Saying "I Do" To Design: Guest Post on Solo Thais

Hey All You Pdxers!
I recently had the honor of writing as a guest on my best friend's blog, Solo Thais.
I had so much fun writing this post and collaborating with my best friend. 
If you enjoy following blogs, hers is definitely one you should check out!

Getting Alll Dressed Up for Love

I'm headed out to the Brides Against Breast Cancer event at the Doubletree Lloyd Center today, and I am definitely feeling some pre-dress trying on jitters. Butterflies aren't necessarily a bad thing,but suddenly it's dawning on me that I'm actually getting married. Today I might possibly find the dress that I will be wearing as I walk towards my husband-to-be on our wedding day. It's all a bit surreal, but I do think it's going to be a great day. I've got my camera, a modest pair of heels and two of my best girls to support me and cheer me on throughout the day. I really couldn't ask for anything more!

Sunny Daze

...sweeping the clouds away...on my way to where the air is sweet. Sometimes I wish I could go back to the days when my to-do list was as simple as playing barbies, snacking on hot dogs and mac and cheese and tuning in for my daily dose of Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. But alas those days are gone. However, lately I have had quite a sunny disposition despite the dreary January Portland weather. I'm not quite sure exactly why I have perked up so much as of late, but I have an idea that I thought might be useful to share with all you Pdxers. It's Vitamin D, and it may just be a miracle vitamin for all of us who live in a constant state of gray.

Vitamin D is fondly known as the "sunshine vitamin" because typically humans take in most of their vitamin D through the skin when exposed to sunlight. Well we all know how often we see the sun around here...why not do something to supplement it?

According to the Mayo Clinic, "The major biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones. Recently, research also suggests vitamin D may provide protection from osteoporosis, hypertension (high blood pressure), cancer, and several autoimmune diseases."
This is fantastic,especially for women. As many of us enter our 30's it is even more important for us to be taking better care of our bones and heart.

Who can say for sure if adding Vitamin D to my diet has really given me more energy and a bit of a case of spring fever. All I know is that my energy level and attitude is way up. Over the two weeks that I have been taking the supplement (D3 not D2) I have gone from sleeping 11 hours a night to 7. I feel positive and productive everyday, and in conjunction with diet and exercise, I have lost 4 pounds. Doesn't sound like a bad thing to me.

Of course I'm not a doctor or even an expert in the world of health. I did some research before I started taking the supplement, and decided on a dosage that wasn't dangerous for me. Below is a link to the Mayo Clinic website if you want to read more and decide if Vitamin D is right for you. Happy Sunning!

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-d/NS_patient-vitamind

Up Next...Sunny Daze.

A New Year, Less Fear.

I love the New Year, always have, always will. Something about starting over, new beginnings, and a fresh set of goals is so invigorating, and I often get really pumped up at the start of the year, thinking about having a clean slate to work with.
The start of 2011 has been especially exciting and motivating for me, because WE'RE GETTING MARRIED THIS YEAR!!!
With my minor nervous breakdown and anxiety attacks over the planning of the wedding behind me, I feel rejuvenated and ready to tackle this thing head on!
Any bride, or even any one who has been a part of planning a wedding, can sympathize with me regarding the roller coaster ride of emotions that begins the second after you get engaged. It can be so overwhelming and intimidating thinking about the big picture and all the details that go into the vision of your big day. The key here is to take a deep breath, take things one step at a time and remember you are planning a day that is supposed to be happy and fun, NOT stressful and migraine-inducing. My short break over the holidays has given me a renewed sense of joy over the day I get to become a Mrs.
This is why I am taking on the New Year with Less Fear. With everything settling into perspective and the booking of our venue on the horizon, I have decided to throw my hands in the air, and enjoy the ride. 2011 is going to be one of the best years of my life. I can feel it.

Coming Soon... A New Year, Less Fear.