Category: life

What’s In My Bag?

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As promised to my instagram followers, here is my What’s In My Bag? Spoonie Edition! As a sufferer of multiple chronic illnesses, it is most important that when I venture from the comfort of my own home that I bring certain essentials to help me survive the cold, harsh world ( a little dramatic, I know). Above are just a few items that are my necessities for a successful outing; one that I can manage pain for the most part and have everything I could possibly need for a spoonie emergency.

My Bag: Mossimo Supply Co. miniature backpack from a while back

What’s In My Bag?

For pain:

  • Mylan Lidocaine Patch 5%: I use these pain patches for my lower back, where my nerve pain drives me crazy at times. Although, I don’t use these everyday, when I do they tend to numb the area slightly enough to provide a little relief from relentless nerve pain.
    • “Mylan Lidocaine Patch 5% is a prescription medicine used to relieve the pain of post-herpetic neuralgia, also referred to as after-shingles pain.”
  • Real Time Pain Relief© – Pain Relief Lotion: I discovered this analgesic for muscle pain and more in the exchange at a booth and I actually really like this formula in comparison with brands such as Icy Hot and BioFreeze because it has a low menthol percentage. Menthol seem to have a rough effect on my skin leading to a burning-like sensation, so I was happy to find a natural pain cream that smells good and doesn’t hurt!
    • “Real Time DAILY Relief Lotion offers hydrating moisture for your skin with Homeopathic benefits. Made with 15 of Nature’s Ingredients including Aloe Vera, Arnica, and Nutmeg, Real Time DAILY Relief nourishes the skin while relieving stiffness and pain. It supports the regenerative processes of your body and provides the relief you need on the daily. With a fast absorbing formula, invigorating light-menthol feel, and great smell, Real Time DAILY Relief is perfect for everyday use!”
  • Pain Management Medications: Dicyclomine used for IBS related symptoms such as severe stomach pain and diarrhea, Tramadol my prescribed pain medication, I’ve been taking since 2015 to help manage my chronic back and neck pain, Methocarbamol – to help with muscle spasms (back), & Zomig, my migraine medicine that I have found myself using weekly.
  • Advil: I try to limit the NSAIDS I take, but just in case the prescribed combination isn’t doing it

For Reactions:

  • Mylan Epinephrine Auto-Injectors (EpiPen®): I have been administered epinephrine three times (one in hospital, two in clinic) due to anaphylaxis and near-anaphylaxis symptoms, so keeping these bad boys on me at all times can be a lifesaver for my reactions.
  • Allergy Relief – diphenhydramine (aka Benadryl): I never know when I am going to have a mast cell reaction. Since being diagnosed with MCAD (mast cell activation disorder), I have weekly reactions that results in severe hives, diarrhea and intentional upset, and can sometimes even lead to breathing difficulties.

For Beauty:

  • Go-To Skincare Very Useful Face Cream: I got this product in my Be Kind To One Another Box (BKTOAB) from Cass and I love how light and refreshing the formula is. It makes a perfect base before applying foundation and leaves my skin feeling gorgeous!
    • “This is face cream that is as much about anti-oxidants as it is moisturisation, because anti-oxidants are just as important. They stop free radicals (found in UV rays, smoking, environmental pollutants, toxins) attacking your skin, which is the main cause of ageing in the shape of wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity and suppleness. And since we get 50-80% of our free radical damage before we turn 21, there’s good reason to be incorporating anti-oxidants into your skin care as early as possible, (and for as long as possible.)”
  • Wet n Wild CoverAll Créme Foundation: Finding the fight foundation has been a long time problem for women. What’s the right shade? How much coverage do you get? Does the foundation fade? Is it matte or sticky? So many questions and so many foundations tried and this one has been a favorite; It’s cruelty free, light on my face (not super heavy like Kat Von D’s Lock It Foundation), and covers/blends well. With it being super affordable, it’s definitely worth a try!
    • “Acne scars? Dark spots? Under eye circles? We’ve got you covered! Our cream foundation does it all. This cream makeup blends seamlessly for all-day wear, and its flawless, lightweight formula provides buildable, medium-to-full coverage that evens out skin tone and conceals imperfections. Absorbing powders rid excess oils on the skin’s surface, leaving behind a soft, satin-matte finish. Contains VisiBright™ Technology: a skin-perfecting complex that reduces the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots, while hydrating skin’s natural collagen for a rejuvenating lift.”
  • Oil & Wind Silicone Beauty Applicator: I previously was using a Beauty blender, but was annoyed at the time it took to clean, the breaking of the sponge, and the amount of product wasted. This Silicone applicator has completely fixed all those problems! It’s extremely easy to use and doesn’t absorb any of the product! This ultimately saves money and is less messy! (Also doesn’t irritate my skin like the BB has in the past)
  • e.l.f. Bronzer – I’m very much in to bronzy looks, so this palette was a steal at only $4! It has made its way into my everyday makeup look.
    • “This bronzer creates a healthy looking glow all year round! The sheer soft powders provide the perfect hue of color. Blend all 4 colors together to achieve a blend of perfection or choose your favorite color.”
  • BH Cosmetics – Flat Top Buffing Brush: I got this wonderful set for Christmas last year and I love these brushes, plus they are cruelty free, which is a must!
    • “Professional makeup artists and beauty mavens will appreciate our Sculpt and Blend 2 – 10 Piece Makeup Brush Set. With face and eye brushes, the versatile collection was designed for use with liquids, creams, and powders. The full range of dual-fiber cosmetics brushes tackles a wide variety of application needs, from applying blush, bronzer, and powder to lining, defining, blending, and smudging to achieve a flawless look. Cruelty Free Synthetic Duo Fiber Brushes”
  • Natural Mineral Blush by Dusty Girls: in Golden Delicious – This was a BKTOAB item from Australia that I absolutely fell in love with. It has been my favorite all time blush that I have ever tried. The blush is really pigmented and perfect for my olive skin tone!
    • “Softly contour your cheeks with this versatile shade for a flawless, matte finish. Pressed with a blend of gold and terracotta tones to brighten your smile and enhance your complexion.”
  • Brow Wiz® by Anastasia Beverly Hills: I have extremely thin brows, so filling them in is something I like to do for a confidence booster. This has been my favorite brow product thus far, although the wand broke over time, but at least the pencil still is perfect. I had to go to the website to learn how to properly apply the Brow Wiz to get the perfect brows.
    • “An award-winning ultra-slim, retractable pencil that creates precise, hair-like strokes. Use Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz®‘s fine tip to spot-fill areas where brow hair is sparse, and the custom spooley end to blend for a flawless finish.”
  • Better than Sex Waterproof Mascara: I discovered this mascara right before my engagement in October of last year and have loved it ever since. This mascara makes my lashes look so amazing and it truly is tear proof!
    • “Go ahead and cry happy tears, Better Than Sex Mascara is now WATERPROOF! Our iconic hourglass-shaped brush unlocks the volumizing formula that thickens, lengthens and curls for the most extreme, mind-blowing lashes. One coat and lashes are full, defined, and stretched to unbelievable lengths. Two coats and lashes look even more luscious, curled, and dramatic. Three coats and you’ve achieved the most intense, voluminous, waterproof lashes possible!”
  • Anderson Lilley Sicilian Tangerine Beach Butter Body Cream: I absolutely love this lotion! I got this wonderful body cream in my first FunFitFab box I ordered last year and this product has been one of my favorites, but being honest, everything in the box was pure gold!
    • “On a walk through the Sicilian countryside we came across a grove of tangerines that inspired us for this mouth watering fragrance.  Juicy citrus, fragrant blooms, Mt. Etna in the background and a warm summer breeze all around us. Tangerine, mandarin, peach, bergamot, jasmine, mango, black currant, musk, vanilla.”

Everyone Needs These:

  • Guess Sunnies: My dad bought me these on sale at the exchange and they’re perfect for protecting my baby blues.
  • Hurraw! Lip Balm in Vanilla Orange: Another BKTOAB perk! I love this lip balm because it is so smooth and smells wonderful.
  • Michael Kors Wallet: a tiny little wallet, but within lies my whole life in card forms.
  • Spare Change: for those 99 cent deals that charging the card is out of line.

Just in Case:

  • Everyday Good Emoji Bandage: I love these little bandages that Cass sent my in my Be Kind To One Another Box earlier this month. I have adhesive allergies, so these bandages are perfect for sensitive skin and their good for the environment too!
    •  “Just like the Nude range, our Emoji Biodegradable Bandages break down in 2 years and decompose completely in around 4. They’re made using 15% recycled materials and the packaging was carefully sourced to be 100% from recycled material. It’s end to end as sustainable as we could find!”
  • Fresh Nap Towlette: one word: germs.
  • Little Buddha: I bought this little guy back in 2012 on Spring Break in New York City (China Town) and since then he’s kind of my lucky little charm that I bring with me when I take my college tests a few years now. He’s even made it through being sucked up in the vacuum, so I’d say he’s pretty lucky.
  • Diet Coke: Although I am now limiting my addiction, I still indulge in a couple of precious fluid ounces of Diet Coke a day. No, Coke Zero is not the same nor better.
  • Extra Hair Ties: I never know when my hair will act up becoming unmanageable or I have had several ties actually break while in my hair (thick hair problems)

I hope everyone has a great final week in April! It’s definitely been a rough couple of days this past week, but I am trying to keep pushing forward. I am most eager to graduate on May 19th and to finally be rid of my undergraduate campus! So close, yet so far.

Xoxo,

Cass

Gruene.

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This past weekend Caleb, myself, and the girls (pugs) went to Schertz, Texas to visit my aunt Cindy and uncle Ron. They luckily are located wonderfully, near San Antonio and New Braunfels both, so there is always a lot to do around their home. After a restless night (I only got about four hours of sleep!), we went to my aunt and uncle’s favorite location: Gruene Historic Location in New Braunfels on Saturday. We indulged in wine tasting at the Grapevine (I got a glass of Fiesta Skinny Dippin’ – “Produced in Bend, TX. Refreshing sweet white wine with the strong flavor of crisp green apple and hints of peach“), antique shopping at the Gruene Antique Company, and buying salsa at the Gruene General Store. Other than having a case of the allergies and minimal pain, things were going well until I went into the antique shop.


My aunt and I have always bonded over antique shopping and I found a number of adorable kewpies (I collect Kewpies!) and other treasures while browsing at the Gruene Antique Company. Caleb even bought me a little kewpie figurine, that I fell in love with, making me one happy girl! I came across some turquoise rings in the corner of the shop, turquoise is my favorite stone and I own a couple of beautiful rings. The vendors selling them, however, were the opposite of their rings. They were an ignorant elderly couple that decided to talk crap about me as I began walking off. “I wouldn’t sell to her anyways, I don’t like her”, the man whispered to his wife.  Based on the sole purpose that I have tattoos, I am a target for hateful ignorance. Anyone who knows me, know that I am most kind to everyone I meet. I’m respectful, especially to older individuals, because that was the way I was raised. I felt a bit broken as I had a flashback to my days as a adolescent constantly being judged on my appearance.

I confided in Caleb my pain and he began shaking in anger. He marched right back over to the rings and decided to stare the old man down. I have overcome so much to be set back with hate. If they knew an ounce of what I go through on a daily basis, maybe they wouldn’t be so quick to judge. I was in shock. Apparently my money is no good with the turquoise vendors because of my tattoos…?  My body shape wasn’t the target this time, but my feelings still took a hit. I tried to brush it off, but the rest of the day I became paranoid about people looking at me and I had wished I had dressed differently. I became self conscious and thought if only I wore my jeans with my tank top/kimono combo, but then I would have been hot and I shouldn’t have to feel this way about myself. Why do others judge so harshly on looks and appearance. So what I have tattoos? Does that make me a bad person? Does that make me unworthy of purchasing THEIR rings? I tried to brush it off and get on with the day, but the discrimination lingered with me for the rest of the trip. If you have tattoos, do you ever experience ignorance at its finest?

After the ordeal, we ate at the Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar, enjoyed the beautiful river view, and enjoyed exploring the shops of Gruene.

The weekend was pleasant because we were with family, although I found that a lot of people around that area were rude to Caleb and I for no apparent reason (our interracial relationship? our tattoos? Caleb’s race?). I won’t even get started on the restaurant horror that happened on the following day. Long story short rude owner, over an hour wait, no service, and excuse after excuse.

Hope you all have a wonderful week!

Xo,

Cass

WIMB?

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I was so excited to receive my box on Monday night full of wonderful spoon approved goods! As promised I made this cute little display to show off what’s in my Be Kind To One Another Box from Cass! This box of gifts made its way all the way from Australia and includes:

I have tried a few products already including the mineral blush, Brazilian Beauty body lotion, Argan Oil, lip balm, and Face Cream and all of it is so wonderful. I felt like I million bucks last night pampering in my goodies. I can’t wait to try out the rest and I am so grateful for being nominated and chosen for one of these amazing boxes.

I have a picture in the side bar that links right to Cass’s Youcaring page for donations if you are interested.

xo,

Cass

Attack.

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I had an extremely unpleasant Saturday night and early Sunday morning as I became awfully ill. It began around 10 pm. My fiancé and I just finished eating and were consuming ourselves in the disturbing, but enticing Black Mirror episodes when I began to have an allergic reaction. My reactions don’t really have a certain substance or food that causes me problems; instead it’s just when my mast cells decide to act up, often with foods I have eaten so many times before and have had no issues whatsoever. Mast Cell Activation Disorder causes my mast cells to react inappropriately including cardiovascular, dermatological, gastrointestinal, neurological, and respiratory problems when attacks occur. I unfortunately have had anaphylaxis to near-anaphylaxis attacks on several occasions and it’s terrifying.

This past Saturday I began feeling flushed and my heart rate began to increase. I went to the bathroom after feeling horrible stomach upset and began having what I call “allergy-related diarrhea.” I know this is probably too much information, but unfortunately that is one of the big symptoms of MCAD: severe diarrhea, intestinal cramping, vomiting, and nausea. I called my husband in to get me my Benadryl: my go-to drug when I begin having reactions. I was covered heavily in hives on my neck, chest, stomach, and back. I quickly took 50mg of antihistamine, but my pulse and heartrate were fast and I began to wheeze a little. I have had bad allergy attacks before and like to avoid using my Epipen unless necessary (as I must go to the emergency room), so I’d rather take 75mg of Benadryl than rush to the ER. I began to calm down and try to slow my breathing. I thought I was doing better. We finally headed upstairs around 12 am and something just didn’t feel right. My heart began to feel pained and heavy. I clutched my chest in pain and then I began to feel extremely sick. My whole body felt numb and felt like it was burning (kind of like how my lidocaine patches make my back feel – numb, but like a slight burning/tingling sensation); I became extremely nauseous and I got tunnel vision. I told my fiancé I need to go to the ER. My heart began feeling like it was going to explode and just sputter out. I became most confused kind of rambling and I told my husband I need an ambulance. I never felt like this before. I was on the verge of passing out and Caleb said my skin was very cold to the touch. I felt so sick and confused. We got up and made our way down stairs as I was mumbling that I had to have my glasses, I needed my glasses repeatedly. When we got down the stairs, Caleb couldn’t find his keys. I sat down on the bench and started taking deep breaths. When my fiancé finally got his keys, I decided I wanted to try to go to bed instead. My heart rate had slowed a little and it was nearly 1 am.

I had never felt like this. The only thing I could relate it to is my atrial fibrillation episode back in 2014- I stood up and became faint with my heart beating uncontrollably fast. I wondered if my heart again went in to a-fib. I emailed my doctor the next day explaining what had happened and he called me immediately that day. He was extremely concerned that my heart had gone into another atrial fibrillation episode. He has put in orders to see another allergist that can do more definitive testing and can hopefully test for reactions to spices. He also put in another order for a heart monitor (my fourth time wearing) to see if I have developed an arrhythmia or am in tachycardia often. Finally, he put in labs for bloodwork just to make sure everything looked okay.

I have known that there has been issues with my heart since sixteen when I went to the hospital for unexplained tachycardia. My meme (maternal grandmother) has a history of chronic tachycardia and she actually ended up having a heart attack recently. My mother also has some heart issues: a murmur and a possible infarction (mild heart attack). I am just praying that I end up making it okay. I want to have a future ahead of me and I would like to have children eventually, so I being healthy (and finding answers) is my number one priority.

Much Love,

Cass

Be Kind to One Another Boxes

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I am incredibly honored and appreciative to have been chosen to receive a “Be Kind to One Another Box” from the lovely Cass Reitano (@indisposedandundiagnosed). My incredible fiancé (@caleb_robin_son) nominated me to receive one of these surprise boxes that Cass so graciously send to worldwide suffers of chronic illness. While I am so excited for my package of goodies (that companies graciously donate and Cass works day after day to put together and collect donations and products, etc.) to arrive, I am even more excited that I have gained such wonderful friendships through this project and the community. I can’t begin to explain how great it feels knowing that I can talk to others who can get a similar idea of what I’m going through. While explaining and venting to my fiancé, friends, and family, it’s just not the same as telling someone who knows exactly how you feel. I often feel that I complain too much around those close to me because I constantly am saying my back hurts or my neck hurts, but honestly my brain is just wired to say what is on my mind at the time (I’m bad at holding back), so expressing how I am feeling to another spoonie is relieving because they know it is a daily thing and it’s not like a cold that will fade away with some Nyquil and rest. Cass has been so incredibly kind to me and we now talk almost daily on how one another is doing. I urge you to please share the Be Kind to One Another Boxes donation page and/or donate if you have the availability because this amazing project is uplifting individuals where any pick-me-up is a huge welcome because they are battling different illnesses that can leave them feeling hopeless.

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I’ll be returning to this post to include a what’s in my box section and a lovely photo of yours truly with the box! I can’t wait! A huge thanks to Cass, who goes above and beyond to help others.

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the information below was used from indisposedandundiagnosed

 

Much love,

Cass, Mav, and Ele

 

Self Destruction.

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I’ve been struggling lately. In addition to having added intestinal issues including intense stomach cramping, I’ve been having self doubt. I’ve always been over critical of myself. I’m extremely self conscious and constantly am telling myself how fat I am and pointing out every flaw. No matter what size I get down to, it’s not good enough. 


I still remember the girl on the left and the relentless bullying I received as a child. I try my best to act like I’m some tough girl, but I’m not. I’m not happy with the way I look still. I would undergo cosmetic surgery in a heartbeat if I had the money and that in iteslef is just sad. How does one learn self love? I always want to lose another ten pounds and gaining any weight is absolutely discouraging; a pound gain is like I’m killing myself. It makes me disgusted. It makes me feel like I’m undoing everything I worked so hard to lose and maintain. I’m hating myself and I don’t know what I can do to break this or to reverse the damage I do to my own self.

-Cass

Top Five Chronic Pain Go Tos

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I am going to try my hardest to blog more regularly and especially about my illnesses because my blog was founded on the prediagnosis and diagnosis of my illnesses. I have been having a rough time lately with my pain amount which has lead to something I call painsomnia, or insomnia caused my unrelenting pain while trying to sleep. I have some go to things I use during pain episodes depending on the location of the pain and the severity.

1) The Leacho Snoogle Total Body Pillow – I originally used some of my gofundme money to buy this gem before I had my decompression surgery and it really is wonderful. According to the chart below from sheknows, sleeping on my stomach (which I have done for years) is the worst position for my neck, hip, and low back pain I deal with everyday. Using this pillow not only allows be to get in a comfortable position, but it also keeps me from reverting back to my stomach. The Snoogle can also be formed in different ways for different uses, proving pregnancy is not the only source of intense pain. I definitely recommend purchasing this pillow if you suffer from chronic pain.


2) Heat- my heating pad, in particular, is from the 1960s (or so) and therefore heats up like a little hot plate, which I love! Let’s be honest, the modern heating pads have a temperature maximum that just doesn’t do it for me. I usually use my heating pad at night on my lower back. Heat is a wonderful remedy for muscle aches and pains! Hot baths also are part of my pain regimen with some Epsom salts to soak in!
3) ESA – my emotional support animal helps me with the mental desperation chronic illnesses leave me with. Mavis is usually by my side whenever I’m in pain. Besides providing loving company, my little girl can tell when I’m not feeling well and cuddles up with me to share the burden.

4) Cervical Collar – I use my cervical collar when my neck begins to tire out. Every time I go to the movie theater I use my brace because I begin having pretty significant pain from straining my neck to get a proper view of the screen. My neck has become quite sensitive after my laminectomy and it’s is easily irritated. I am limited on the degree I can turn my head and it often cracks and pops at different times, so stabilizing it can help with pain and support.

5) Medication Regimen – last, but not least my prescriptions and medications aid in managing my pain. On a daily basis I am accustomed to taking tramadol, alieve, Tylenol pm, gabapentin (nerve pain), methocarbinol (muscle relaxer), and lidocaine patches for my neck, back, and nerve pain. I also use a muscle rub and different oils for massages (Bed Bath & Beyond’s Aromatherapy Collection).

If you have any reccomendations on what you use for your pain please let me know.

Xo,

Cass

February.

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In honor of my birth month and Valentine’s Day, I decided to participate in some self love and treat myself. First and foremost, Eleven will be coming home at the end of the month and I am so excited to have her in our lives! Mavis will have so much fun being a big sister and having a playmate. We got to visit our little pipsqueak last weekend and instantly fell head over! She is one of nine puppies and the runt of the litter. We’ve already gotten her crate, food, puppy pads, a collar, and some toys! She’ll be using some of Mavis’s hand-me-downs, but I don’t think she’ll mind!

In addition to my puglet, I finally caved in and got my septum pierced today! It wasn’t bad at all, but then again I had nine piercings before adding this one to the mix, so I might not be the best judgement of pain. The jewelry that the piercer used is huge, so I am looking forward to downsizing in the form of this gorgeous jewelry from Etsy! I had been wanting this one for a long time, but always “chickened out” because of what others would think. I really like it and I think that it adds a bit of feminine edge, when done right, to your look!

I wanted to get a few pieces to add to my wardrobe in addition to my septum scheptum. I got a pair of joggers in black because being comfy is key to life. If I can look decent while wearing pajama-like clothes, I’ll have a good day ahead. Urban Outfitters happened to have quite a few different lounge pants on sale, so I snagged some in my favorite color that says maybe I can still be fashionable while managing to balance my inner slob.

I also loved this roll bag that features vegan leather. I had taken a long purse hiatus, but girls need their stuff you know? I might just have to do a “what’s in my bag” post to celebrate my responsible purse-wearing self. We’ll have to see!

I got these cute no-show socks because wearing vans slip-ons with regular socks looks hilariously like a rendition on the old man with high socks and Birkenstocks look, which is not my thing.

 

Ultimately a great little haul. I’ve decide to splurge one more time, but this is more of a joint gift from my love and myself in the form of microbladed eyebrows!! I have been teased about my eyebrows since I was child. I have naturally very thin eyebrows which had lead people to think I over tweeze (never have I!). My brother used to call me browless growing up and I have been secretly obsessing over Little Linda‘s amazing brow work. I have a half sleeve (which I’m going to continue on, slowly-but-surely) and a few here-and-there tattoos, so I’m not really to scared about the process. I trust Linda and I am so excited to get my dream brows (especially in time for my wedding!)!

Remember to treat yourself every now and then! You deserve it after all!

xo

Cass & Mav

October 7th

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These are the beautiful trees we will marry under (Mint Photography)

We have been so busy with wedding planning since the new year and are so incredibly excited and overjoyed to tie the knot in front of our friends and family. Our official date is on a wonderful fall Saturday; October 7th holds special meaning for us, so the date couldn’t be more perfect! After some decision crunching we decided to pick a beautiful Spanish-styled mansion in Belton, Texas as our venue. It’s thirty minutes from our home and a great central location for my side of the family. Caleb and I toured the property two weeks back and immediately knew we wanted it for one of our most important days of our lives. La Rio Mansion is so gorgeous and had all the amenities we were looking for! Absolutely breathtaking scenery is included with some ingenius sleeping plans for the wedding weekend!

(Rachel Whyte Photography)

Getting the date and venue secured are major relieves as those are two of the biggest choices picked by brides and grooms, but we did not stop there and kept moving on forward our path to Robinson. In addition to our gorgeous venue, we have a photographer, florist, and wedding cake baker! We are narrowing in so many details that it’s getting more and more real. Our theme is a bohemian / greenery theme that will included dreamcatchers by the most amazing Genga from Spokewoven! I’m so overly excited, I can’t even begin to explain what this date will mean to both of us.

Below I’ve included some of my favorite pins of our wedding ideas we have in mind! To view more of my pins, check out my wedding board!

(weddingsonline)
ElegantWeddingInvites
Tulle & Chantilly
guide.weddingchicks.com

That’s all for now! So excited (sarcasm) to start my last semester on Monday.

XO,

Cass & Mav

California.

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It’s been quite awhile since I last wrote due to the craziness of my life, ever changing. I finished my last fall semester successfully passing all my classes (yes, even organic chemistry!) and even making good grades! It’s amazing the stress that overcomes me during the semester, but I do my best to stay focused and positive. I find leaning on my fiancé when I’m overwhelmed and praying for guidance, helps me persevere. I was rewarded for my hard work with a new house in Fort Hood that is finally coming together. Caleb and I had been borrowing a futon to sleep on for two months thanks to our neighbors. Our king mattress just arrived (which we get to enjoy upon coming back home) and we acquired an entertainment center, bookshelf, couch, coffee table, and Caleb even got me a XBox 1S for Christmas! I’m excited to finish decorating our home! I plan on doing a home post once we eat everything settled. My parent just gifted us the most beautiful comforter and pillow shams for our new bed that we picked out, perfect to fit our boho vibe. Caleb’s parents are going to be shipping his furniture, art, and items to our house, too, so we will finally have a more furnished place!

Right now we are in sunny California visiting Caleb’s mom and dad in Northridge! Two weeks on the east coast surrounded by love. Caleb’s parents are so incredible! We were able to go to Universal Studios thanks to my wonderful in-laws (to be). Universal just recently opened The Wizarding World of Harry Potter which was incredible! They had two rides including a 3D like one that makes it feel as if you’re flying and a broomstick roller coaster. We enjoyed a delicious frosty butterbeer and even picked a wand out from Ollivander’s (Professor Dumbledore’s of course!). They had Honeydukes candy shop and a wardrobe shop to fit all your Hogwart’s needs. It was so worth it, even the mass crowds pushing me around which causes a good deal of anxiety for me. After spending a good deal of our day at Hogsmeade Village, we headed on a a studio tour which basically is a trolley that takes you behind the scenes of their massive sets. They film The Voice and many other shows currently and we got to see the sets for movies like Back to the Future, Bates Motel, and more. They had a few 3D rides including a King Kong themed one and a Fast and the Furious one. The tour took about 40 minutes, but there was so much to see! We saw Whoville, where the Whovians did a dancing skit with Mr. Grinch, himself. The tour took us through a flooding and rained out old Mexico set and a Jurassic Park. We got to see Bruce at Amityville work his magic on an unsuspecting diver. It was definitely an experience to remember!

The minions had their own attraction where we were “turned” into minions to work for Gru. It ended up being a cute little 3D ride and at the end, Caleb got me the best unicorn that belongs to Agnes in the film! It’s so fluffy! We enjoyed Shrek and Donkey’s 3D ride, and the Mummy’s roller coaster. The Jurassic Park ride was avoided because it was a water ride and we were not about to get soaked! The Walking Dead had a terrifying walk thru attraction which was definitely scare-worthy! Caleb’s mom got us front of the line passes, so we didn’t have to wait in the lines which made the park so much more enjoyable!

I really had a great time at Universal Studios and believe it or not we are headed to Big Bear Mountain! I haven’t seen snow in so long that I am so excited! This will be Mavis’s first time seeing snow, so we’ll have to see if she likes it or not! We will have the cabin for the night complete with a hot tub, so I think that it will be an amazing experience! We haven’t even been here a week yet but have seen such pretty sites!

Yesterday Caleb drove us down to Malibu right on the coast! It was beautiful and we ate Thai food while watching the scenery before driving in the canons back to our home. We’ve spent a day at the Topanga mall looking around and shopping at my favorite stores! I haven’t been on a vacation for so long that this is really so incredible! I couldn’t ask for better company and I’m so grateful I got to bring Mavis with me! She did so great on the airplane, no problems whatsoever! From Dallas, TX to Los Angeles, CA! Stay tuned to here my part two episodes of California dreaming!

One more thing before signing off, Caleb’s dad is a chiropractor and is determined that he can fix my pain in my back! He says that my spine is so out of alignment and in combination with a bulging disc, this is the cause of my issues. He has done a couple of alignments on me now and it does seem to help. He ordered a couple of x-rays, so I’m optimistic on how things will go, since I’ve suffered awhile with chronic everyday pain.


Stay wonderful!

Xo,

Cass & Mav