The One About The Pumpkin Patch-Mother Nature Farms

Summer has always been my favorite season. All my life I would get all sorts of upset as my birthday got closer and it was time to plan my party because my birthday is in the Winter annnnd I'm NOT a cold weather kinda gal. I wanted beach parties for my bday and Sea World! But you cant do that in January! I need my sunshine like I need my coffee. Hot. Actually that's not entirely true because if you've been following along for a while you know iced coffee is in fact my go-to. ANYWAYS. Getting off subject here. Ok. So. Now that I've gotten older, or maybe it's the fact I moved to H-E-double hockey sticks on Earth, aka Arizona, I can appreciate a little chill in the air. I try to love the heat out here as long as I possibly can but come September 1st I'm like "HECK YES LET'S GET THIS FALL THING GOING!" Ya feel me?! 

So now that we are finally into October and the temps have dropped at least a little out here, I've been starting my Fall bucket list! Number one on there? The pumpkin patch! Growing up we always went to the pumpkin patch to pick our pumpkins and go through the corn maze and it's a tradition I want to continue with my own little family.

I recently went to a little meet up at a local-family owned and operated- pumpkin patch in Gilbert, Az, called Mother Nature Farms. Upon arriving I learned that it was voted Arizona's number 1 pumpkin patch and guys, I was blown away by this place! First of all its on acres and acres of gorgeous property, covered with lush trees, a picnic area, boutique, petting zoo, hayride, the pumpkin patch (obviously) and seriously so much more!

It's the perfect place for all those Fall pumpkin pics with the fam and enough room for the kids to run and play. The tickets are $5/per adult and $10/per kid and tickets for kids INCLUDE a pumpkin to take home and the fun activities while inside! You can even bring in your own food or you can buy from the snack bar and eat in the picnic area.

I'm already planning my return visit with my family for more fun, food pics and pumpkins! If you're in the area and like to support local, this is your place!

Mother Nature Farms

1663 E Baseline Road

Gilbert, Az 85233

The one with the teepee slumber party

Wow Haddie is SEVEN and I can hardly believe it! In the past we have had some pretty cool birthday parties but none have topped what I was able to pull off for her party this past weekend!! This year, she asked me to keep her party a secret and to surprise her with wherever her party was going to be. I came across this company who help host the ultimate sleepover and it was a done deal. 

Haddie has had a couple sleepovers at some friends houses before but we have never hosted or had a true sleepover at our house. She has begged and pleaded for me to let her have a friend over for a slumber party for a while now but when you don't know too many of the parents of the kids at school you wonder if anyone would even be ok with letting their kids come over for a whole night. Well I worked hard and met some moms and luckily, we easily found 4 friends who could come over for a one of a kind slumber party!

When I saw Jen's business, @tinyteepeezzz, I knew it was the perfect idea for Haddie's birthday. I reached out and got a reply right away. It was such an easy process to book the party and Jen was great at walking me through each step: where, when, for how many, extra activities etc. She has so many extra add-ons for cheap that you can pick to spice up the party and keep those kiddos busy! We went with the karaoke machine (a huge hit!) the adorable rainbow donut wall (fits 9 donuts) and pillow case design activity for the girls which was a good fill in activity to keep five 7 years olds occupied. She has multiple boys and girls themes to choose from, from unicorns to Minecraft!

Jen came to the house the morning of the party and set up every teepee and every detail all on her own, making this moms job waaaay less stressful. While she set up, I was able to get the smaller details of the party done. The best part about this is she even came back the next day and packed it all back up! While I was sitting in my kitchen literally crying at how precious these girls were in their teepees I thought about how much less stressful this actually was than trying to squeeze so many activities into only a few hours with a boat load of children, parents and even siblings running amuck in some small space at some expensive party place. This made my life so much easier!

I've never seen my daughter's face so lit up than I did this night. She, and her friends, all said multiple times that this was the best day ever! I realize I totally screwed myself for future parties haha but the memories we have are seriously priceless. I can't thank @tinyteepeezz enough for this thought out, creative and adorable idea and the help executing the most perfect slumber party ever! Now with my birthday just around the corner, and them offering ADULT TEEPEE PARTIES I think I might have my party half way planned out already haha!

If you want to be the coolest parent on the planet for at least one night, book a party with @tinyteepeezzz and you won't regret it! 

Thrifting 101

Are you someone who's on a tight budget but who maybe needs some retail therapy every once in a  while? Or likes to switch out clothes like Taylor Swift changes out boyfriends? Maybe you're obsessing over Joanna Gaines' home transformations with her ridiculously charming decor and your favorite Instagram Influencer's #ootd all over their stories with "under $50" and it's really $49.99 plus shipping when you finally swipe up. Whatever the case I'm here to tell you it's possible to have it all and actually spend way less than what you'd think.

Just because something is "second hand" doesn't mean it's crusty, stinky or old. In fact, thrifting is just like treasure hunting but you have to have a little idea of what you're doing. That's why I'm here to share some tips that I use when I'm out thrifting!

 I had a huge haul recently and all of it was under $50!! Everything I found was at Goodwill. From off the shoulder dresses, to the cutest wedges and heels.

1) STORE CHOICE. It's all about where you go. Nothing against the small thrift shops because sometimes I find the most unique pieces in these stores, but if you're looking for more of the designer, name brand items, I'd suggest trying places like Goodwill, Deseret Industries or Salvation Army.

2) LOCATION. Going along with the above tip I have to say location is so important. A more established area is going to have more of an inventory. More inventory means more chances for you to find the perfect pieces. Usually in my experience I've found that these stores will also have better quality, less condition issues and higher name brands.

3) THINK AHEAD. Always have some sort of an idea of what you're looking for. There are literally thousands of items to sort through so it can get overwhelming. I like to Pinterest some outfits for inspo or even have one specific item that maybe I want to make outfits around. It helps to narrow things down.

3.5) THINK AHEAD CONT. The stores will be organized by color and styles. Like T-shirts, long sleeves, short etc. My closet is literally organized by color and I pretty much stick to the same tones and styles so I know that's what I'm looking for when I get there. Saves time for sure!

4) HAVE TIME. If you're in a rush or have distractions to where you can't focus you probably won't find much. I could literally look for hours, if I actually had that kind of time. But in all honesty, I'd say a good hour would be a good starting point. Again, there are thousands of items to sift through so having some time is key.

5) Check out other resale stores in your area! A few of my favorites are Plato's Closet, Clothes Mentor and Last Chance. These places are great for finding gently used, trendy clothes and accessories but also a good way to make a quick buck or two by selling or trading in your clothes you don't want anymore. They are all a little different but I can confidently say that Plato's buys and sells teen-young adult styles and brands (think like F21, Brandy, Zara, Levis etc) and they are all styles from the last couple years to current trends. Plus, they have a buyer who sorts through your clothes same-day and they'll pay you, in cash, on the spot after making sure there are no condition issues (fading, holes that aren't supposed to be there, spots etc. Cut them a break though, everyone is human so not everything you find is going to be perfect, alright? Always good to call ahead and see how long their wait time is, too, especially on the weekends.

6) Don't forget to check the home goods sections! You won't believe what some people get rid of. I found my juicer for $15 and before I bought it I looked it up on amazon and it's a $300 juicer!! Obviously you should wash anything you buy second hand, that goes for clothes, juicers, furniture, whatever haha

I'm always up for talking and answering questions about thrifting. It was my job for a total of almost 10 years! So leave comments with questions or if you have your own tips!

Happy thirfting!!

What's the C Word

This post is about to get pretty personal and real and I'm nervous about getting it out there but life is about facing fears so here I am and if it helps someone else to know there's more people struggling with the same thing then great. 

About a year ago I was at the doctor for a routine check up when they told me I was due for another pap. We went ahead and took care of it and that was that. A week later I was told it came back abnormal but that that was not uncommon and probably nothing to worry about. No further testing was done, partially my fault, they did ask me to come back to do another but I wasn't too concerned. 

Flash forward to 6 months ago and they asked me to do another pap. That one also came back abnormal so we decided to do further testing for HPV and what not. Eventually it came down to a Colposcopy where the dr opened my cervix like they would during a pap and took a small microscope to check for any abnormal cells. Through this whole process leading up to this point I was told it was all routine. That there was nothing I needed to worry about and it was probably nothing; if anything HPV that is easily treatable and totally normal. Well. Then I got the dreaded "Oh boy" from my doctor's mouth. Followed by "Well this is a lot worse than I thought and not at all what I expected" WAY TO MAKE A GIRL FREAK OUT. I was told I had 6 large, nickle to quarter sized spots that needed to be biopsied "right away". They took the biopsy sample and said I'd hear back in a week.

Then came that dreaded phone call that the cells came back positive for cervical cancer. 

I wasn't given much information other than that little tid bit of life altering news, but that it was something that needed to be taken care of as soon as possible so it doesn't get worse and that I'd be hearing back soon with a surgery date. I don't remember the name of the surgery but the way it was described to me was absolutely terrifying. My doctor said that essentially they'd be "cutting" into my cervix to remove the spots while trying to save as much as he can to not interfere with any future pregnancies. So basically I was scared shitless. My dream is to be a mommy of multiple children. I'm lucky and grateful for my daughter, of course, but if I'm capable of having more children and ever blessed to be given that opportunity I want it to take it. One hundred percent. 

Ok so can you imagine, after hearing that news, and if you're anything like me you'd be dissecting every detail, every word, and then not hearing back for MONTHS? I called the doctors office every week from the day of my diagnosis in APRIL until I was finally given a surgery date in late AUGUST. Every time I called I was told the Dr only schedules three surgeries a month and I was on the waiting list with 3 people ahead of me. It didn't make any sense! How were there always 3 people ahead of me?  

I was finally given a date. September 21st, aka Dooms Day. About 2 weeks after being given my date I was told my surgery date was given to someone else and I was put back on the waiting list. Their reasoning was  that they had tried calling me to go over details of the surgery and were not able to get a hold of me. I had never received any phone calls, or texts or emails like I usually do to confirm and remind me of appointments. I lost it on this woman on the phone. I was already so angry that it took so long for a date but then to just give it away! I told her I had called every week checking in, I was literally in the office 2 days prior asking for any new news and was always told them same thing. I should have gone to a new office earlier than I did. But after the circus I'd just been through I decided getting a second opinion was a good idea. 

At my second opinion appointment the new Dr basically called my previous Dr a fraud, a Craigslist Dr and was completely shocked that they had given me the news in the way that they had and then completely left me in the dark and left me hanging. He went over my tests and lab results I brought in with my previous diagnosis and actually went over every thing with me word for word and what it all meant. He was running behind schedule but still convinced the nurses to push back some appointments so he could perform his own colposcopy. I was so grateful he wanted to do it then and there and not make me wait another week or so to come back and go through all of this again. He really explained every thing to me and told me he didn't think I'd need more than just a LEEP procedure, which would not effect my ability to have babies in the future. He really put me at ease.

So here I am playing the waiting game again. My emotions high, my nerves cranking. I have to wait another week for my biopsy results but no matter what the outcome is I'm ready for it. I'm glad I have this second Dr taking care of me this time around and I actually have a good feeling that this will all work out just fine. I know he actually has my best interest in mind and I'll be in good hands. I have a huge support team behind me and keeping me going in the right direction. 

I've learned a lot through this process and whether I actually do have cervical cancer or not I was given a new perspective. I can't say I didn't already live my life with a positive perspective or a love for life, because I did, but this has only enhanced that and was another reminder of how short life is and how important those close to you are. I'll try my best to keep up to speed on the rest of this process. I honestly hope there's not much more to it, but like I said, I'm ready for it. Bring it on!

Savoring the Moments

How is it that this little one is about to be six in a few short weeks? Six used to sound so young to me, and while it is, I’ve witnessed just how capable someone at this age can be. From making herself breakfast before school, wanting to help around the house (just never her own room of course 😅) being the friend on the playground to find the lonely kid and ask them to play, reading at second grade level after starting school a year early, she really impresses me every day.

 I catch myself thinking back to how small her little toes used to be, the way she scooted and rolled around the house before she could walk and the way she smelled. Now she sings me the nursery rhymes before bed and comforts me when I’m sad. It’s almost hard to remember the earlier years; the sound of her voice and her cries for me before she was talking. Why does it have to go so fast? It scares me to think one day I won’t remember the exact moments or sounds. I cannot take even the hardest days with her for granted. Im scared there will be a day she doesn’t need me. But I’m also scared she’ll always need me.

 Being a parent is so emotional everyday. It’s so many little things and big things and appointments, boo-boos, repetition, tears, smiles, worries, anxiety, knowing when to let go or bring them in. Does anyone actually have this down? I just looked at her with tears and told her I couldn’t believe she’s not a baby anymore. She responded with “Well, you could have another baby! And another baby and another baby!” This kid cracks me up but that reminded me to cherish the time now because I’m a another six years I’m going to look back on today and wonder where the heck all the time went. Dang, I'm just feeling so blessed to be this cuties mom. 

Allow Me To Introduce Myself

I figured since I’m starting this thing I should probably take a minute to introduce myself. My name is Danica, yes, like the race car driver. I grew up in San Diego and have moved quite bit since I was 21 but now reside in Phoenix, Arizona.  I feel I’ve lived a pretty interesting life with all the normal bumps and bruises and then some, but also, I’ve had some amazing experiences. Something I’m working on and will share more of is how I’ve struggled to walk that fine line of being cocky and confident and not giving a flying you know what about what anyone else thinks of me. I’ll talk about  my body issues and how I know I’m a work in progress, like we all are, and to let others know they are not alone.

This blog is really a place for me to get down n dirty, a little personal, and share the good and the bad in hopes of touching another and finding others to relate with. I’ll be sharing stories of growing up with a single mom, to becoming a single mom. From abusive relationships and figuring my way out of them to living in the LDS bubble for a short time and really discovering who and what I am. I know it sounds like I'm potentially throwing a pity party but I promise I always add a positive spin and what I've learned from it. Because without hope and a positive perspective, what can we really get out of life?

Amongst personal life experiences I want to share some fashion, beauty, maybe books I’ve come to love and let’s be honest, above alllll else I’m a huge foodie so I’ll be sharing the best local spots around. After all, my 9-5 job is in the food industry so I should know a little somethin’!

So with that all being said, please subscribe, please leave comments along the way, share with me your experiences, ideas, testimonials etc. This is not just about me but about bringing people together.

You can also follow along on Instagram at @starstranded

Signing out! Xoxo

D