challenge. I figured it would be better to go and try it and take it easy than just cancel it. Glad I did!

There were a few issues I was experiencing with during the class, one in particular was that my right foot was cramping during class. I spoke with Katherine after class about it and she suggested that I loosen the straps on my foot a bit to see if that would help… it did for ride #5! I highly suggest you get to know your class teachers to talk to them about how you are feeling and for any tips and trips for a better workout.

Messed up Stats reading… FML

Ride 5

Thursday, October 15th @ 12.00pm R/DE 45

Instructor: Natalie

What a difference 24 hours makes!

I felt so lousy on Wednesday, but I was feeling so much better during this ride. I was coughing less and I was not as short of breath.

Most of all I am glad that I am a 3rd of the way done, yay!!! And I got the damn stats counter working. Double yay!! And these seem much more accurate than my previous stats.

Ride 6

Monday, October 19th @ 7.15pm R/DE 45

Instructor: Katie

I stayed late at work so I went to class after work (and then back to work again!) I liked Katie’s teaching/class style so it was fun to meet her and try out one of her classes when I otherwise wouldn’t be able to with my schedule.

Oh the hills, the hills are alive with killing my legs. UGH! It was a tough class, but good.

I was told the stats counting didn’t start tracking until a few minutes into class so it was a little lower than it should have been, but great to have this info anyway.

Ride 7

Wednesday, October 21st @ 12.00pm R/DE 45

Instructor: Katherine

The Wednesday lunch time routine is becoming really nice. I’m actually planning on continuing that schedule after the challenge as I really like Katherine’s classes.

The woman directly in front of me was kinda doing her own thing for part of the class, which was driving me crazy. I understand we need to modify things but it didn’t seem like she was interested in following along for portions of the class, like she didn’t do any isolation’s or followed along to the pace at times, like going fast at slow times and slow at fast times. It was like seeing something out of the corner of you eye that you aren’t supposed to see so it was distracting, in a dumb way.

Ride 8

Saturday, October 24th @ 12.30 Hot R/DE

Instructor: Aly

So I was a sweaty hot mess after this class! ha!!

Holy hell, it was hot up in there!!! Def fun to do one of the challenge rides for the Earn Your Slash Challenge. It was hard but a good hard. I cranked the shower on the coldest setting that I could after class.

I have struggled before with doing sprints out of the seat, and I struggled again this time and was really fed up with it so the 2nd time we did sprints I just stayed in the seat. I figure that if would be better to modify the workout, like how they do in workout videos, to be able to give the sprint my all than slow my pace. I just loose my momentum and my legs get choppy, I don’t know if it’s my knees or my hips but it just isn’t working. SUCKS!

Also, I wore shorts since it was the HOT R/DE and I hated it. Never ever again.

No stats since I had to switch bikes at the beginning of class. Someone left one of their shoe on one of the pedals, and I couldn’t get it off, Ali yanked it off for me, but I don’t know if there was something wrong with the pedal clips as I could NOT get clipped in. I hopped to the bike next to me so no tracking of stats. Oh well.

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Woohoo! More than half way done!!

I’ll follow up with more of my progress soon!

xoxo

Apples, Pumpkins, and Donuts. Oh my! at Applecrest Farm, NH

October 22, 2015

What do they say about best laid plans?

Oh that’s right, they often get screwed up.

We had planned on going apple and pumpkin picking at Applecrest Farm with Price’s sister this past weekend. We went there last year, and had a blast, so we wanted to go again to get some more apples, pumpkins, and cider donuts.

Unfortunately, the day was much chillier than what would have been comfortable for apple picking. The temperature was okay, but the wind went right through ya! So we changed things up and checked out their large farm market instead

First, we bee-lined it to cider donuts stand for fresh donuts, which are my most favorite fall things ever. Autumn seemed to enjoy herself too!

Oh, hello.

Since we skipped the orchards, we got all our apples in their new Farm Market.

They were building it last year when we were visiting so it was fun to go back and see it completed. It is so charming with crates of fresh fruits and vegetables, a lot from their very own farm. As well as a selection of beer and wine, frozen prepared foods, and freshly baked goods. Rounding that all out is a healthy stocked refrigerated section, that includes fresh cider. It’s hard to find in the area, but they have raw cider, which is needed to make hard cider, so they are a great resource for home brewers.

There even is a Farm Bistro. Adorable. Timing wasn’t right for us to visit and try it out, but I’m really hoping to go back one day.

I love fall in New England.

We grabbed a lot of apples from our visit so I have plenty of apples to eat (Idared) and bake (Cortland) with. They cut a blue hubbard squash in half for us (to split with Catherine), which roasted up so very well! Plus, I grabbed day old cider donuts, that I used to make a bread pudding. That I then smothered with a lot of homemade apple cider caramel sauce. (recipe coming soon!)

Apples and pumpkins are still available for picking so be sure to check out Applecrest Farm this weekend!

Applecrest Farm

133 Exeter Road (Rt.88)

Hampton Falls, NH 03844

603.926.3721

Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Open Daily, Year-Round.

Bacon and Cheese Buttermilk Waffles with an Apple Compote

October 21, 2015

Happy Back to the Future Day!!

Where’s my hoverboard?!?

I always loved watching the Back to the Future movies. They were so funny and over the top with what the future would hold.

I guess that the closest thing we get to a hoverboard is a segway, I would never survive riding on one of those. I am just happy that I ride a bike now without falling off. Call me old fashion. ha!

…

Head of the Charles.2015

October 20, 2015

The 51st ~~running~~ rowing of the Head of the Charles was held this past weekend. Since it was our last chance to see it before we move, we went to check it and cheer along with other bystanders out along the banks of the River Charles.

Although both Price and I have been in Boston since 2003, neither of us had been to it. So when we were creating our Boston Bucket List, it just had to be included.

The day was beautiful, but brisk, so our visit wasn’t too long since the wind would sting your face a bit (poor rowers!). It was just long enough to walk along the banks, enjoy watching the races, and give some cheers.

We even got to check out a playground, where Autumn mastered going down the swirly slide all by herself.

The midmorning sun danced atop the ripples on The Charles and the vibrant fall leaves rustled in the wind. It made me so happy to be outside enjoying the sights and smells of fall. There is something so distinct about the smell of leaves that recently fallen to the ground and are being toasted by the sun. It is one of my favorite smells related to the season. I will miss it terribly next year, but knowing that there is a ‘last time’ for my experiences up here has made me much more aware of my surroundings and feelings than in previous years when I have taken this beauty for granted.

After we took in our fill of the regatta, we headed back to Harvard Square to enjoy lunch at Tasty Burger (I wrote about their food truck here). Then we swung into Sweet Cupcakes for an afternoon treat. Autumn helped picked them out for each of us, but still, magically, ate half of mine. Mainly, she was so fascinated with the street performer that she was almost too distracted to really eat her cupcake. She was pretty happy carrying it around to give the street performer a dollar.

It was such a great day together. I’m so glad that we were able to go to the Head of the Charles and cross it off Our Boston Bucket List. So fun!

Monday Munchies: Neighborhood Nights Out @ TAMO Bar- Boston, MA

October 19, 2015

As part of my Monday Munchies series, I will feature a different eatery for a review on the third Monday of every month. Hope you enjoy!

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There is a relaxed, fun vibe to TAMO Bar. You notice it the moment you walk in with the dim lights and upbeat music in the bar.

TAMO Bar is located in the Seaport Boston Hotel, located in the Seaport District of Boston. It’s a great location as it is great for visitors to Boston to stop in for dinner before going to for a show or concert. Or maybe it’s just the perfect stop to relax with a drink by the fire after a long day on your feet at the convention center.

TAMO recently relaunched their Neighborhood Nights menu. They offer a great deal every Monday and Tuesday night throughout the fall that allow guests to enjoy two courses each and share a bottle of wine for $40 per person. I love the flexibility with it as you can skip the appetizers and each have an entree and a dessert, or maybe you just feel like appetizers and dessert. So fun.

Price and I recently went and had a great weeknight date at TAMO to try out their Neighborhood Nights menu.

We decided to share an appetizer, each get an entree, and share a dessert to enjoy together on our neighborhood date night. Price and I typically share things off each others plates so sharing an appetizer and dessert is nothing new to us. But first, lets get to the good stuff, the wine.

Of the 6 bottles of wine that are available we elected for one of their whites, the ’14 Sauvignon Blanc from Chateau Lardiley in Bordeaux. We figured we would be eating light since it was a three course meal. We didn’t want to go too heavy and miss out on dessert from being too full. Then we moved onto our tough decisions for our meal.

We started with the Salt and Pepper Calamari, a large pile of freshly fried rings and tentacles is always good. The batter that Chefs Richard Rayment and Robert Tobin created reminded me of the batter on tempura shrimp and vegetables. It was served alongside a sweet and spicy chili sauce. Our only complaint was that it could have used a bit more heat, with extra peppers or jalapenos. It was a nice light start to our night and first glasses of wine. Then on to the main course.

Price selected the TAMo Burger. Burgers are traditional and safe, almost any restaurant can have a burger. There has to be something different and special about this burger if TAMO has it’s name on it it had better not be just any plain old burger. And it wasn’t. The TAMO burger was a flavorful burger mound smothered in sharp cheddar, bacon, caramelized onion, lettuce and tomato atop a nicely grilled brioche bun.

It was one of those meals where nothing sticks out because it all taste so great in concert. And the bun had grill marks! GRILL MARKS! You know TAMO stands behind their burger and it shows.

My Tacos Al Pastor were fantastic!

I arrived before Price and waited in the bar, and the gentlemen seated next to me ordered them and I knew right then that I would have to get them. Impressive since we actually ate tacos the night before. But I couldn’t resist.

Every bit was enjoyable with the warm tortilla, crisp lettuce, tender shredded meat, juicy pineapple, and drizzle of crema. Also, it was visually pleasing as much as it was delicious with the bright green avocado nestled next to the wedge of yellow pineapple. You really take it all in.

My only comment would be that I don’t like iceberg lettuce (with the rare exception of a wedge salad) so I didn’t love it in my tacos, but I’m just being picky.

The night was complete with the S’mores in a Crock dessert.

I love when restaurants take the classic S’mores dessert and change it up, so I wanted to see what the chefs did to jazz it up. They crumbled up graham crackers and combined them with melted chocolate and ooey gooey marshmallow. That delightful mess is then topped off with a large scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Admittedly, we did wait too long to dig in since I ran to the bathroom and Price waited for me before digging in solo. That allowed the gooey marshmallow to cool off and firm up a bit. So I highly suggest that the moment it is set down on your table, you dig right in to enjoy the textures at their finest. Plus, the contrast of the hot S’mores mixture and cold ice cream play off each other really well.

Besides the awesome Neighborhood Nights special that TAMO Bar is hosting this year, they ave deals and specials on Sundays and Wednesdays. On Sunday’s you can hangout and watch football while enjoying their “Wings 3 Ways”, which includes Buttermilk Fried, Korean Style, and Chimi’s Spicy Chicken Wings for $20. On Wednesdays they offer a wine flight (three, 2 oz. pours) for $12. You can even have a specialty paired entree for $20. They change up their wines and pairing every week!

No matter when you go to TAMO Bar, you are sure to have a great time.

TAMO Bar

Seaport Boston Hotel

1 Seaport Lane

Boston, MA 02210

617.385.4315

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While my meal at TAMO was complimentary, we provided our great waitress, Van, gratuity, and all opinions are my own.

Drunken Spicy Queso

October 16, 2015

Hello. I’m Nicole and I’m addicted to food travel shows.

Not that it was exactly a food show, but The Getaway, on Esquire Network, hooked me quickly with the interesting hosts – writers, comedians, actors, models, chefs, etc- each providing an interesting, fun point of view for all the places they visited. Of course, I loved when the featured famous and hole in the wall bars and restaurants. I’m bummed the most recent season is over.

But my favorite new one now is I’ll Have What Phil’s Having, on PBS. The comedic creator of Everybody Loves Raymond takes you around to try our the places that are well known and for places that only locals would know of. I love it.

That is my kind of travel! I definitely travel for the food. The rest of the stuff I see along the way is an added bonus. ha!

Don’t get me wrong, I love every bit of the travel we do, but I just associate the places we see with the food and drinks we enjoyed right along those places, like when we were on the cruise earlier this year, I think back to one of our beach days and I think of the bucket of beer we enjoyed in the shade of our beach umbrellas. Or when we were in Chicago I think about how we had great cinnamon rolls after we wet o the tour of Wrigley Field.

We don’t have any up coming travel planned at this point, but it’s fun to imagine!

Until then I’ll enjoy our time in Boston, at home or out and about. While at home I’m sure we’ll be watching lots of football this season. It’s just a great way to spend an afternoon or evening, while I pack up our stuff… 5 months before we move… because I’m psycho…

A few weeks ago my blogging bestie, Amanda of Fake Ginger, shared a Buzzfeed Food video on her FB page that showcased making this Drunken Queso Dip. I immediately wanted to make it. So I did just that and I’m dadmn glad I did as I loved it.

A simple delicious dip that will be perfect for all your game day football viewing.

Drunken Spicy Queso

Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

1 pound block of Jalapeno Velvetta cheese
1 12-ounce beer (I used Bud Light Lime)
4 plum tomatoes
Toppings such as cilantro, fresh or pickled jalapeno, diced red onion, avocado, or anything else you care to add

Process

Cut the cheese into cubes, roughly 1″ big. Add to a medium sized pot with the beer. Cook over medium, stirring occasionally.
While the cheese and beer are cooking together, halve the tomatoes, scoop out the seeds, then dice.
Add the tomatoes to the pot once the cheese is melted.
Pour into a serving bowl and add your toppings.

Inspired by BuzzFeed Food

The Fall Sunglasses {& a Firmoo Sunglasses Giveaway}

October 15, 2015

Sunnies aren’t just for summer!

Just like how your everyday face lotion has SPF, your eyes should have protection every day. Don’t just think that sunglasses are for hot summer days. You need to protect your eyes during the winter when there is glare off the snow, on cool spring days, and brisk fall days as well.

Why I am telling you this?!?!

Well, it’s really important!!! You need to treat your eyes with care, just like how you do with your skin.

Truthfully, I haven’t been the best example at proper eye care. I have had classes since 1st grade but since I wear them 24/7, I don’t think about switching them to sunglasses as often as I should. I tend to forget my sunglasses case in bag, at home, or in the car, so I don’t wear them when I run out to take the dog out or run an errand, but I am vowing to change that.

For years my dad has a nevus in his right eye monitored. A nevus is a common, benign, pigmented growth in your eye, similar to a mole on your skin. While it’s rare, it unfortunately can become cancerous. In my dad’s case it became cancerous this past year. He was diagnosed this spring, right before my wedding, and in the beginning of September, he had surgery to treat it.

Specifically, he had Plaque Brachytherapy, aka Radiation Plaque Therapy, to treat his Choroidal Melanoma. While he stayed in a lead lined room in a hospital for a week he had something similar to a seed put behind his eye that contained radiation in it to treat the cancer. He even had a patch. ha! Thankfully his treatment was successful, but he is still experiencing pain and double vision, which prevents him from driving. All minor things in the grand scheme of things but cancer is cancer non the less!

My dad has worn sunglasses but he still developed this, just like people who wear sunscreen can develop skin cancer, but you should try your best to wear them to help prevent this, as well as other eye issues, like cataracts.

I reached out to the great folks at Firmoo this summer to work with them again this year as a Brand Ambassador because glasses and proper eye care are topics that are so important to me. I wanted to be able to share some great news about new trends, styles, and care while doing awesome stuff for you guys>>> giveaways!!!

I picked out these glasses to work for my fall and winter wardrobe. The frames are a dark brown and I picked matching dark brown frames that coordinate with darker fall and winter clothes. I absolutely love them.

Firmoo has a wide selection of glasses and sunglasses that will work for your face shape and style preferences. And even if you don’t love the options they offer for sunglasses you can easily change any pair of glasses to sunglasses just by changing the tint of the lenses, that all have 100% UV protection.

**ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE!!!!**

1 winner will win one pair of glasses with 1.50 index lenses from this page: http://www.firmoo.com/collection-for-bloggers.html. Any other add-ons or upgraded lenses will be charged at an extra fee. Open to US only, includes with free shipping.