Great Minds, Think Alike

Project 36Smile!

I don't what it is about getting the mail, but I get excited when I open our mailbox to find goodies—even if I'm not expecting anything. 

Today was one of those days. 

I had a little package addressed from my mom. I opened it up and it's the book titled:

Thirty Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know by the Time She's 30

About a week ago, I did a post on the same article that yahoo had on the front page by the editors of Glamour. 

It put the biggest smile on my face when I saw that my mom bought me this book. Funny thing is that she didn't even read my earlier blog post about the article. She said she just saw them talking about it on a show and thought it would be a great gift to give to me, my twin sister and sister in law. 

She even personalized it by writing the sweetest note on the inside. 

This will be one of the books I keep for the rest of my lifetime. 

I can't wait to read it and check off the things I know and have. The ones that don't have and the things that I don't know, well, I have almost two years to accomplish them. 

Just the thought of turning 30 thrills me beyond belief! 

Bring it on world! 

36Smile! is blog where Sabrina will be writing about and sharing memories that make her smile 365 days of the year! Too often, we are wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of this crazy little thing called life. We should take time out to enjoy the little things that make us smile and celebrate it!

You Don't Choose A Life, You Live One

Project 36Smile!

Lots of things to make me smile the last couple of days

Thursday, April 26  

Since my sister and I live apart, we always look forward to our Sissy Skype Dates. It was exciting to hear—and talk—about some exciting new opportunities on the horizon for both of us. We are both in such a great place right now: I've been married almost a year 1/2 now—and happier than ever—and she is on the Newlywed cloud, being married a little over a month. They have a house together and I love hearing about their adventures of living together for the first time. Makes me relive some of the moments I had with Chris. They also booked their honeymoon: a cruise to Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. They were so excited about it! I am super happy for them!

Got me thinking about our days back on Maui—definitely makes me miss the, it's gorgeous everyday, beach-bummin', sun-soakin' up days we had while we were there. Always remember to soak up the moments you have with those around you and may you always have sand in your shoes and a shell in your pocket :)

Friday, April 27 

Health and fitness are a big part of my life so I always try to get my run ins whenever I can. I don't know what it is about Friday's but you never feel like working or working out on Fridays. Be it the I-need-to-get-out-of-here-and-enjoy-the-weather, the weekends here, this can be pushed till Monday or "It's 3:30, that's not too early to call it a day, right?" feeling. Cmon we've all been there!

But today I decided to go for a run and it felt fantastic. I did 5.2 miles in under 40 minutes. Which is huge, for you non-runners. Seven minute miles are great, so I was averaging a little under 8 minutes a mile. Go, me! 

I also managed to clean the entire house, walk the dog, work on freelance PR, do the laundry and bake some super simple, delicious and healthy Blueberry breakfast bars, with no sugar(Agave Nectar which is a healthy, sugar substitute) and Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cranberry cookies. The recipes can be found on my website by clicking those links. 

Getting things accomplished on a Friday made me feel great! Bring on the weekend!

Saturday, April 28 

Saturday greeted us with sunshine! Out we went to walk the dog and Chris actually came with me. It's these little moments that I treasure. We even stopped at his favorite Top Pot donut to statisfy his yearning for a Cinnamon Sugar donut. I munched on my blueberry bars and tried their blueberry donut. What's so good about blueberries? Well I'm glad you asked. Click here for more deets!

Then we hopped on our bikes and rode around for awhile. Chris loves biking! Which I'm so happy about because I have been trying to get him into running, but to no avail. We stopped to lunch at Noahs on Queen Anne Ave. It was delish! I got their 350 calorie Roasted Chicken Pesto on a bagel thin with a fruit cup, obvie! Chris enjoyed their Turkey, swiss, avacado and spinach panini. We are definitely coming back. Thanks Noahs for a delicious and healthy place to lunch and for having your nutrition details on the menu. 

Sunday, April 29

I actually had a fashion photo shoot with an Art Institute student working on her graduation project. Modeling is something I like to do on the side. I feel confident with the way that I look and love having these opportunities. Can't wait to see the photos. Will share as soon as I get them.

Chris and I also watched an excellent movie called The Way with Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez.

Martin Sheen plays Tom, an irascible American doctor who comes to France to deal with the tragic loss of his son (played by Emilio Estevez). Rather than return home, Tom decides to embark on the historical pilgrimage "The Way of St. James" to honor his son's desire to finish the journey. What Tom doesn't plan on is the profound impact this trip will have on him. You don't choose a life, you live one." 

This is by far the most inspirational movie that I have ever seen. It gives you that yearning to get out there and embark on the 500 mile journey to Camino de Santiago. This is added to our Bucket List. Watch this movie! You'll thank me later. 

Hope you had some smiles these past couple of days. I know we are all busy with everything around us, but make sure you take time and relish the little things that make you smile.


36Smile! is blog where Sabrina will be writing about and sharing memories that make her smile 365 days of the year! Too often, we are wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of this crazy little thing called life. We should take time out to enjoy the little things that make us smile and celebrate it!

What Do You Have and What Do You Know?

Project 36Smile!

I read a wonderful article today, 30 Things Every Woman Should Know and Have By The Time She's 30. 

I will be 28 in August and it feels good to say that I know and have almost all of those and still have time to do most of the others things listed. 

A few that stood out to me:

HAVE: A purse, a suitcase and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying. What fashion-forward female doesn't? 

HAVE: A skin-care regimen, an exercise routine and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don’t get better after 30. Every lady should!

KNOW: How to fall in love without losing yourself. Best feeling ever. 
KNOW: That you can’t change the length of your calves, the width of your hips or the nature of your parents. I am so confident with the way that I look and I think that's so important now. With all the stories out there about kids wanting to starve themselves to look like these famous super models or actresses, girls need to feel comfortable in their own skin. We have to love ourselves first in order for someone else to love us. 

I am beyond excited to turn 30. I know most people don't look forward to their birthdays, no matter what age. Not this girl here. I celebrate each year because I am lucky to be alive, surrounded by people I love and married to the man of my dreams. I think we all need to approach our birthdays like that. Be grateful for what you're given. 

Something else that made me smile today was talking with my brother. He lives in Colorado with his wife. My family has a cabin up there and they have been there going on a year now. I recently saw them at my sisters wedding. It's nice to catch up with him. He is a super intelligent person and I always enjoy the conversations we have. 

Read an interesting article today? Had a conversation with some that made you smile just because? I would love to hear about it!


36Smile! is blog where Sabrina will be writing about and sharing memories that make her smile 365 days of the year! Too often, we are wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of this crazy little thing called life. We should take time out to enjoy the little things that make us smile and celebrate it!

Be The Best At What You Do

Project 36Smile!

Network, network, network.

It's about networking no matter what industry you're in.

So, I am on a mission of networking with as many people as I can. Be it social media, face to face, over the phone, through email introductions, blog reading, expanding my horizons... well you get the idea.

Yesterday I had the opportunity of a conference call with a Chi Omega I connected with on Linkedin. I picked her brain about the PR and marketing industry here in Seattle. It was a very informative meeting and I now have a list of things to do and places to visit. Go me!

I also had a great meet up with Mollie Ruiz-Hopper, whom I connected with through Twitter and a random "It's a small world" email. I saw her interview she did with Skinnypurse.com after I had met with the author of the blog. We had a great chat about all things Seattle: restaurants, PR, friends and fashion—or lack there of—all whilst enjoying the delicious Grilled Cheese and Tomato Fondue at rn74. I will be going back soon just for that! Be the best at what you do and then everyone will take notice. Thanks for the tip Mollie!

I have been networking ever since I got to the Emerald City and will continue to do so while I look for my dream job!

Any connections in any of the following areas, is very much appreciated: public relations, event planning, marketing, social media, fashion, health and fitness.... Hey, what can I say? I'm a skilled professional who is well rounded : )

36Smile! is blog where Sabrina will be writing about and sharing memories that make her smile 365 days of the year! Too often, we are wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of this crazy little thing called life. We should take time out to enjoy the little things that make us smile and celebrate it!

A Month Worthy of Smiles

Well,  a month or so has come and gone since my last entry and so has my sisters wedding! I knew I would be a little behind on my Project36Smile—writing about something that makes my smile everyday.

It honestly wasn't as hard as I thought it might be. If we all just take a little time out of our busy and hectic lives to realize the things that make us smile, I think we would all be a little more happier.

On that note, there were many things that made me smile while I was back home for the wedding. Since it  has been about a month, I think the following will suffice and make up for my absence:

—Who would've thought I would've been happy to not have a job. It was because of my lack of employment I was able to go back for about a month and that made me happy!

— Bringing my dog Mac with me. Not that hard traveling with the pup.

— Seeing my family. Almost all my family from Argentina came as well. And it's always a happy occasion when we're all around. Though we may be loud, you can feel the love!

— Spending time with Chris' family

— Seeing friends.

— Watching my sister marry the man of her dreams at their spectacular wedding

— Going to the Houston Rodeo!

— Helping out with my sisters bridal photos. Our cousin Lucia, who was there for my bridals, was there as well. It brings a smile to my face just thinking of the full circle to be able to be there for my sister.

— The sunny and flip flop weather

— Tex Mex food!!!!!!

— Church with the family

—Sissy shopping and vino dates

—Helping my sister and Dave move into their house together as husband and wife

— Chris and I being the first guests at Chez Tecson, complete with brunch and coffee the next day

— Eating crawfish! You don't find mudbugs here in The Emerald City!

 — Cooking some of my favorite recipes for my family (lasagne, Turkey Bolognese, Chicken Enchilades, Banana and Apple bread)

— Surprising Chris for his 30th birthday with a Tex Mex dinner with friends AND a signed Arian Foster jersey, and a regular one he can wear.

I am continually blessed with my amazing family and friends and thank God for the time I have with them! We had the best time back in Houston and are counting days when we are able to go back.

One questions on everyones mind: So when are yall coming back here to live?

Time will only tell.

Until then, all these memories, and many more, are in our hearts!

Ready For A Change

"If you are feeling stuck in your life and are ready for change, take time to declare to the Universe that you are ready."

This email from a mentor couldn't have come at a better time.

I am SO ready for a change! It's about that time Universe. I have been jobless for about nine months now, and trying all that I can to get a job.

"We’ve been unable to shift our circumstances in the direction we want to go."

Yep, that seems about right. Ever since moving to Seattle, I have been trying to take on a new direction for my life. If that's even possible. But it doesn't seem to be happening right now.

I have contracted some freelance PR, continued working for my old PR agency doing media relations and online work and trying to get Healthy Food, Healthy You up and going. But maybe that's not the direction my life is supposed to go.

How are we supposed to know? WHEN do we know? When do we let go and let God? Which I have done already. Do you ever just settle? I would hope not.

"You can begin the process of making your declaration by getting clear within yourself about what exactly you want to change. The universe also appreciates our clarity and has an easier time answering a direct communication than a vague yearning. "

It's that simple right? Let's see. What I want to change:

I want a full time job in Event Planning or Public Relations/Marketing.

I want to make a difference at the job that I am at.

I want to be happy to go to work every day. And yes, it is possible.

"Set aside a period of time every day to be silent with your wishes for change, repeating your declaration like a mantra. This lets the universe know that you are ready to change and will be receptive to its efforts."

There it is Universe. I am ready for a change. I know what I want. I know I can do it. I know what I can do. I know I can make a difference at the job I am given. I wont let you down.