Football Widow

Run Hubby Run!

It's that time of year again.  I'm officially a "football widow" until football season is over.  Then comes recruiting, spring ball, camps, and it starts all over again.  I never realized how year round a college football coach works until I married one.  It really isn't just for the season as many people assume.

That's coach a.k.a the hubs back in his playing days

So what's up with the term "football widow" anyway?  Coaches are in the office what seems like 24/7. There are no days off, the hours are long, and they wouldn't have it any other way.  So for the wives we are basically single (working) moms or wives or girlfriends from August till the end of football season.  But don't worry...coach will still be responsible for taking out the trash :p

Coach talking with his players

I do have to admit I love football season.  I love the spirit.  I love the drive.  I love the clothes.  I love being cozy under a blanket.  I love the food!  Would you expect anything less from me?  Truth be told sometimes I like to be home alone with my coconut.  I love coach don't get me wrong.  There's nothing better than snuggling with my coconut, and getting to watch my favorite shows and movies when he's sleeping.  You better believe "Ten Things I Hate About You" is my movie choice tonight.  Why did I bold it?  Because it is a great movie.  Plus, it reminds me of home because it's filmed at a high school we used to play against.  Remember Heath Ledger singing and dancing on the stadium (which happens to be the name of the high school) seats/stairs?  I remember being so afraid of falling down those every time I walked down to cheer on the sidelines.  Yes, I was a cheerleader.  Go Bears!

To me, the only negative of football season is limited time with family.  In return, coaches get more time in the summer with their families which is great!  We get to head to the beach and enjoy the sun.  However, fall has its fun too!  There are fairs, pumpkin patches, and apple picking.  My coconut and I do these activities with other football spouses because they can relate.  Plus, the women are seriously awesome.

One of the hardest parts of football season for me is missing wedding season.  If I didn't have a child it might be a little easier.  Coach is never available for fall weddings which means I'm not.  Traveling and attending weddings alone with a toddler is nearly impossible...like 99%.  If the wedding are not child friendly then it is 100% impossible.  I have no one to watch my coconut.  It's one of the sacrifices of being a football wife, and explaining the situation to friends can be difficult.  To my friends: I love you guys!  I really do try to find a way to make it!

I really want to head to the AFCWA (American Football Coaches Wives Association) conference that happens to be at the same time and place as the AFCA (American Football Coaches Association).  This year it's going to be in Nashville.  I wanna go!!!

I will be sure to post my favorite game-time and fall recipes throughout the season!  In the meantime, check out my Buffalo Chicken Dip for a kicked-up a notch (sorry Emeril) appetizer perfect for football season!

Goodbye Long Hair, Hello Lob!

Okay guys I promised you I would post pictures of my new do!  If you follow me on instagram you might have seen it already (glamhungrymom is my user name if you want to follow me).

I tried to VLOG with my Nikon, but it was out of focus the entire time!  Oy!  My son even made an appearance.  I'll make sure to do another VLOG and remember to switch my camera off from manual focus to autofocus.  Sorry guys!  I'll sum it up for you in this post with some (somewhat blurry) screenshots and pictures :)

I'd just like to preface by telling you guys I was so scared and excited for the big chop at the same time.  You know when you're just ready for a change?

I wanted to VLOG the experience but as you can see through my screenshots it was a little out of focus.  Bummer.  This is when my son was asking who I was talking to...and then he farted on my lap.

I am sooo going to miss my long pony!  Check out my 2008 earrings.  I literally haven't worn them since 2008, but I'm glad I pulled them because they compliment my top!

I don't even know.  Blooper alert!

I'm going to miss my sock bun!  Thank you Pinterest Gods for showing me the gloriousness that is the sock bun.  It is seriously the best hairstyle for busy women to look polished in no time flat.

My final farewell to my hair.  It's been fun, but I'm ready for a change.  It's not you.  It's me.  I just don't have time for you in my life right now.  I hope we can still be friends.

This is only half of my hair that they cut.  I wanted to donate it to Locks of Love, but wasn't able to because it was colored.  Sad face.

The left represents how I felt inside.  The right is how I kept trying to act.  I was bursting at the seams to see the finished product!  Speaking of which.....

Here is the picture from the side.  I got some beautiful mocha highlights and darkened up my base back to the natural.  I love love love the color!

Here it is from the front!  I love it!  I succumbed to the mom hair, but I think it's sophisticated.  What do you guys think?  It's kind of a mix between a bob and a lob, eh?  I need help with ideas for styling.  I haven't had short hair since I was 5!  I need your advice, ladies!

Big thank you to Arie from Makeovers Salon in Easton, MA.  She did an awesome job!

How was your weekend?  Do you ever get the itch for a change in your life?

Friday Favorites: Best Drugstore Dry Shampoo

Suave Dry Shampoo

With my long hair, (which will soon change and be explained later in the post) I don't like to wash my hair everyday.  It's long, thick, and takes forever to dry.  What keeps my roots from being oily and limp?  Dry Shampoo!  It is seriously the best invention ever for moms and busy women.

I've tried higher end dry shampoos and they work great, but not for my wallet.  I decided to try drugstore brands but they failed to please me.  After a long search I can finally say I found an effective and cheap dry shampoo, Suave's Dry Shampoo Spray.  All you have to do is shake the bottle, spray at your roots, wait a minute or two, and rub it in with your hands.  Feel free to style your hair how you want!  How easy is that?

I even like to use dry shampoo on just washed hair to give it some texture.  It works great for braids and beachy hair.

Alright, I said my long hair is going to change.  Today I am going to cut my long locks (like almost to my butt long) into a lob (long bob).  It's going to be above my shoulders or right at the shoulders.  I'm so nervous!  I haven't had hair above my shoulders since I was a kid.  I don't even know how to style it.  Can you even do updos with lobs?  I need your help!  I have tons of long hair tips, but none for short hair.  Help help help!!

I'll show before and after posts pictures on Monday.  Pray for me guys.  My hair has been my security blanket and a source of a little self esteem.  I hope that I actually go through with it.....

Oh, and hopefully I don't look like crap.

Have a great weekend!

Last Week of Vacay Sadness

As some of you may know I'm talking a semi-blog break for the next week.  My Grammy is in town, and I want to spend every moment with her and my son.  Right now my son is napping so I thought I would say "hi" to you guys!

I decided to head to Nordstrom on the first day of their Anniversary Sale and I am SO glad I did.  I love NARS products to death.  They can be a little pricey, and ever since I had my son I have been incorporating more drugstore products into my regime.  However, when I saw the NARS 'Joie de Vivre' oversized palette for only $65 I knew I had to jump on it.  Thankfully, I got to the store when I did because I got the last one in the entire company.  I even had to get it DTC (direct-to-customer) to me from another store.  UPS just sent me a notice that I should be receiving it in the mail tomorrow.  Part of me is afraid the wrong item got sent to me because it was such a hot item.  I saw it on eBay yesterday for $200.  Are you kidding me?!

I just have to make sure my son doesn't get a hold of it!  Ahhhhh he's going to kill me when he's 15! ;)

My Grammy and I headed to Miso Market in Cambridge to shop for some Japanese groceries.  I usually shop in Medford, but decided to try out Miso Market so she can get a driving tour of Boston on the way.  I'm so glad we were able to get some goodies to munch on and make somen with.  My Grammy usually sends me goodies from Uwajimaya in Seattle in her care packages.  I really wish there was an asian market like that here in Boston!  If anyone from elementary and middle school is reading this I'm sure those rice candies look familiar.  I used to eat those everyday!

My son spotted these Thomas Pocky's so you know we had to get one for him :)

My coconut eating somen, Japanese cold noodles, with chopsticks!  He hasn't quite grasped how to properly hold chopsticks, but I think he did an amazing job!

It made my Grammy so happy to see him enjoying his somen!  With somen, you pour the broth in a bowl, add your noodles, and extras you want.  We added ginger, lime, mandarin oranges, and green onions.  My son was eating green onions on its own.  Ummm...where did he come from?  Haha!  He loved being in control of what was in his bowl!

I think I'm going to post the somen recipe later.  It's such a delicious lunch or dinner for the summertime.  

I am so bummed this is my last week on vacation from work, and more importantly my last week of my Grammy's visit.  Damian and I are join got be so sad when she leaves.  He has been her shadow since day 1!

How was your weekend?  Did you do anything fun?  

Friday Favorites: Kiehl's Deodorant

Hey guys!  My Grammy, the amazing woman who raised me, is visiting me in town for the rest of the month so my posts aren't going to be as steady as usual.  I won't neglect you guys though!  I want to spend as much time as possible with her and my son.  I hope you guys understand :)

For today's "Friday Favorite" you guys may think I'm crazy.  Before you judge me for spending almost $20 on a deodorant hear me out.  Kiehl's "Superbly Efficent Anti-Perspirant and Deodorant Cream is sheer perfection.  It is unscented, never ever leaves those dreaded white marks on clothing, and blends smoothly into your skin.  If you ever happen to be lazy and shave without cream, this stuff will basically heal or prevent razor burn.  Whenever I buy drugstore deodorants they always break halfway though and never really protect me from pitting or B.O.

I find myself purchasing many deodorants throughout the year.  I've used all the drugstore deodorants and none (not even the clinical strength) are as effective as Kiehl's.  One bottle of Kiehl's deodorant will last me a whole year.  Yes, a whole year!  I never find myself reapplying throughout the day.  The product claims to last 24 hours, and it really does do what it says.  You really don't need a whole lot of the cream.  Just apply a little dot under each armpit and blend.  It's really like applying a supercharged lotion.  Another great attribute is the fact it is unscented.  You never have to worry about it interfering with your perfume or other fragrances.

Bottom line: this product rocks and is the bomb dot com.  I never thought I love a deodorant, out of all things, as much as I do.  If you guys have an extra $20 to spend shop online at Kiehl's or Nordstrom.

Cedar Planked Salmon

Back at my hometown in the Pacific NW, I would order cedar planked salmon every chance I got.  I've always loved it.  The salmon is perfectly moist (I hate that word) and flaky with a smooth, smoky flavor.  Please don't mind the messy lemons!  I didn't anticipate this recipe would be going on my blog, but it was too delicious not to!

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tbsp pepper
• 1/2 tbsp paprika
• 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tbsp dried basil
• 1 big salmon fillet or 3-4 smaller ones
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 cedar plank

Directions:

1. Soak the cedar plank for 1-3 hours (it's flexible)
2. Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl
3. Rub the dry ingredients onto salmon fillet(s)
4. Place salmon on plank (if your salmon has skin, place skin side down)
5. Top with sliced lemons (I forgot to until after I put the salmon on the grill)
6. Set plank on preheated grill and close lid
7. Grill 10-20 minutes until salmon easily flakes

I decided to grill up some broccoli with some EVOO, salt, and pepper for a side.  It was delicious! If I had the mind to sprinkle the rub onto the broccoli I bet it would have been tasty.

Me, Myself & I Link Up Party

This week I joined the Me, Myself, and I Link Up Party! It will happen the third Tuesday of each month and feature 5 different questions for us to answer.  I think this is such a fun way to let readers get to know more about the people behind the blogs.  I'll post a link to the party at the bottom of this post :)

1.  What's your biggest phobia?
  I may sound like I'm five but, I hate clowns and mascots!  I can not be near a clown or a mascot without freaking out.  I don't like not being able to see people's faces.  I don't know if I blocked out a memory from childhood or what.  Anytime I see a clown I think they're the next John Wayne Gacy.  When I was a kid my dad got me a clown for my birthday in 4th grade.  Needless to say I was scared to death of some clown named "Dottie", and my father and I have a nonexistent relationship.  Not because of the clown, but it didn't make things better.  I really hope my son doesn't want to go to the circus because I may have an anxiety attack ;)

2.  If you could relive any day of your life, what would it be?
  The day my son, Damian, was born was hands down the best day of my life.  Besides the fact that I had PUPPPS (google it) from torso to the soles of my feet for the last month of my pregnancy, I couldn't have imagined a better birth experience.  I had the absolute best nurses.  "Knocked Up" was playing, and my labor mirrored that of the movie except I had a super peaceful labor.  My doctor was out of town like in the movie, and I was pushing during the birth scene in the movie.  The nurses, the doctor, my husband, and myself were cracking up between pushes.  Yes, you read that right.  Laughing.  I really hope I'm lucky enough to have a similar experience with my future children.  But, before you decide to hate on me from having such an easy labor you should know I have the worst stretch marks, and the PUPPPS lasted till my son was one month old.  I would wake up bleeding from my stomach to my feet because I would scratch vigorusly in my sleep.  It's all worth it because my son is my whole world.  I live and breathe for him.  

Fresh out of the oven

3.  If you could stay a certain age forever, what would it be and why?
I would love to have my 17-21 year old body back.  Although the best part of being 19 was falling in love with my husband.  To be honest, I would love to be 25 forever....with my pre-baby body.  Hey a girl can dream, right?

Can my legs be that small again?  Me and my soulmate on our yearly cruises.  We haven't done them since I had Damian :(  Can you believe we met on a cruise and instantly bonded?  I am so lucky to have met her.

4.  Which celebrity do you get mistaken for?
  The other day someone came up to me and asked if I was "the girl on tv".  I have no idea who they thought I was!  Other than that, I don't get mistaken for a celebrity.  I have a different look and people will throw out the Kardashians (I totally do not look like them), Shay Mitchell from Pretty Little Liars, or Vanessa Minnillo.  I don't think I look like any of those ladies.  What do you think?

5.  What sounds are included in the soundtrack of your life?

• "A Star is Born" by Jay-Z (the song we listened to on the drive to the hospital)
• "Bittersweet Symphony" by The Verve
• "For The Love of a Daughter" by Demi Lovato (the lyrics mirror my life)
• "I Wonder" by Kelly Pickler (see comment above) that's my little personal moment.  Maybe I'll delve more into the when I feel more comfortable.  I'm so blessed to have had an amazing Grammy raise me.  That's all I'll say for now.
• "Wasting Time" by Jack Johnson (It just brings good memories)
• "Still Searching" by Damian Marley (it was on repeat in college)
• "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana (for my high school years)
• "Sic Transit Gloria...Glory Fades" by Brand New (actually the entire Deja Entendu album was my high school soundtrack)
• "Shake It Out" by Florence and the Machine (let go of regrets)
• "Rock and Roll Queen" by The Subways (because who didn't watch The O.C. religiously?)
• "Cannonball" by Damien Rice (this song just hits your soul)
• "The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra (I've always had an obsession)
• "Let Me Love You" by Mario (the song my husband and I would unknowingly listen to and think of each other for years before we officially dated)

I can't wait till the next one, and I hope more of you join in!

Till next time....

July MyGlam vs Birchbox

Hey guys!  For this review I decided to do something different and make a YouTube video! This is my first video..ever. Bear with me.  I wanted to film with my Nikon, but I don't have a tripod to film with yet.  Instead of writing about each product I thought I would show you what I'm talking about!

MyGlam:

Birchbox:

Youtube (Please Subscribe):

What do you guys think about me adding youtube videos?  Do you want me to write about the products and post videos?  What kind of videos would you like to see?  Makeup tutorials?  Hair and skincare?  Cooking segments?

Tarte Cosmetics QVC TSV! Hot One Day Only Deal!

Hop on this deal...like right now.  QVC's Today Special Value is an amazing collection by Tarte Cosmetics.



This kit comes in a gorgeous eco-chic floral box and contains the following makeup wonders: 

• Maracuja Oil Rollerball – Tarte’s signature Maracuja oil now comes in a rollerball. Immediately leaves your skin looking firmer brighter smoother and more hydrated.
   
• Maracuja Miracle 12-hr Foundation with SPF 15 – Comes in a 5-shade option fair light medium tan and deep. It has a silky texture that imparts a subtle dewiness to the skin leaving your face looking airbrushed. If you want your skin to look model-esque this is the way to go.
   
• Retoucher Flawless Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush – Buffs and blends your foundation to give you an airbrushed finish.
   
• ModernEYES Waterproof Creaseless Shadow/liner – A plum-berry shade on one end and a plum-brown liner on the other leaves your eyes looking soft modern and mysterious.
   
• Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara – Will leave you with healthier and more voluminous lashes. Amazonian clay absorbs excess oil to keep your lashes balanced and in place.
   
• LipSurgence Lip Shine - Comes in the exclusive QVC shade – smitten a soft pink. 

I haven't tried the foundation yet, but it looks like it would be good!  The great  thing about QVC is if you don't like what you purchased, you can send it back for a full refund.  How awesome?!


A portion of the proceeds will go to the Sustainable Amazon Partnership via the Brazil Foundation which helps promote lasting sustainable management of the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest. 

What are you waiting for?  Buy this deal HERE!

Cookie Monster's Version of "Call Me Maybe" is Amazeballs

My son has made me play this video on repeat since we discovered it. Carly Rae Jepsen's version is my guilty pleasure song that I blast when I'm alone in the car. Car dancing may or may not be involved. So is it any surprise that I enjoy this song just as much?

I hope your inner child enjoys this as much as mine does :)

Side note: Have you guys seen the Sesame Street version of "True Blood" a.k.a. "True Mud"? I was literally laughing out loud. I'm five.

SOWA Open Market and Awards

Check out the goodies I got at SOWA from The Fashion Truck

This weekend, I headed over to SOWA Open Market in South Boston.  If you live anywhere near Boston I suggest you guys go.  It only happens on Sunday so plan accordingly.  I've been hearing about SOWA on twitter, and I swear to you guys...I fell in love with the place.  The place is so lively!  In the sunny months, they have vendors with lots of unique items and food trucks set up outside.

Here's how their website describes the event:
"At the SoWa Open Market you’ll find original art of all mediums, gourmet food trucks, indie designer clothing and accessories, ceramics, glass, photography, jewelry, handbags, house wares, baked goods, local farmer’s produce and much more every week!"

As I was walking in the first thing I saw was The Fashion Truck.  How perfect!  They have cute clothes and accessories...on wheels.  I think it would be perfect for a girls night in!  If you guys don't live in the Boston area, click here to shop online.

The SOWA Vintage Market is a part of the SOWA Open Market, although the Vintage Market is open year round since it is housed indoors.  They have everything from vintage furniture, vintage Louis Vuitton, artwork, and my husband and I even found an old WWII knife.  I could have spent hours vintage shopping, but my son was not into being inside at all.

I was arguably most excited about the food trucks.  I'm not talking about your run-of-the-mill taco truck.  I am talking gourmet.  I am talking fresh.  I am talking creative.  I am talking de-freakin-licious.  I have been meaning to try Roxy's Grilled Cheese ever since I saw them on Food Network's "Great Food Truck Race".  Everything they made looked tasty on TV, and I'm telling you they did not disappoint me one bit.  I think it was the best damn grilled cheese I've ever had.

Those may look like regular french fries to you, but they are no plain jane fry.  Trust..they are more than that.  The french fries were hand cut, rosemary truffle fries.  I die.  My husband bought the C.L.B.T. made of provolone, arugula, chicken confit, tomato, house made ranch, and bacon.  Seriously.  Are you drooling yet?  My coconut and I both bought the Green Muenster which obviously had Muenster, applewood smoked bacon, and homemade guacamole.  I need to make a homemade version...STAT!  The lemonade of the day was blueberry mint, and I regret not getting it.  Everyone that bought it looked so happy and refreshed!

I took this picture from the SOWA Open Market website.  There were tons of people there!

My hubby and I were able to take a quick picture together.  I'm always so busy talking pictures of my son (and food) that I need to take more picture of my hubs and I.  We used to have photo sessions together all the time, and now one of us is always the cameraman.  Thank you iPhone for saving the day.

It's never a complete day without taking silly pictures with my coconut!  By the way, I realize I look 12 in this picture.  Everyone thinks I'm 18 when they meet me.  I'll take it because guess what?  I have youthful genes in my family.  Emily from The Bachelorette and I are the same age, yet I look way younger.  I wish I looked my age, but I know I will appreciate it in ten years.

Award:

I am so happy and thankful to be apart of the blogging community.  Everyone is so supportive of each other!  I want to give a shout out and "thank you" to Emma from Food, Fork & Good for nominating me for the "One Lovely Blog Award".  I would love if everyone checked out her blog.  It's perfect for any food lover!

The rules of this are as follows:

1. Link back to whomever nominated you.

2. Write 11 random facts about yourself.

3. Nominate 11 bloggers

11 Random Facts:

1. My elbows are double jointed.  I freak people out all the time pretending I broke my arm.  I'm a sick sick person sometimes.
2. I like to collect elephants.  My Grammy has an elephant collection I am so envious of.  I can only have elephants with the trunks up because I'm superstitious, and turned up trunks are good luck.
3. I read cookbooks like novels. 
4. I probably enjoy watching Disney movies and cartoons more than my son.  Just to give you an idea he could watch Cars and Beauty and the Beast on repeat all day long.  Game on.
5. I am a mutt.  I don't think a day goes by without someone asking me "What are you?"  "Where are you from?"  "Habla espanol?" Whenever I tell people my nationality I usually hear a "huh", "weird", "that's lovely", or ""I can kind of see it", or "you don't look like any of those races."  
6. I wish it was still the 90s.  Am I the only one who feels like 1999 was only 5 years ago?  I miss the music, the awesome kids shows, and cheesy teen movies.  10 Things I Hate About You just arrived from Netflix, and I'm not ashamed.
7. I have the most random taste of music.  I will listen anything from Frank Sinatra to Nirvana to Brand New to Tupac to Damian Marley to Tiesto to B.B. King.  My iPod and Pandora stations have major A.D.D. issues.
8. I used to speak Japanese, but pretty much forgot everything since I haven't spoken it over 10 years.  One of my biggest regrets ever.
9. I played the lead as Mozart in an elementary school play.  Yes, I realize we had different parts, but I was obsessed with Mozart as a kid.  I know I was a weird kid.
10. When I was young, I used to write book reports about different countries or create menus for my future restaurants with prices..in the summer...just for fun.  I was a freak.
11. The only time I was ever upset at an animal was when my dogs decided to eat my Louis Vuitton.

Nominations:

• Abpetite
• A Kitchen Addiction
• Bargain Bites
• Carolina Girl Cooks
• Feeding My Temple
• Gal Meets Glam
• Great Fun 4 Kids
• Macarons and McQueen
• Laurie's Cravings
• Love The Grows
• Skinny and Delicious

I was also lucky enough to be awarded the "Illuminating Blogger Award" from the lovely Lauren of Girls Gone Food.  You guys have to check her out!  Her blog is beautiful, and she has some really fun recipes.  The award is given to a blog based on its illuminating, informative blog content.

Part of the award is saying something random about yourself.  I already told you 11 random things, but I guess you're going to learn 12.  I have huge crushes on the leading men of classic Hollywood.  I am talking Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Cary Grant, Humphrey Bogart, James Dean, and Frank Sinatra.  They were all so dapper and handsome.  Swoon.

Here are my nominations for the Illuminating Blogger Award:

• The Healthy Wife
• We and Serendipity
• The Martha From Malta Diary
• The Journey
• Ellen B Cookery
• Shannon Hearts
• Go Bake Yourself