Understanding Lupus

On Sunday July 19 our family loss a beautiful and wonderful family member to Lupus. She was funny, beautiful, carefree, caring, loving. She never sweat the small stuff. She was full of life and if that is what we all learned from her we need to enjoy every moment and leave behind the negative.

Lupus us very much alive today. As women we are more likely to be stricken with this terrible disease than men. There are more than 1 type of lupus. Our family member had systemic lupus which is the worst kind but she lived with this from age 17 until her passing just shy of 40.

Please take a moment to understand what lupus is and spread the awareness. Visit http://www.lupus.org to learn more.

Who am I?

I think we all wonder who we are at some point in time. I have even been asked if I personally know who I am. My answer to that is yes. I know who I am.

So who am I?
I am Olivia Jeannette Vidal born in December 1974 in a West Covina hospital to a beautiful mother whom I talk to almost everyday and a father I almost never speak of.

I am a daughter. I am a daughter who gets mad at her mother for trying to take care of her. I am a daughter looking at her mother wishing I could be half the mother she is. I am the daughter to a man who loves me; blood or not. I am a daughter who drove my parents to the brink of insanity rebelling against all I was taught. I am the daughter who was secretly happy when I wasn't allowed to date certain boys even when I protested. I am a daddy's girl. I am a mommy's girl.

I am a mother. I am a mother of a handsome young man who will be 16 in March. I am a mother who was scared the moment she discovered she was pregnant. I am the mother who made mistakes along the way. I am the mother who stayed at the hospital 3 days while her child was admitted for severe mono. I am the mother who cheered her son on at the football games. I am proud he is who he is no matter what I do. I am disappointed he can't see why I hate his room a mess. I am sad he won't need me in a couple years as he ventures off to be the man I raised.

I am a wife. I am a wife to a man I didn't want to date. I am the wife to a man who let me love on my terms. I am a wife to a man who showed me I can be loved unconditionally and I can love back in the same manner. I am a wife is gets frustrated when her husband doesn't wash clothes the way I think they should be. I am the wife of a man who won't argue when I need a good argument. I am a wife who is thrilled her husband understands her disgust for wet and dirty hands therefore taking on the dishes even after a long day. I am the wife of a man who is proud to watch her husband enjoy his passions. I am the proud wife of a full-time college student. I am the wife who loves her husband dearly.

I am a sister. I am the sister to 2 younger brothers. I am the proud sister of 2 men with their own wives and children and thrilled all my tormenting as kids didn't harm them. I am the sister who beat up her brothers as children. I am the sister who cried at their weddings looking on proudly. I am a sister to 2 women who have joined our family the last few years.

I am an aunt. I am the aunt of a beautiful little girl and soon to be aunt for the 2nd and 3rd time within the next 6 months. I am the aunt to 3 children I never thought I could love as much as the child I gave birth to.

I am a godmother to an unborn child that almost brings tears to my eyes thinking how honored I am to take part in the growth of another human being.

I am the friend who wants you to be happy, wants to hear how your kids are doing, about your date last night, brings the ice cream when you are sad, and expects all the same in return.

I am the business owner who takes pride in the fact she is allowed to do something great with her knowledge and learning experiences. I am the business owner who fumbles from time to time on a gamble that didn't work. I am the business owner how is not ashamed of the success and making that success known. I am the business owner who will take a pay cut just to bring in something new.

I am a woman. I like to look good, feel good. I am selfish, giving, sensitive, aggressive, crazy, shy, outgoing, unsure, confident, mean, kind, intelligent, ignorant, well educated, under educated. I want to be desired, admired, appreciated. Some days I want to be ignored while other days I want to be the center of attention. I am misunderstood, miscalculated, underestimated. I am not the thinnest, tallest, most beautiful. One moment I am serious as can be and the next as immature as a 2 yr old.

I am an animal lover who can't bare to let her dogs sleep in the dog house on a cold winter night. I am the animal lover who lets her dogs sleep in her bed and lay on the couch. I am the pet lover who cries when her loved pet dies. I am the pet lover who wants to dress up her dogs for no reason.

I like happy meal toys, pens, shoes, Disney, cooking, crafting, cleaning, being lazy, taking pictures, taking a walk, shopping, taking part in charities, texting, online games, watching chick flicks, doing what others would never dream I would do. What I like today may not be what I like tomorrow. I can and will change my mind often.

I don't strive to be someone else. I strive to be a better me. Who I was 10 yrs ago is not who I am today. In 10 years I will not be the same as I am currently.

If I want to have breast implants tomorrow that doesn't mean I think less of myself. I don't need to explain it. If you don't understand it, don't try to. I diet to look better, color my hair to brighten my face, wear makeup so I don't scare the children, wear uncomfortable shoes because they look great on my feet, carry a cute purse because it matches my outfit.

I don't need to make excuses for who I am. I don't make excuses for why I am ever changing. I like that. I am who I am and I love that about me.

I know who I am. Maybe I don't always like what I see. The beautiful thing about that is I can change anything I want at anytime. I have that power because I never doubt that I can.

So next time someone asks me if I know who I am I proudly state yes I do. Maybe I can never fully explain who I am as I am different to different people. Maybe I will never understand why I am who I am but I am who I am regardless

Relay For Life

Last year was my first year starting and heading a team. I stumbled through it but we did our best. this year I am far better prepared after going through it once. The preparation itself has been hard.

This years theme is movies. Since this is an overnight event and we are a football family, I have chosen to go with Friday Night Lights. We have a football themed campsite with football themed items for sale and we will sell glow items. I am also giving away 100 reusable totes with fillers and samples from WAHMs.

Today is the final meeting and will be picking up the team t-shirts. I have not received the theme lap list just yet but will at the meeting. Every hour there is a different lap theme. Last year lap themes ranged from walking backwards, blowing bubbles, dribbling a basketball. Just some really fun things to do to keep things interesting during the 13hr walk.

I think the truly spectacular thing you will see at relay is the luminarias lining the track. They look beautiful with their candle flickering honoring or in memory of those who have fought against cancer.

I really enjoy this event. I get to be truly thankful to see my father walk the survivor lap and share with others. I do wish I had more support in the preparations but through the years maybe that will change. For now I am able to take care of all the needs to be done.

Learn more about Relay for Life and how you can help
http://main.acsevents.org/goto/SoChicBagBoutique.com

He's almost home!

How can it be so hard to let your child go off to camp. I know it was compounded by the fact that my brothers and their wives took a last minute vacation so it seemed as though everyone was gone. He called the other day and as soon as he said hi I started to cry. I miss him so much. If I miss him now what will it be like in 3 yrs when he graduates high school and goes off to college or the military. He may decide to do neither but I have to let go sometime.

I have found several things to do this week business wise since I didn't have to worry about making lunch or worrying where he is. That is the one benefit to being a WAHM. You eventually have your child going off to school, social event, or simply outside to play giving you some quiet time for work.

My son comes home tomorrow and I am very excited. I plan to take him to lunch and spend the afternoon hearing all about his week. With Sunday being father's day tomorrow is my big chance to snag him. The hardest part of being a parent I think is the part where you let go. That time is coming closer and closer. Knowing you have done your best in raising him to be the best person he can be is not good enough. You have been taking care of them for so long its hard to think they don't need you to raise them. They still need you but it changes.

I can define it anyway I want but it is still letting go.

Dress up those meals

This was shared on another site and just had to keep passing it on. These are fun and creative ways to get your kids to eat. These mural meals are incredibly artful as well as delicious and nutritious to boot.

Visit http://www.lilsugar.com/3169975 and take a look at the slide show. Your kids will love these! Parents will love these!

Away at camp day 4

Its day 4 of his trip to camp. I did better yesterday but with mid week being here I am anxious to hear from him. I was told the kids would be calling home about mid week. Just to know he is ok would make me feel so much better. I don't know if he is having a good time, miserable, in different, or anything. We had the option of going with him but being I would have absolutely no cell or computer access I just couldn't do. I have a job to do still and with family vacation coming up I couldn't take off the extra time. Besides he is 15 and I need to let him go do his own thing without mommy and daddy. I never really seen how attached I am to him. He's my only baby and I miss him. I can't wait until he comes home and I get to hear all about his trip. I plan to take him out to dinner.

Away for camp

My son left for boy scout camp yesterday. That was hard. He has never been out of my control in 15yrs. If he has been on vacation without us it has been with my parents. This time he is off on his own. Its hard to let go especially being an only child. It had to happen sooner or later. I have to constantly remind myself he is not in his room playing games, he is not at home waiting for dinner when I am running errands late, he is not going to come running in and ask what I am doing. No friends over, no loud radio for me be upset that it is too loud. I kept thinking last night as a storm passed through that he didn't pack warm enough. While I was at the store picking up some snacks for hubby I kept think Phillip would like this. As I reached out to grab hold I remembered he wasn't home today and didn't need a snack. Was worried because he forgot my jacket and only had sweaters and sweatshirts. As we were leaving my mother's house late last night I kept wanting to call out to him to come downstairs and tell his grandparents good bye so we could leave. Just strange. He comes back Saturday so we will see how well I do after a week without. Anyone else go through child withdrawals?

My baby is no longer a baby

I am sure I should have realized this before but this week was eye opening. During my son's physical for boy scout camp he was of course measured and weighed. The weight wasn't an issue. It was the sudden realization he was just inches from being the same height as his dad. At 5'10" he already towers me at half a foot.

We will be going through several milestones the next 3 years - driving a car, getting a job, taking SATs, graduating, applying to college. Being this is our only child at this point in time it is kind of sad. At the same time I feel proud. Proud that we have done our very best to raise him to think for himself and make the right decisions about his future.

Kudos - Donna Bliss of My Miracle Baby

Donna and I are part of the Mom Pack a networking group dedicated to moms. Donna made a post offering a christening gown from her business My Miracle Baby.

Original post:
I have an exquisite christening gown by Elegant Baby to the first person who needs this for their special occasions. Its a stunning satin gown with a bonnet sized 6M. We no longer sell this item--the style has been changed and I thought it would be nice to offer it to a mom. In these tough times, I'd love to be able to help someone who wants a special dress for the baptism. Its simple, classic and truly stunning. We use to sell them for $109. It would be completely free - no catch other than you have to be use it for a christening or baptism for your child or someone you know--its not for resale. Have a great weekend!

I was lucky enough to reply first to receive the gown. I received the gown on Wednesday and I am in awe. It is truly stunning! It is so simple and elegant. Just exquisite to say the least. I am so excited to offer this gown to my godbaby. For such a special day this gown is perfect. It brought tears to my eyes just thinking about my godbaby in this gown.

Thank you Donna and My Miracle Baby!

Visit Donna and My Miracle Baby at http://www.mymiraclebaby.com/. She has some beautiful items available and incredible prices.

HUGE Clearance Sale

I have some great items available for my own companies as well as purchases I have made and just have far more than I need that is just taking up space. Everything is brand new!

Take a look and see what I have for you. Hurry! Quantities are limited!

Visit Liv's WAHM Blog for all new listings.

Contact me at disneyandmickeyfan@yahoo.com to place your order or for more information.

I accept PayPal (credit card, debit card, paypal, echeck) or Revolution Money Exchange. All items will be shipped via United States Postal Service Parcel Post, Priority, or flat rate (which ever is cheapest for you or your preference) once payment has cleared. I charge actual shipping. All sales are final.


Bunny Tealight Holder

Light Yellow, Carrot Cake Scented. Add a tealight and let the warmth release the wonderful scent or cut up and place in your favorite tart warmer.

Retail Price: $5.00 each
Sale Price: $3.75 each



Mystical Votives

Available in: Spicy Mystical Twist, Lemon Verbena, Gardenia, Patchouli Spice, Cool Citrus Basil, Pina Colada,Eucalyptus Leaf, Bubble Gum, Sandalwood, Christmas Tree, Mango, Cedarwood


Retail Price: $3.75 per pair
Sale Price: $2.81 per pair

$10 for mixed dozen




Mystically Romance Set

Scented in Love Spell
8oz Mason Jar Candle
4 Fluted Tarts
(Does not include gift can, demonstration purpose only)


Retail Price: $10.00
Sale Price: $5.00





Goddess Pampering Set

Scented in Goddess
4oz Lotion
Colored & Scented Bath Salts
Celtic Knot Soap (Personal Size)
2 Soy Votive Candles


Retail Price: $18.00
Sale Price: $9.00





Mystical Lotion

Blackberry Sage


Retail Price: $5.00 each
Sale Price: $2.50 each






Mystical Candle

Lemon Grass
(jar varies from picture shown)


Retail Price: $8.75 each
Sale Price: $4.38 each




Mineral Girlz Lip Gloss

Available in: Simple Sparkle, Bubbly, Be Mine, Fresh Berries, Show Off

Retail Price: $8.00 each
Sale Price: $2.00 each

Set of 5 w/ vinyl case $8.00





Mineral Girlz Glaze

Available in: Daring , Gracious , Fearless

Retail Price: $8.00 each
Sale Price: $2.00 each

Set of 3 $5.00





Mineral Girlz Bar Soap

Available in: Random, Giggles , Angelic , Lavender & Shea Butter , Oatmeal Milk & Honey

Retail Price: $6.00 each
Sale Price: $1.50 each



Mineral Girlz Salt Soak and Scrubs

Available in: Random, Giggles, Angelic , Oatmeal Milk & Honey

Retail Price: $7.00 each
Sale Price: $2.00 each

Soak and Scrub set $3.00




Mineral Girlz Sparkle Dusting Powder

Pixie Dust
Fairy Dust
Super Shimmer

Retail Price: $8.00 each
Sale Price: $1.50 each




Stuff A Friend Animal Kit

Includes unstuffed animal, stuffing, wishing star, stuffing stick, instructions, birth certificate

Choose your animal: Ivory Bunny, Orange Striped Cat, Pink Pig, Dalmatian, Tan Bear, Giraffe

Retail Price: $15.00 each
Sale Price: $5.00 each




Outfits also available
Pink satin pajamas, army, soccer, cowboy, scouting outfit, bear slippers, and more. Ask for list.

Retail Price: $5-$12 each
Sale Price: $2.50 each





Mia Bella Mixed Dozen

This is not your typical Mia Bella dozen. Instead of the traditional 1 scent dozen you will get a mixed dozen. You can't get this normally.

Dozen #1 Includes:
Apricot Freesia, Caramel Apple, Victorian Rose, Chili Vanilli, Tahitian Spiced Vanilla, Lemon Verbena, Sicilian Lemon & Rosemary, Forbidden Fruit, French Vanilla, Georgia Peach, Sugar Cookie, Cucumber Cantaloupe

Dozen #2
Black Cherry, Ginger & Cedarwood, Caramel Apple, Lemon Verbena, Christmas Essence, Peach Papaya, Apricot Freesia, French Vanilla, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Cactus & White Peach, Forbidden Fruit, Blueberry Cobbler

Retail Price: $36.00
Sale Price: $15.00



Bear Love Gift Basket

Basket features 3 "Love Spell" soy tealights
20 glycerin dipped "Love Spell petals
Bear holding heart photo frame
wicker basket. Comes wrapped and ready for giving.


Retail Price: $15.00
Sale Price: $5.00




Heart Shaped Basket

Metal heart shaped basket
"Love Spell" soy jar candle
4 "Love Spell" soy tarts.

Retail Price: $16.00
Sale Price: $7.50





Avon Promotion Buttons

5 pin back buttons in white and yellow

Retail Price: $5.00
Sale Price: $2.00



Smencils
Made from 100% recycled newspapers, #2 pencil.
10 different scents:
Chocolate, Popcorn, Bubble Gum, Watermelon, Very Berry, Cotton Candy, Orange, Grape, Cherry, Rootbeer

Retail Price: $1.20 each
Sale Price $0.50 each or $4.50 all 10




Mini Purse Print Tote

7"x5", fully lined, zipper closure
Available in Blue, Pink, Yellow

Retail Price: $10.00
Sale Price: $3.50




Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com