As most of you know, I was diagnosed as being gluten intolerant last January. It has been a very hard year trying to change my eating habits, and unfortunately, I feel like it is only getting worse. I would go on “wheat benders” as I refer to them as, where I would gorge on as many gluten-filled items as possible, only to feel horrible for weeks to come. This would prompt me to go very strict, only to find that a little gluten had slipped in unknowingly, making me ill again. The constant struggle and discomfort was just too much for me, so I decided to go both gluten and lactose free at the beginning of this month. In addition, I started a food diary to track my daily intake and how I felt afterwards. I hope this will help me see exactly what I can and cannot eat and prevent further poisoning.

Unfortunately, it’s been a bumpy road. I’ve noticed I can’t really eat out (which breaks my heart), and that dairy definitely effects me just as bad, if not worse, than gluten. Not a very easy reality to adjust to. If any of you readers have any advice to dish out, I am all ears. I miss living a life without any stomach pain.

Are we entering into repeat offender territory??
Probably, but I don’t think any of you will complain. I also find it funny that the only two guys I have featured twice on hump day are British. Anglophile to the core.

For more Gavin love, check out my first hump.

WHY ARE THEY SO CUTE?!?

I had a little guest in my photos today (that would be the cutie in question)!! We decided to bring along our adorable 7-year-old Boston Terrier, Brad-Pitt, for the shoot. He was recently diagnosed as being obese, so we have him on a strict diet and are trying to get him a little more active. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity! I also wanted to give a little homage to the fabulous blogger, Fancy Treehouse (so excited about her pregnancy announcement).

A lot of exciting things have been swirling around and I hope to be sharing some fun new endeavors with all of you soon!

Blouse; c/o Conversation Pieces
Shorts; Primark London
Wedges; ShoeDazzle
Spike cuff; c/o Anika Burke
::plus assorted bracelets::

I’m going to forgo my typical list format today, because nothing is more magical (to me) than a Bush show. And that’s how I spent my Cinco de Mayo, so you get an entire post about it! I know you’re excited. If you are not, feel free to mosey along.

photo credit; melificent!
::please do not use without permission::

The band was playing with Nickelback (and I know what you are all saying/thinking/groaning about), but I understand that it is a great way for them to get the exposure they want and need. I bought the tickets without hesitation even though Nickelback and the other bands on the bill (My Darkest Days and Seether) are not my usual cup of tea because I had to support my boys. And that we did! I went with my usual concert buddy, Bonnie, and her friend and managed to meet up with some Busy Army members. Yes, we are like a little family and I love it.

There were  a few little hiccups leading up to the main event, mainly me being hungover and ripping the backside of my jeans (yes, really). But after a trip to the mall and several jugs of water, all was resolved. We managed to get front and center right behind the barricade, which considering all the people there, was incredible. It made the whole experience that much more…well, magical.

photo credit; melificent!
::please do not use without permission::

Immediately, Gavin spotted me in the crowd (I made sure to tweet him before the show started with where I was standing) and gave me a huge smile and then I was able to catch Chris’ attention and he pretended to faint (long running joke on Twitter with him ever since I missed one show). The show was its usual powerful self, but what made it extra special was that I could feel the tide changing in the crowd. They went from being stoic and cold to getting completely absorbed in the performance. It was great to see people discover a new band, my band!

During All My Life, Gavin decided to apparently make my life by pointing at me as he sang the line “...and I lose myself in you.” As embarrassing as it is to admit (I’m a grown woman for goodness sakes), I’m pretty sure the entire arena cut out for those couple of seconds and I was floating. True story. They played a good mix of old and new, with Heart of the Matter being my absolute favorite, followed by their amazing cover of The Beatles’ Come Together where Gavin traveled all around the arena (literally) spreading the love as only he can. Speaking of spreading love, there was a moment where Gavin put his guitar on the floor and then preceded to dry hump it, but I’ll keep my thoughts to myself on that one.

photo credit; melificent!
::please do not use without permission::

After the set ended, I went ahead and left the arena – I’m sure making one Nickelback fan’s day. I met up with the lovely Laura & Gina and we figured we would try to see if we could meet up with the band. This is usually pretty easy to do at smaller venues, but it being in an arena setting made it a little more difficult. After chatting up the guitarist from My Darkest Days about Boston Terriers (no joke), we continued our way to the buses. We were stopped by security before Chris seemingly popped up from the bushes (ha) and told the guard to settle down and let us in. Little did we know letting us in, meant letting us into the tour bus!

As always, Chris was a complete sweetheart and we chatted for a bit about the band and their future plans. He always makes us feel so welcome and part of their world, which I can honestly say, not a lot of other bands do. I know I’ve said it countless times here on the blog, but it’s refreshing to interact with a band that is so humble and down to Earth. We left happy and hydrated (thanks for the water, Chris!), only to finish our night by handing out flyers for the band as the crowd let out from the arena.

Another night with Bush to add to my very own sea of memories. I’m pretty sure it only gets better every time, and that’s why I’m currently planning a trip to Myrtle Beach, SC with some of the Bush Army for another go! I just can’t get enough of that warm & fuzzy after-show afterglow.

Do you blame me?

1. Macarons

I think the one defining moment of my time spent in Paris was eating macarons. Sure, the city was breathtaking, sure it’s the birth place of fashion, but for me, it was all about the macarons. Visiting LaDuree was the highlight. My mouth has never exploded into a million pieces when I have eaten something before, and it happened with each and every colorful little macaron. Ever since, I have been dying to find a French bakery in Miami that can replicate that beautiful feeling. Any recs, local readers?

2. 50 Shades of Suck

Yeah, I jumped on this bandwagon. I couldn’t resist when I saw my Facebook feed erupting about it for days. Unfortunately, it was a pile of steaming turd. And that is putting it very, very mildly. Thankfully, someone else feels the same. And they made a Tumblr account about it. Whether you have read the book or not, you will definitely get some LOLz reading Fifty Shades of Suck. My personal favorite? THIS.

3. Martini Cocktail Party Shirt

Everything about this shirt is absolutely amazing. I love its airy and innocent vibe. Peter pan collars always do me in – they just scream femininity (with a fair share of Lolita). It would look great paired with some brightly hued denim or a sleek pair of black tuxedo pants. Mama wants. Get yours here.

4. Glitter Envelope Liners

I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again. Party invitations are your guests first glimpse as to what to expect out of your event, so never let them down! That would be near impossible with these fun glitter envelope liners from PersianLaundry‘s Etsy store. I’m thinking they would be perfect for a bridal shower brunch complete with champagne, macarons & your favorite ladies. Did I mention macarons again? Oops.

5. Paint-dipped Utensils

I’m all about festive cookware. Especially since I’m not very fond of the kitchen. I always need some sort of incentive (starvation usually works wonders), and pretty things seem to do the trick! This is a fun and quick DIY project that could turn your drawers from blah to wowza in only a few minutes! Also, they could make for some great gifts (Mothers Day is coming up)!

Dress; c/o Conversation Pieces
Wedges; Bitten by SJP
Headband; Wet Seal with Ban.do clip attached
Watch; Kenneth Cole
Bracelets; varied
Rings; varied

The hubs and I have been Fringe addicts since day one. But I do clearly remember our friends complaining at first that they didn’t dig the main character, Olivia Dunham. They would say that her acting was weak and they didn’t like her cadence. I also clearly remember correcting all of them as quickly as possible: she’s Australian! I guess I instantly had a girl crush on Ms. Torv. I attribute it to her strong, bad ass persona. This only escalated when I had a run in with her at Comic Con. Please ask me where. Only the worst place for a celebrity run in: the women’s bathroom. These things only happen to me.

OTP <3

Great news for fellow Fringe fans, the show has been renewed for a 5th (and final) season! I’ll stock up on tissues and wine.

I told you this would be a new feature on the blog. Sigh.
Here’s what I’ve managed to pick up this week;

BaubleBar Neon Bib Necklace
I’m pretty sure I’m obsessed with their weekly Buried Baubles. For those of you not in the know, they reduce one item on their site to a frugal $10 if you can find it. I’ve been searching and buying for a solid 3 weeks now. ::hangs head in shame::

Sinful Colors Pink polish
I was let down that such a fun shade of lacquer had such a lousy name! This is most definitely not just pink. Maybe if it was written in all caps with 15 exclamation marks it would do the job. I can’t even describe how awesomely bright it looked paired with my one glittery ring finger. I’m pretty sure it may be my summer manicure staple.

Old Navy shades
No longer available online.
I never buy expensive sunglasses b/c I always lose them or break them. There’s really no point. So I go to my usuals when I need to pick up some new ones: Target, F21 and Old Navy. This time around, Old Navy definitely scored. I have a very small face, so I was able to squeeze into these fun hot pink childs’ pair and then completely swooned over these nude House of Harlow replicas. Best part? Together they were less than $20. Fist pump.

Also, congratulations to the winner of the So Effing Cute Harry Potter giveaway, AMANDA:

I’ll be contacting you shortly to get your mailing address so I can get that out to you ASAP! Thanks to everyone that entered – hope to have some more fun giveaways very soon!

I’m now pretty sure I need a pair of bright orange pants (Tobi has some great ones) to pair with some nice breezy blouses for summer! I’m also loving all the patterns, and of course, color everywhere. I hope it stays.

After the show, both The Fashionable ESQ and I browsed around and I swooned quite a bit with these lovelies;

Amanda Uprichard colorblock dress; Joe’s Jeans sparkle shorts;
Zig zag belt (didn’t get brand/designer info); Alice & Olivia Anita dress

There was also a fun photobooth (such a sucker for those) complete with props and promotion materials (aka; a whiteboard and markers). Of course, Netty and I had a blast attempting to strike a pose!

I need to work on my mustache placement!

We also did so earlier on our own – I love impromptu outfit posts, but we are definitely due for another awesome one together. Soon soon, friends!

Dress; Cynthia Rowley via Marshall’s
Jacket; J Brand borrowed from TFE
Heels; Nine West via DSW
Necklace; Off Fifth

Until next time!