Category: Just me being me

Way, way back… in 2018, I did a pinup photo shoot. You can read all about it here: Feeling Like a Rockstar: My Pinup Photo Shoot. I followed the photographer on Instagram and Facebook, so every so often when she posts about a new set offer, I’m intrigued.

On a related/unrelated note, Taylor Swift launched Life of a Showgirl with some absolutely fabulous imagery. Like every single photo she dropped was perfection. In addition to giving us all an album of absolute bops, she was SERVING as the kids say.

So, when I saw that Atomic Cheesecake Studios had a set that was showgirl adjacent, AND she happened to have an open slot on my birthday, I decided it was time for me to get caked in makeup, stick on some false lashes, and have my own *Showgirl* moment.

Here are some of my favorite images from the shoot:

Are there a few things I wished I could change just a smidge… sure. However, when someone else is in charge of your look and the photos, you have to give up control. All in all, it was a fun way to spend the morning of my birthday and it was very fun to have a bit of my own Showgirl Era.

If you’ve been following along with my food drama, you know I’ve been dealing with some sort of mystery food issue. For months, I’ve suspected that an undiagnosed food allergy is tied to my EoE because every so often my body decides to freak out after I eat something. And sometimes not freak out when I eat that same thing. So, it’s super fun.

Anyways, I finally got an appointment with an allergy doctor and I was SO EXCITED because I would finally get some answers! And then… we talked.

That’s it. We just basically rehashed everything I had already put in my intake forms. Sigh. No magic wand. No diagnosis moment where someone kicks the door down yelling “IT WAS THE GLUTEN ALL ALONG!” Nothing.

Anyways, the allergy doctor doesn’t think it’s a food allergy (which means no EpiPen needed). However, she does think it is a food intolerance.

It could be gluten or a combination of foods. She said that we can narrow down the culprit with a food allergy prick test. Basically, they poke you with tiny amounts of various allergens. If your body releases histamines, you’ll get an itchy reaction bump and you’ll know which specific food(s) triggered the reaction.

I had it done long, long ago on my arm for non-food allergies back when I was in college (I’m super allergic to cats and pollen). It’s uncomfortable, but you get instant gratification, and I’ll know EXACTLY what foods are causing reactions by the end of the appointment so I can avoid them.

So, obviously I was like, HELL YEAH, lets stab me with pokey things!

And then she told me the next available appointment was in January.

UGH.

But I put myself on the waiting list and thankfully got moved up to an appointment in December. So… yay. Kind of. I mean, I still get to spend another month not knowing what’s actually triggering me. Which also means I get to go into Thanksgiving avoiding the delicious lineup of stuffing, rolls, cookies, and pie.

I mean, I could eat the stuffing. But I don’t know what the exact magical amount is that my body will tolerate, and what amount will have me up at midnight vomiting. Will I chance it? Probably.

So anyway, that’s the update. The silver lining is that I should finally have answers next month!

While I’ve never been one of those wake-up-early-and-camp-outside-a-store people for Black Friday, I am quite the internet deal finder. So, each year I make myself a little ‘watch list’ for items that I want to purchase utilizing those Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals.

Here is what I have on my watch list this year:

•  L.L.Bean Slippers: I love L.L.Bean slippers and have been wearing them for decades. My latest pair of moccasins are nearing the end of their life, even with replacing the interior fluffy insole a few times, so I’d like a new pair. I usually get the Venetian style, but I’m thinking this year I may mix it up a bit with either the Women’s Mountain Slippers, Boot Mocs ($89.95) or the Women’s Wicked Good Slippers, Boot Mocs ($120). They are both pretty pricy, so I’d love a good sale!
• Dog Hoodie: Here’s the thing, Ollie is NOT a dog who enjoys wearing clothes. However, Cooper might be…! Jack and I have been eyeballing this dog hoodie and if it drops in price a little, I’m going to buy it. And yes, I will absolutely post a photo of how cute it looks on Cooper. So, maybe I need one for Ollie too, so they can match?
• Nespresso pods: I love my Nespresso machine (blog post here) and I always keep my eye out for pod sales. I already receive Nespresso emails, so I’ll be sure to do a quick check to see if any good deals pop up.
• Hulu Subscription: We got a Black Friday deal last year, which gave us a subscription to Hulu for $1 a month for a whole year. I’m hoping they are running another great deal this year so we can keep up with our Hulu shows.

Are you planning to do any online Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday or Cyber Monday shopping?

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