My Struggle

This time of the year---every year---I struggle. I struggle with the holidays. I struggle with being festive. I struggle with smiling. I struggle hard. I always get sick. I always retreat. I always go dark. I always apologize profusely for not knowing how to balance grieving, honoring, mourning, celebrating my Father's life alone. 

My Father wasn't very likable. He was a terrible husband. He was a terrible brother. He was a terrible friend. He kinda sucked at everything that he did; except being my father. He was hands down an amazing father. All of my memories of our time together make my heart smile. Like the day that I realized that we had the same nose. Or how cozy, calm, and content I felt in his arms. I still remember his ridiculously silly versions of fairly tales that you'll never find in a book (trust me, I looked) and how we shared Eskimo kisses before bed. He was an excellent father and I never ever once doubted or questioned his love for me.

As I cleaned out my daughter's backpack, I found this picture:

The caption was so simple yet incredibly complex and genuinely sweet: "I am thankful for family." I realized that there is no reason, no reason whatsoever, that I had to work through this time of the year alone. I gathered my minions around me and for the first time, I showed them snapshots of their grandfather. We laughed and we giggled about the crazy fairly tales that my dad told. I explained why I gave them Eskimo kisses every night before bed. I shared how my son got his name.

I felt amazing. 

My daughter asked me if we could pray for her granddaddy at bedtime and thank him for watching over us. 

So simple yet incredibly complex and genuinely sweet. 

I'm thankful for my family. My dad's not here beside me, but he's always with me. His love lives in me and now his love lives in my kiddos too. 

Besitos!
KLP

[Life] A Love Letter To My Husband

2011

Within hours of meeting me, my husband's father said "You're going to be my daughter in law. You and DJ are like ying and yang. You'll fit perfectly together." Ever since that day, perfect is the only adjective that describes my marriage.  

A Perfect Mess.

My hubby and I live in a perfect dichotomy. A messy. A goofy. A complicated. A simple. A heart wrenching. A heart warming broken dichotomy. It's taken me 6 years to realize that my marriage is supposed to be this way.

We're Perfectly Imperfect.

2010

I couldn't find the perfect material gift to give him this year for our anniversary, so I wrote him a perfectly imperfect love letter...

"I'm a great runner and I'm a great hider. I'm insincere and I'm boastful. I'm blunt and I'm impatient. I'm rude and I'm cold. I've never quite felt worthy. I've never quite felt like I wasn't alone. I've never quite understood why I should be loved. The walls that that I have up were initially built for protection, now they are like a prison for my heart. I'm beautifully jacked up and imperfect in almost every way. But here you are. Beside me. You are patient with me anyway. You are tolerant with me anyway. You are persistent anyway. You stay anyway. You fight for me anyway. You won't let me run anyway. You love me anyway. Thank you for loving me.

I've been terrified to let you in; Afraid that you'll really see what perfectly jacked joker up I am.
You'll run the other way...
You'll run faster than I could possibly chase...
You'll run like everyone else...

But today, I'm standing before you fearless. I'm not afraid to be compassionate anymore. I'm not afraid to be kind anymore. I'm not afraid to be gentle anymore. I'm not afraid to be patient anymore. I'm not afraid to let you love me---even with all of my mess---anymore. I'm not afraid to just be still--To just be close. I want to be closer to you and I understand that I can't get closer to you with a veil between us. Will I be perfect? Never. Will it be hard? Always. I'm a perfect mess and I thank you in advance for loving me regardless."

2012

I'm so thankful for my perfectly imperfect marriage and I'm even more grateful for the realization that perfection is totally overrated.

Besitos!
KLP

Wondering how I came to my a-ha moment? Take a took at Jennifer Smith's A Wife After God. I promise that it will change your life and your marriage.

Summerlovin'

I have an enormously blessed life. But I'd be lying if I said that being a pixie dust following daydreaming homeschooling mommy to two kids under 4 while supporting a superhero sailor, and working full time was easy. It's not easy; In fact it's really hard. So when it's time to go on vacation---I go hard; really hard. I tend to drop everything---including SavingOurStrands---to just immerse myself in the hakuna matata lifestyle. The weeks that we spend in Florida every year on vacation are some of the best days of the year. From spending quality time with our extended family to amusement parks to genuine unduplicateable (yep...I just made that up!) tomfoolery, everything is perfectly chillaxable and carefree. Here's a little of what I've been up to...y si que claro a few snaps of my hair in 1000% heat and humidity! Caution...This post is ridiculously pic heavy!

Disney's Animal Kingdom
My kiddos think that they are dinosaurs so they were perfectly at home at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The boy minion refused to get off of the Safari bus and admantly announced that he was in fact a monkey whilst the girl minion was thoroughly engrossed in Disney's new Wilderness Explorer program. By the end of the day, we all smelled like animals and earned our Minnow badges. 

Disney's Hollywood Studios
The grandmother next to me politely tapped my shoulder after the Disney Junior Live show and said "Wow! She {my daughter} knew all the words to every single song! AND so did daddy {my superhero hubby}!" I beamed with pride. 

Medieval Times 
My sister-in-law and superhero hubby literally dragged me kicking and screaming to Medieval Times. I'm going to be honest with y'all---I really didn't want to go. I was a super brat about it--I even pouted. I was determined to have a terrible time. I mean, do I look like a girl who'd have fun at a dinner show served without utensils, with stinky horses, and machismo jousting? Ha-ha! But believe it or not, by the end of the night I was cheering with everyone else, and waiving my knight's flag. Maybe it was the show...maybe it was Maiden's Kiss dranky-drink in my cup. *shrugs*

Family Time
We celebrated my husband's Air Force cousin's return home and my Papa's 75th birthday with a ton of food, a cake baked from scratch with my new big girl mixer (shout out to my awesome family!), and yummy mofongo. I wish that I could find a carry out that sold mofongo for $4.99 in the DMV! My superhero hubby received a tear jerking thank you salute at Sea World for his military service. The boy minion dragged his little cousin around, the girl minion was enamored by the cool chickens in the backyard, and we enjoyed several hours poolside. I love the way that my chocolated tan evens out my skin tone! #547826 why I love summmmmerrr *in my Olaf voice* Ugh...I've been at Disney too long!

I have about 2 billion more pictures at the Disney's Magic Kingdom, Fun Spot USA, and random silliness left to go through, however, I won't bore you any longer!

Besitos!
KLP
 

Weekly Wishes

I love you---Kid style

If you're new to Weekly Wishes, its just a place where I talk about my totally not hair related goals or how I want to rock my world this week. It gives me space for reflection on the previous week and a cozy place to prepare for the days ahead without getting stuck in the fact that Monday's aren't my favorite day by any means. You can join me by posting your aspirations and wishes for the week then linking up with Melyssa @ The Nectar Collective.

LAST (LAST) WEEK'S WISH:
I came up with this master plan for a surprise date night with my hubby. One that excluded the little people that we claim on our taxes, talk of potty training or anything at all related to our life's hectic organized chaos schedule. I scoped out the perfect date night outfit, the perfect date night dinner reservations, and the perfect date babysitters. Then I got perfectly sick. I'm talking sore throat, possible double ear infection, bed covered in snotty tissues perfectly sick. Our date night turned into snuggling on couch with our Netflixs DVDs that have been collecting dust for about 2 weeks. Meh. Whatever. This is life and it's most certainly still a #win in my book!

THIS WEEK'S WISH:
This week, I'm challenging myself to seven days of kind acts for my hubby. Kinda in honor of Valentine's Day; Kinda because he's pretty awesome and deserves it. Yesterday, I picked up his favorite candy. Today, I warmed up his car for him before work. Tomorrow, I'll pick up the garbage can from the curb for him. Nothing major or extravagant. I just a week full of bits of kind to show him that we're on the same team and that I still adore him.

What are you wishing for this week? Big it big or small---it all starts today!

Besitos!
KLP

Weekly Wishes

If you're new to Weekly Wishes, its just a place where I talk about my goals or how I want to rock my world this week. It gives me space for reflection on the previous week and a cozy place to prepare for the days ahead without getting stuck in the fact that Monday's aren't my favorite day by any means. You can join me by posting your aspirations and wishes for the week then linking up with Melyssa @ The Nectar Collective.

LAST WEEK'S WISH:
Sleep. So simple but immensely difficult. My wish last week was to clock 7 hours of sleep. Every night. All week. And I failed. Totally, utterly failed. But there is good news. I did manage to be in bed by 11:30 5 out of 7 days. #minifistpump. Plus, I have a good reason for being up late. Last Friday was my little guy's birthday so my hubby and I were up late most of those nights prepping for his Little Einstein themed bash. We made a super cute mobile, my hubby crafted the neatest red Rocket, and my daughter and I made him rocket cake. Despite the terribly cold weather, a bunch of our family and friends joined us in celebrating another joyous year. Then...the kid had so much fun that he passed out with a balloon in his hand. That, mis amigas, is how you know that you did good. 

THIS WEEK'S WISH:
I'm half way through the Wife After God 30 day devotional and uber excited about the way that God is transforming me into an even better wife. This week, I want to plan a super fun night for me and the hubby to talk about nothing at all related to our scheduling, play dates, or potty training. Ha-ha! Suggestions welcome! And I'm still going to work on getting 7 glorious hours of sleep every night.

What are you wishing for this week? Big it big or small---it all starts today!
 
Besitos!    
KLP 

Weekly Wishes

My daughter (c) 3 months; Sleeping peacefully

If you're new to Weekly Wishes, its just a place where I talk about my goals or how I want to rock my world this week. It gives me space for reflection on the previous week and a cozy place to prepare for the days ahead without getting stuck in the fact that Monday's aren't my favorite day by any means. You can join me by posting your aspirations and wishes for the week then linking up with Melyssa @ The Nectar Collective.

LAST WEEK'S WISH:
When I told my hubby that I was giving him an upgraded wife for his birthday (thanks to this life changing 30 day denotational by Jennifer Smith), I never thought that I'd get an upgraded hubby too. He's been extra kind, extra supportive, and extra huggable all week. Over the weekend we planned Daddy/Son, Mommy daughter morning for our kids and met up for a lunch date. It was really a blast. I love getting girl time with my little lady and I know that my son absolutely adores having time to himself with daddy. Later that day, we totally got into planning for our little guy's big day next weekend. We're doing a Little Einstein (only people with kids will know what in the world they are!) themed party so my hubby decided to get artsy and build a rocket. No joke. This man crafted and is getting ready to paint a giant rocket for the kiddos to play in during the party. Claro que si it's made of cardboard---don't go calling the NSA on us!

THIS WEEK'S WISH: My wish this week is so simple yet mind-boggling difficult: I want to sleep like a baby. Specifically getting 7 hours of sleep. Every night. All week. I'm awake until midnight most nights then I have to be back up @ 5am. Although, I'm a total morning person, I'm just not getting enough sleep. So this week, I'm super motivated to get more beauty rest. I know that my body and mind will thank me. And I think that it will help me with my struggle for focus. I'm also continuing my #WifeAfterGod journey. Eleven days down, 29 to go. You can check out my progress on Twitter.
What are you wishing for this week? Big it big or small---it all starts today!
 
Besitos!    
KLP

Weekly Wishes

 
If you're new to Weekly Wishes, its just a place where I talk about my goals or how I want to rock my world this week. It gives me space for reflection on the previous week and a cozy place to prepare for the days ahead without getting stuck in the fact that Monday's aren't my favorite day by any means. You can join me by posting your aspirations and wishes for the week then linking up with Melyssa @ The Nectar Collective.

LAST WEEK'S WISH:
Focusing isn't my forte. I'm going to be really real with y'all. I was kinda all over the place last week. I did make some updates to the site. (You see that nifty recent posts slider? Yeah---I'm siced!) I did find myself frustrated by the small stuff. Meh. I totally didn't take off my superwoman cape. BUT I did have a great time with my hubby and our family for his birthday. We treated him to a hibachi steakhouse dinner and Spider man birthday cake. #dontjudgeme Yum! I was so torn about what to get the man that seemingly has everything, then a great friend mentioned that she'd started reading an amazing marriage altering 30 day devotional by Jennifer Smith called Wife After God. It rocked my world. The one thing that I knew my hubby wanted that could never be purchased was an upgraded wife. A more kind wife. A more patient wife. A more grateful wife. A wife after God. My husband isn't perfect, yet God knew that he'd be perfect for me and I'm ever excited about how only after 4 days my perspective on my marriage has shifted.

THIS WEEK'S WISH:
I get it now, focusing isn't my thing. But I will find a way to make all of this bubbly high energy work for my good. This week I want to hone my creativity to finish preparing for another great guy's birthday: my son! And I want to continue to let God upgrade the wife in me. Four days down, 26 to go. You can check out my #WifeAfterGod progress on Twitter.


What's your wish this week? Big it big or small--speak it into existence!
 
Besitos!    
KLP

Weekly Wishes

If you're new to Weekly Wishes, its just a place where I talk about my goals or how I want to rock my world this week. It gives me space for reflection on the previous week and a cozy place to prepare for the days ahead without getting stuck in the fact that Monday's aren't my favorite day by any means. You can join me by posting your aspirations and wishes for the week then linking up with Melyssa @ The Nectar Collective.

Top: Smithsonian National Zoo Park | Left: The Great Christmas Race | Right: My minionette hanging with Elephants

LAST WEEK'S WISH:
For some reason, I spent a lot of 2013 playing catchup. Whether it was working into the wee hours of the night on reports, running around finishing up errands, or struggling to decompress, I just couldn't find a way to fit all that I wanted to do into one day. My to do lists never got shorter because I'd add and add without subtracting. After weeks and months of re-working my schedule---I finally got it right to end the year. I found myself basking in the glory of a crap load of free time. I indulged in DVR'd trash TV (woot to RHOATL #dontjudgeme), dusted off my recipe box, and spent hours of uninterrupted time with my minions. It. Was. Amazeballs. This my friends, I need more of. I even found time to make some changes to the site---and there are more on the way so don't be alarmed if things look a little wonky. (Collective ooh and uhhs from the audience--Ha-ha!)

THIS WEEK'S WISH:
I love the way that I feel right now and I really don't want to play catchup like I did last year again. So starting this week, I'm shifting my focus. My world needs less superwoman and more calm goofy grounded me. This week, I'm not going to take on more than I can handle to prove myself to myself, let life pile up on me, or get frustrated by the small stuff. Plus, my superhero hubby's birthday is this week and he deserves a 100% distraction free and fun wife. 

What's your wish this week? Big it big or small--speak it into existence! 
 
Besitos!     KLP

Happy Birthday SavingOurStrands

*Tear* Has it been a year already? Keyda and I never could have imagined that anyone would be interested in or even understand our hair obsessed babble. Yet here we are a year later with hundred's of followers and thousands of page views. Totally didn't see that coming! Thank you for being the world's best followers, friends in my head, and fiercely fabulous hair junky partners in crime. Cheers to you! #TeamNice all the way! 

Prospero Año y Felicidad!
KLP & Keyda

Weekly Wishes

If you're new to Weekly Wishes, its just a place where I talk about my goals or how I want to conquer my world this week. It gives me an place to reflect on the days that have passed and plan for the days ahead without getting stuck in the fact that Monday's aren't my favorite day by any means. You can join me by making your wish for the week and linking up with Melyssa @ The Nectar Collective.

LAST WEEK'S WISH:
Mission find fun in Chaotic Christmas was totally accomplished. My family and I participated in our church's Christmas play. This year, we decided to tell the story of Jesus' birth from the barn animals' perspective. I played a chicken, my minions played camels, and my hubby was a wise man. We had a blast and we were uber excited because of some of our extended family traveled up the east coast to our acting debut! My daughter had been practicing her line since October and she did a marvelous job!

THIS WEEK'S WISH:
My semi-laser focus last week give me an opportunity for an in house movie date night with my hubby and time to hang with my relatives without having to worry about catching up on real work. This week, I don't want to be preoccupied with checking email, returning client calls or getting ahead with my reports. The down side of working from home---is just that---I have the ability to work anytime that I want. And a lot of times, that means that I keep non-traditional work hours. I just want to be present whilst opening presents.

What's your wish this week? Big it big or small--speak it into existence! 
 
Besitos!    
KLP

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Weekly Wishes

I love Weekly Wishes because it gives me an opportunity to reflect on the days that have passed and plan for the days already without getting stuck in the fact that Monday's aren't my favorite day by any means. Last week, I struggled to get my to-do list crossed off but I had a blast in the process. My kiddos hosted a Thankmas, (Think if Thanksgiving married Christmas and they had a bouncing baby boy) party for their friends. Call it a glorified themed play-date; I call it a chance to have an adult conversation with an excuse to polish off a half-dozen cookies. I also finished my Christmas shopping, finally cleaned/re-organized my product stash, and spent quality time with a good friend that I hadn't seen in months. Tiring yet satisfying. But that wasn't the best part of my week. 

Anytime of the year is a good time to be kind and lend a helping hand; especially during the holiday season. My neighbor is usually Suzy Sunshine, but last week I noticed that she just wasn't her bright self. I stopped on my way home to say hello and check in on her. She told me that her hubby recently deployed, she has 3 very active boys, and she struggles with MS. Not to mention that she just moved into our community and totally feels alone. My heart ached for her. I didn't really know what to say. So, I held her hand and told her that if ever she needed a mommy-time-out that she could gladly bring her minions over. That's what we do for each other around here. The relief and gladness that I saw in her eyes was instantaneous. It was almost like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She broke down in tears and thanked me in between sobs. I don't even know her last name nor does it really doesn't matter. What I do know is that genuine acts of kindness change people. It changes perspective. It makes life's icky situations a little brighter. I really didn't have time to stop and chat. It was cold. I had a report to finish. But I'm ever glad that I did. It reminded me of the beautiful outpour of affection that y'all showed me a few weeks ago. You didn't have to stop and read. You didn't even have to comment. You didn't have to whisper a prayer of peace and hope for me. But you did. And I'm ever grateful for that. #TeamNice rocks!

This week my real life to do list is long so my weekly wish is short: find some fun in the chaos that we call prepping for Christmas. I wish not to lose a finger putting together my kid's new bikes or lose my mind when I realize that I forgot someone on my list. What's your wish this week? Big it big or small--speak it into existence! And if you want more Weekly Wishes, check out Melyssa @ The Nectar Collective.
 
Besitos!    
KLP

Weekly Wishes

Mean people suck; Cruel for no reason; Nasty without provocation. BUT, not the lovely readers of this blog. Or perhaps its our ridiculously sunny no-rude-people-allowed demeanor scaring them away. *shrugs* Nonetheless the care and concern that you guys showed me last week made my heart happy. The prayers that you whispered lifted my spirit. And for that, I'm ever thankful. Last week, I got a look at the big picture and here's how I changed my perspective:

1. Ask for forgiveness: When I let fear and doubt take over, I'm making a clear concise choice not to trust in God. When poopy times roll in, it's time to trust God and just hold on. It's not going to feel good. I won't understand. I'll probably never get it. But my God does.
2. Pretty Girl Night: All of my friends know that my favorite part of going out is getting ready. There were many a time that I would get fancy with my hair---then go watch trash tv. There is just something relaxing about it all. Some people go to therapy, I chalk my hair pink. To each her own. 
3. Get Grateful: As I watched my minions decorate our Christmas tree, there was no room for sadness or sorrow on my heart. All that I have and especially what I don't have is indeed a blessing. 
4. Be Silly: I married my superhero hubby because he is sillier than I am. Plus, he's super cute and still had an original super Nintendo. How could I say no? #dontjudgeme! Saturday, he scored matching "Classically Trained" official tees for us. If you're nerds like us (or know someone who is), you can get yours from Amazon here. I gave him his Call Of Duty video game; he totally deserved it. But, I probably won't see him until Groundhogs day. The sounds of warfare coming from his man cave will be my only hint that he's still alive until he beats the game.
5. Eat Chocolate: Homemade From Scratch. Chocolatey. Brownies. ¿Necesito decir más? Claro que si, I didn't think so.

I'm starting to think that my poopy weekend was reverse #TeamNice in action. I guess that it proves the old adage: "You reap what you sow." And I'm grateful that I sowed kindness! Because I've got a pep back in my step, I'm wishing to keep up the laser focus that prevented me from working over the weekend so that I could enjoy my family and I've totally got to get my Christmas cards/assorted gifts in the mail this week.

What's your wish this week? Big it big or small--speak it into existence! And if you want more Weekly Wishes, check out Melyssa @ The Nectar Collective.
Besitos!   KLP

Weekly Wishes

The feeling of revitalization and refreshment from last week is gone. I'm pooped. I have work obligations here, church obligations there, and family obligations every where. I've tried to find a way to handle the pressure of the season with grace---except I just can't focus. Every year, around this time, I'm transported back into my teenaged body. I see my mother's tear stained face. Everything moves in slow motion. She says that my father is gone. I feel my heart break into a million pieces. I see black. Every year---for 15 years, it happens. I don't even have to look at the calendar. The pain feels the same but different. The hurt doesn't dull it feels sharper. I can sit in a room full of people yet still feel alone. I can't concentrate, my mind doesn't want me to. I can't shake it and I don't want to. I want to cry---but I won't let myself---I'm too old to still feel this way.

Over the weekend, we attempted to take our winter family pictures. I felt crappy and my hair looked pitiful, my hubby was moody, my little ones had a touch of a nasty cough, and it was miserably cold. We just couldn't get a good shot in the right light, so we gave up and took the kiddos home for hot cocoa and naps. Later that day, as I looked at our photos, I finally broke down. I finally let it all out. I finally let myself cry like I was 12 again. I looked at our imperfect low light family photo and realized that my father would have loved this picture. He would have bragged how my son (and his namesake) looked like him. How my daughter's eye's shined like mine. He would have been secretly pleased (I know that he'd never say it) of the man that I married. Yes, every year will be just as hard as the year before. But I can find solace in how much prouder he is of me today than he was yesterday. And instead of feeling all crappy, I need to thank God for all that I've experienced. Because without the highs and without the lows, I just wouldn't be the person that I am today. My dad's not here beside me, but he's always with me. His love lives in me.

This week, I'm wishing for renewed focus on the things that really matter. Not the perfect picture. Not the ability to be superwoman at all times. Not the best hair. But to be present in the here and now. I deserve it. I also want to do something awesome and loving for my superhero hubby. He's been on his A game for weeks now and he deserves the worlds biggest, most glittery gold star. I think that there is a Call of Duty at Game Stop with his name on it!


What's your wish this week? Big it big or small--speak it into existence! Want more Weekly Wishes? Check out The Nectar Collective.

Besitos!  
KLP

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Weekly Wishes

Op #TeamNice was in full effect last week, courtesy of my wish to just be kind. For the first time in a long time, I felt refreshed and revitalized internally. Here's how I got started:

1. Being kind to me: I have a crazy busy schedule. Think up at 0500 and sleep at 1100 without much chill time in between. Whilst, I've realized that I like it that way---there are more times than not that it really gets to me when I can't get something done. Whether it's that I've overbooked, I'm exhausted from the other 90 billion thing that I had to do that weren't on my schedule, or I frankly just didn't want to do it---when the to-do list is longer than my I did it list, I get down on myself. So last week, I reclaimed space my in brain from mean thoughts about me. I know---it sounds a little loca, but I refused to get frustrated when something didn't get done and I concentrated on giving the things that did get done the best of me.
2. Being kind when others aren't so kind back: I'm a smiler. I may not speak, but I'll always smile to acknowledge others when I'm out and about. But it's weird because I have some not so friendly loser neighbors that never return the gesture. At times, they even ignore me. Rude? Yes. Does that mean that I'll stop smiling? Nope. I'm going to kind whether they like it or not!
3. Being ready to pay it forward: I'm always ready to answer hair obsessed questions---but when I got a sweet email from a loyal reader---that wasn't about shampooing or conditioning---I was stumped. She asked for guidance about military life and I really didn't know where to begin. Even though I was slightly out of my comfort zone, I forced myself to reply---and reply in a timely fashion. Her response of gratitude literally rocked my weekend.

Because Op #TeamNice was such a success last week and left me with an amazing bubbly feeling of euphoria that I'm totally committing to it again this week. I'm also wishing for laser sharp focus and determination so that I stay on top of my real work so that I'm not working on Thanksgiving. Cheers to new beginnings!

What's your wish this week? Big it big or small--speak it into existence! Want more Weekly Wishes? Check out The Nectar Collective.

Besitos!  
KLP

November's Mizani Giveaway is totally awesome and you can enter every day!
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Weekly Wishes

First, I want to thank everyone for their kind words of support in my wish for my superhero hubby. He's so modest that he just smiled at the post and shied away when I shared your beautiful encouragement. He's such a rock star!

This week's wish theme is memories and the timing couldn't be more perfect. Believe it or not, my partner in crime, Keyda, and I didn't get off to the best start when we first met. For some reason, rude KLP showed up and showed off that day. Not only was I mean but I was kinda obnoxious to her. Thankfully, a mutual friend stepped in, called me out, and I woman'd up to apologize. Fast toward 4 years and I really can't imagine what it would be like without her upbeat demeanor, unique perspective, and unmatched friendship. Chicas like her don't come into your life every day and very glad that she was able to see the gentler kinder totally-not-mean-girl me. So, this week I'm challenging myself to be more kind, for you really never know how one act of kindness can change your world. 

What's your wish this week? Big it big or small--speak it into existence!

Want more Weekly Wishes? Check out The Nectar Collective.

Besitos!  
KLP

November's Mizani Giveaway is totally awesome and you can enter every day!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Weekly Wishes- Salute To Our Troops Edition

I'm not political. I don't care who you voted for. I rarely watch the news. But today, bear with me while I salute our troops, with a weekly wish devoted (again) to my hubby. I often refer to him as a superhero because he cares more about others than himself and everyday he goes to work intent on defending our nation. My wish for today--and always---is that he is judged not by the flag he chooses to salute, what political powers be, or why his duty is first to our country---but instead is revered for his unwavering dedication. You don't have to like war to support our my solider. 

What's your forever wish that you're beginning this week? Be it big or small---speak it into existence! 
 
Quieres Más? Melyssa sponsors this link up at TheNectarCollective.

Mil Besitos! 
KLP

Liebster Award 2013

The Liebster Award is a pretty awesome blogger to blogger award chain letter (Shoutout to Miss Nerline of Chic From Hair 2 Toe for this nomination. My heart smiles that you  thought of me!) that allows readers to get to know just a tad bit more about the ultra-cool bloggers that they follow. First, I'll start with 11 interesting (and I use this term loosely!) facts about me then answer Nerline's 11 questions:

Acerca de mí:
1. I love everything about Grace. Unmerited; Unearned; Undeserved; And best of all unconditional.
2. I attend the same church today that I was dedicated as a baby in.
3. I think that all curling wands are the devil. I was in a rush to get ready for school, one day, forgot that moved my curling wand to the seat and sat down. Ugh! To this day, I don't even own one. 
4. I'm most annoyed by "that guy." You know that guy that is annoying for no other reason but to annoy you. If you are that guy---get a life!
5. I love pro-sports. (American) Footbal and Basketball are my favorites.
6. I was most impressed my by hubby's persistence whilst we dated. God's love and his gentle persistence is why we're still cuddling today.
7. I wanted to be a tattoo artist in high school.
8. I've been best friends with the same two people for almost 10 years.
9. I'm a ham. I smile in every picture. 
10. I'm totally a butt crack of dawn morning person. 
11. Everything that I think sounds more gangsta in my head, then when it comes out of my mouth.

Nerline's Questions:

1. Why did you start blogging? 
I started blogging because I wanted an avenue to keep myself accountable to taking care of me. As a mother, wife, sister, etc---we're always taking care of other people and I just wanted a way to do the same for myself. Both Keyda and I are slightly obsessed with our hair, so blogging about it seemed natural.

2. How do you balance blogging with your regular job? Or family?
I force myself to keep a tight schedule so that everything fits together. Some days are awesome and I feel like superwoman. Other days aren't so great. Because my work/family/bloggy-life all occurs in the same place---the comfort of my home---things get mashed together. You'll often catch me finishing a report when an Evernote reminder comes up for me to edit a blog post while baking muffins with my daughter and playing ball with my son. There is rarely a dull moment in my house.

3. Do you have a targeted audience in mind when you write your posts?
Yes. Myself. I'm inquisitive. (My hubby says nosey. Ha-ha!) I ask a lot of questions and my posts serve to answer those questions. It's been awfully surprising to see that there are others who wonder the same thing!

4. How many times do you read/edit your posts before they go live?
Too many to count or admit to. I think that I edited this post for 3-4 days. I blame my English degree.

5. How do you feel about advertisements on your blog?
I have nothing against advertisements that don't undermine my personal integrity. You'll never see a "Grow your hair fast magic elixir" on SavingOurStrands.

6. Would you buy an expensive garment even if you don't feel comfortable in it?
Nope.

7. Are there times when you think about quitting blogging altogether?  
Not yet. 

8. How often do you post articles on your blog?
We post 5-6 articles a week.

9. What's your favorite social network to publish your blog on?
Google+

10. How many times have you changed your blog's name or template? 
We've never changed the name. But I've changed the template, color scheme, pictures, etc dozens of times. 

11. How do you reward your readers/commenters?
GIVEAWAYS *in my best Oprah voice*

Now it's your turn! I nominate:
Harlem of harlemhhj
Tasia of smoothcuticles
Aku of notjustmyhair 
Abbi of belowthawaist
Tay of tayshj


The Rules:

• Link back to the blogger who presented the award to you 
• Paste the award on your blog
• Choose 5 blogs to pass this award to (they must have fewer than 200 followers)
• Let the recipients know about their nomination by leaving a comment on their blogs.
• Write 11 interesting facts about you.
• Answer my 11 questions.

My questions: 

1. Why did you start blogging?
2. Who was your first hair crush?
3. What are your favorite ways of using products that suck?
4. What was it like when you received your first follower?
5. What has your hair taught you about life?
6. Where do you see your blog in 5 years?
7. What's the best thing about blogging?
8. What does your blog name mean to you?
9. How do you deal with negative feedback on or about your blog?
10. How personal do you get on your blog?
11. How many pushups can you do?

Besitos!
KLP

Weekly Wishes

Whitman-Walker AIDS Walk 5K Timed Run 2013

"Don't sweat thinking about the run---just sweat during the run"--Weekly Wish 10.21.13

You guys don't know how totally stoked I felt when I crossed the finish line of the Whitman-Walker AIDS Walk 5K Timed Run on Saturday. Empowered. Excited. Exalted. Man, I was amped all weekend! The high that you get from giving your fears, insecurities, and doubts a swift kick in the butt is amazeballs! Whilst, I didn't stress or freakout all last week, I was so nervous the night before that I didn't get much sleep. Ha-ha! I ran a killer 28 minutes again. Pretty good for a kid that was sidelined for years with asthma and ridiculously gross allergies! Although my super hero hubby missed the run because he had to go off and save the world--such is the life of a military wife---luckily my sister-in-law stepped in and cheered for me when I crossed the finish line. Oh and how cool is this: we raised $800! Woop! 

This week my wish is not to come down from my fear butt-kicking high. Pluck doubt and frustration. To remind myself, I put a LIME green sticky on my computer monitor. "Dear Krystal, You're Awesome! Love, Krystal" Call me weird, call me vain. But today---and all week---I choose joy.


What's your forever wish that you're beginning this week? Be it big or small---speak it into existence!
 
Quieres Más? Melyssa sponsors this link up at TheNectarCollective

Mil Besitos! 
KLP

Last call! You can't win if you don't enter the Taliah Waajid Sample Pack Giveaway daily!


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Weekly Wishes

She stole my camera, my cocoa, and my heart.

Weekly Wish Winning!!

I'm so glad that I stole used Brittany's idea to break up my weekly wish of not constantly running in 5th gear into mini goals. This week was definitely a bigger success than my previous attempts at this:

1. Go to bed on time and wake up on time no matter what. kinda-DONE
2. Set your to-do list every night for the next day. Do not add anything to this list without removing another item. kinda-DONE
3. Start each week by writing down the 3 biggest problems that I faced last week. NO NOT PANIC. Pray on it. Remember to trust God. Then let Him work it out. DONE
4. Reward yourself every morning with a cup of pumpkin spice Spanish hot cocoa just for being awesome. totally-DONE and it was delicious!
   

This week I have the same goals except I'm having a pumpkin spice cappuccino yum!

I'm also adding "Don't sweat thinking about the run---just sweat during the run" to the mix. Saturday I'm running in the Whitman-Walker AIDS Walk 5K Timed Run for the second year. Last year, I ran a killer 28 minutes (did I mention that it was my first 5k?) and I'm hoping that all of the training that I've done over the last year will help me shave a minute or two off my time. I'm uber excited that not only will I not be running alone---my super hero hubby is joining me---but together we've raised $650. Woop!

Any one else totally stoked for this week---or did I just have too much cafe this morning? Ha-ha!

What's your forever wish that you're beginning this week? Be it big or small---speak it into existence!
Quieres Más? Melyssa sponsors this link up at TheNectarCollective

Mil Besitos! 
KLP