a good laugh

Last night I was a bit bored watching the Oscars.  Billy Crystal was the highlight for me because he was funny and showed what a great performer and host he is.  The Oscars needed a Billy last night not Ann and James, sorry guys!
Following the Oscars the hubs and I watched Jimmy Kimmel and I am so glad we did.  This show was better than the Oscars.  Tom Hanks was a guest and did a little video about Nevada's Sexy Baby Contest.  Watch it my friends, it is laugh out loud funny!

looking forward

Hi Friends... Please pardon my absence here at my lil old blog these last few days.  I've had a lot on my mind.  One year ago today my husband Eric was diagnosed with cancer.  Whew I said it.  It's hard saying those words still and even writing them.  At times I cannot believe what a year it has been and I am in awe of Eric for what he has endured.  Cancer is no picnic folks, it sucks as well as sucks the life out of you, literally.  So, today I am grateful for my husband, my little boys and each day we have to share together.  I am looking forward to the future and trying with all my will to not always look to the past.  It's much easier said than done, trust me.  As I was looking for a picture to share with you all I stumbled upon pictures of Eric from when we first realized something was really wrong with him,  to the day of his surgery.  Here is the timeline.. It might seem long but it wasn't.


Tuesday, February 16th - Eric to the ER as he was no longer able to hold down food and was only able to eat liquids and his vomiting had become severe and very painful.  The ER doctor was amazing.  He called a local gastroenterologist and informed him about Eric and asked that he see him first thing the next day.
Wednesday, February 17th -  We meet the wonderful Dr. R who ordered an immediate group of tests, endoscopy/colonoscopy.
Thursday,  February 18th - Eric has his procedures started but under conscious sedation.  He ended up being a danger to himself and the doctor so they could not complete the exam.  Another appointment was scheduled where he could be heavily sedated.  We both found this rather funny....
Friday,  February 19th -  Eric now under complete sedation, Dr. R is able to perform the said procedures at our local hospital.
Monday,  February 22nd  -  Eric's local oncologist (Dr. J) who we have yet to meet has him have a CT scan at our local hospital.
Monday, February 22nd -  Eric's gastroenterologist (Dr. R) calls our home number at about 5 pm and tells me over the phone his findings from the endoscopy that he found a cancerous mass in the first part of the small intestine the duodedum.  After I speak with Dr. R I go to Eric's office at our home and tell him he has cancer.
Tuesday,  February 23rd - We meet with Dr. R and go over the results and he suggests that we go out of the area to find an oncologist who can perform the surgery that he thinks will be necessary.  He then works with Dr. J who finds Dr. N. 
Tuesday,  February 23rd - We get the call from Dr. N that they'd like Eric to come to San Francisco the next day to meet Dr. N a surgical oncologist who specializes in Eric's very rare cancer.
Wednesday,  February 24th -  We head out to UCSF, Heller Diller Cancer Center to meet the much esteemed Dr. N.  We meet Dr. N and after reviewing Eric's slides he is concerned that Eric could go into cardiac arrest since his mass is blocking so much of his intestine.  By this day, Eric could no longer keep water down.  He wanted Eric to go to surgery right then and check himself in.  Eric asked if we could go home and spend a few hours with our boys.  He gave us the green light of about 12 hours, so we headed home, talked with the boys who were confused and sad like any 2  and 3 year old would be.  The we packed up everything we would need for a few weeks at the hospital.
Thursday,  February 25th -  Eric and I head into San Francisco for his surgery to remove his cancer.
Thursday, February 25th - late afternoon, after a 6 plus hour surgery Eric is wheeled into his room.  Eric's surgery was a success.  Dr. N removed his cancerous mass, 12 inches of his small intestine and 9 lymph nodes where the cancer had spread.
Eric's recovery was really hard on him and us actually but in the end we powered on and are stronger for it.  Towards the end of March we met with two oncologists Dr. C from UCSF and Dr. F from Stanford to get the course of treatment they believed that Eric should follow now that he was finished with his surgery.
They both agreed that Folfox (leucovorin, fluorouracil, oxaliplatin) would be his chemotherapy drugs and he would receive 12 cycles over 6 months.  During his chemotherapy, Eric had to visit the ER several times from side effects of the chemotherapy, the scariest being a pulmonary embolism.
In October Eric finished his chemotherapy and he has been slowly getting back to normal.  Although he has some challenges still, his fingers and toes are numb from the neuropathy from his chemotherapy as well as a few other things.  For the next four years Eric will continue to be monitored by his doctors every few months through blood work, CT scans and a other various tests.  That being said his cancer journey is just that, a journey.  
I know, it's a lot of information but I felt compelled to share it today, whoops I am past midnight now.


On a side note, the above picture was taken of Eric and I on our last trip to Donegal, Ireland.  It is a beautiful county and country and we were so taken with the beauty as well as the people.  This year I am going to post a bit on our travels as Eric had I have really seen the world these last few years and we hope in the coming years to see even more of it.
Thanks for being so great everyone out there reading my lil old blog.  I know this is a heavy post and get it if you don't want to know all this stuff but I needed to share this post today.  I hope to not have much to say about it in the future as Eric continues to remain cancer free.  Although I do plan on posting about people and their families who are growing through cancer and blog about it.  It's always good to raise awareness because we can all forget other's realities if we aren't faced with them.  
So go and hug your babies, your hubbie or your boyfriend, whoever and remember to be enjoy each new day.


Lots of love.....

paper crown

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Ya'll know how much I adore LC aka Lauren Conrad.  On the heels of being dumped by MTV, LC isn't looking back.  She's in NYC this week showing paper crown to buyers at Coterie and I have a feeling it's going to be a hit.  The clothes are hip, sweet, youthful and I can picture each piece on Lauren, can't you?  I really love the styling in this look book too.  The first outfit with the hat, blazer, top, shorts and tights is adorable.

Thoughts on paper crown?

Inspiring

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Have you discovered the amazing new blog lay baby lay?  If not, then you are in for a treat.  lay baby lay is a blog about nursery inspiration & delights and a delight it is.  Here are two amazing style boards that I am obsessing over.  The chandeliers are lust worthy as are the cribs, rugs, chair, dresser, art, all of it really.  Are you as smitten as I am?  

Happy Saturday friends. 

Can you tell?

Can you tell which shoe is high & low in price? 

 If you guessed 1 as high and 2 as low then you are correct!  

Shoe info

1.  Dolce Vita "Pela" Strappy Wedge Sandal - $159.00 via Bloomingdales

2.  Mossimo Pilar Strappy Wedge Sandals - $29.99 via Target

Which brings me to deals... Since it's Presidents weekend all the retailers are offering sales.  While I love a good deal, I am skipping the sales this weekend.  Are you off to the sales or shopping online? 

So I have to share why my post is late today.  Well, last night the fam and I headed to San Francisco to have dinner with family.  Since we didn't arrive until 7pm we ate in.  I must say that eating-in in San Francisco isn't bad.  We had delicious Indian food.  My sweet sis-in-law purchased my favorite white wine of the moment Riva Ranch by Wente.  It is buttery and smooth.  If you like wine, try it.  After a splendid evening, the hubs and I and our two boys headed home. 

First up for today was a play-date with my friend Jamie.  Since the boys and I slept in (sorry Eric you had to get up at 6 am) we had no time to eat at home so we headed over to Starbucks.  My drink of choice a skinny caramel macchiato, yummy.  Then the boys and I stopped off at my favorite cupcake shop, Icing on the Cupcake.  I had to bring Jamie and her family treats because they spoil us whenever we visit.  Of course I purchased extra cupcakes to take home for a treat.  After our fun we headed home to rest and rest we did.  

Okay, back to these shoes, I am loving wedges.  They are my "right now" shoe.  I purchased shoe 2 a few weeks back and I feel tall and sassy in them.  Do you like?

Happy Weekend Loves! 

a peek

Here is a peek at my lil venture I am launching in March.   I am playing around with the look of my logo.  

What do you think so far?   Can you tell that I am too excited to wait until March to share?

I had to include this pink bamboo chandelier in this post.  Are you as smitten as I am?  

I am thinking it might look great in my guest room or closet.  Decisions, decisions....

American Legends

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Have you been keeping up with NYC Fashion Week?  I am trying and from what I've seen I am smitten with the looks at Diane Von Furstenburg.  My favorite being this bold blue dress with pops of gold?  I am dreaming of where I could wear this stunner.  Suggestions anyone?  Diane's Fall 2011 collection reflects her Studio 54 days, with hints of gold lamé and her usual vibrant print" Instyle Magazine.  DVF included her signature wrap dresses (they are a favorite of mine) as well as her use of color and rich patterns.  Bravo Diane!

What are your thoughts on Fashion Week so far?  Like it, love it or don't care about it?

Speaking of Fashion Week, my area's local Fashion Week begins at the end of February.  I am so excited to attend this years shows.  I'll make sure to report on any emerging designers that I love.  If you live in or around the Sacramento area stop by here to learn more about Fashion Week. 

from me to you

roses image via, background fabric via

Splendid Littles

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Is it just me or am I the last person on the planet to know about Splendid Littles for Target?  Eek, now that I know I am beyond excited.  Guess where I am headed tomorrow morning after I drop off my Jake at school for his Valentine's Day Party.  You guessed right if you thought Target...

So fellow mom's, dad's, auntie's, uncles, grandparents and friends, RUN don't walk to Target tomorrow and grab your wee ones something Splendid before they sell out. 

Have you already nabbed some of these beauties?  If not, will you now?

Dress love

1. Alice & Olivia dress 2. Gap denim jacket 3. Jenny Trinh gold necklace  4.  Marc Jacobs bag 5. Gap bow belt 6.  Gap city flats

I am in love this Alicia and Olivia dress, in love!  As a busy mom to two tots, I am all about cute and comfy clothes and this look screams Sarah (that's me).  Dresses and denim jackets paired with flats are a wardrobe staple for me.  Living in California allows me to dress this way year round and I wouldn't have it any other way.  What is your wardrobe staple for day?

p.s. my 4 days of giveaways has been postponed for now.  

before + after

How was your weekend friends?  Ours was fantastic! We played all day Saturday and enjoyed the sunny California weather.  Sunday was equally fun although I spent most the time indoors sprucing up our house.  I decided to spruce up the shelves in our family room since they have acted as a catch all for pictures, toys, diapers and junk for the past year.  With zero money and only items I had at home I did the impossible (or so I thought) and transformed these drab shelves to fab (at least in my mind).  What do you think?  Any space in your house you're are sick of and is need of a makeover?

If you noticed on this last photo, I resorted to displaying some of my cook books since I ran out of regular books.  They work now although in time I plan on adding more art, travel, fashion and design books. 

Also, after reviewing my pictures I have realized that I really need to learn how to use my camera. Any tips on how to use a Canon Power Shot SX10IS?  

Finally, I wanted to let ya'll know that A Spoonful Of Dish will be hosting giveaways for the rest of the week.  Yay!  I am so excited to show my loyal and patient readers some thanks for following me and sticking by me this last year.  

So, make sure to stop by all week to win some great stuff here at A Spoonful of Dish. 

game day look

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Are you watching the Super Bowl this weekend and on the hunt for the perfect game day look?  If so, then grab this cozy sweater and these comfy dark slim jeans.  Accent them with a little gold and animal and you've got a winning look...at least in my playbook.
 Get it?  Ahh, I crack myself up.  Happy Weekend Friends! 

the perfect tee

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If you haven't already discovered these adorably sweet tees, Honey Bee Tees then you are in for a treat.  From a fire truck, to a happy camper and even a bug jar there is fun tee for everyone.  I just ordered my boys matching Canoe Ride tees and I cannot wait for them to arrive. 

The momma behind these adorable tees is Darby of the popular blog Fly through our Window (and the twin of Erika of Urban Grace Interiors).  Clearly this family is a talented bunch and I am excited they are branching out from home design to apparel design.  

Want a Honey Bee Tee for your little one or yourself (they have adult sizes too) then shop here now.  Supplies go quick and I mean quick.  I have been trying for a few months to get the boys matching tees in their sizes and lucked out today.

I will never love you more

Have you seen the adorably charming video seven henrietta street, a film by kinga burza for Kate Spade?  It's playing on repeat on my computer, I luv it so.  Have a look, you'll be hooked.
PS...The song playing is by Soko - I will never love you more. 

Inspiration

It's been clear to me for a few weeks now that I have been lacking inspiration.  With our New Year not beginning like I had hoped I have been a little down but am trying hard to pick myself up.  One thing that helps this momma out is shopping.  I know it's such a cliche but a true one for me.  So while Jake was at preschool yesterday Ryan and I headed over to Anthropologie.  I was beyond inspired and trying by hardest not to buy everything in site.  A few things that were musts for me where all of the yumminess above minus the elephant; I am still deciding on it. 

1. Latte Bowls

2. A Life of Style by Rebecca Moses 

(couldn't find it online with Anthropology but found it here instead)

3. Elephant Medallion Pot

4. Magnetic Timer

5. Farmer's Egg Crate

*background fabric is Whittman Melon by Fabricut found here*

Where do you go for inspiration?