Dear 18 Year Old Me

As part of the National Health Blog Post Month Challenge

3. Dear 18 year old me. Write a letter to yourself when you were 18. Be sure to tell yourself what to do more of, what to do less of, and what you have to look forward to in the next few (or several) years.

Dear Sabrina,

Well, let's see. You've had a pretty good life so far, so have that to be thankful for. And I promise, it only gets better from here. Granted, you will be thrown some curve balls along the way but it's how you deal with them that makes life so much easier.
Always remember where you came from. Family is the most important thing and you have the best one. Every family has their drama and fights but always remember they aren't going anywhere and life is too short to be mad. Remember mom's words "always be patient, you're going to get where you're going eventually. Don't stress and take a deep breath" and take on life with dad's carefree and forgiving attitude, being there for the ones you love. Remember your bond with Marina and Nicholas. Siblings fight all the time and the past is the past, mend fences and love with the big heart you have.

Being diagnosed with psoriasis is a hard thing to learn—but things could be worse. Even though there is no cure for this auto-immune disease, dealing with it in the right way will help you out in the long run. Be patient. You will be able to make a difference while having this disease by becoming a NPF mentor and help more people than you know. Hang in there, it gets better.

College will be the best time of your life. Scary at first, like every new experience. But tackle it with the confidence you have. You will change your major SEVERAL times, but you will eventually find something you are great at. Join a sorority and you will make a difference, meet some life-long friends and your future bridesmaids.

You will meet the man of your dreams. It's not going to happen fast, so don't get frustrated. And throw away your plan of "I'm going to be married by 25 and have 2.5 kids by the time I'm 30" Be patient (starting to sound like a theme, huh?). When you meet him, you will know and he will change your life in so many amazing ways. He will be the strong and confident, unique and caring and the most handsome man you know. You will learn how to compromise, be financially organized (yes, it's possible) and love him unconditionally. Yall's marriage will be the happiest most exciting time in your life to date. You will also live in some really cool places with each other, rely on only each other and learn how to take on life together.

You will also have the best job out of college, interning (and eventually being promoted) at a reputable PR agency. Look to her as your mentor because everything you learn from her will give you the confidence you need professionally to do some amazing things.

Be better at receiving constructive criticism and becoming more proactive. You will learn time management skills and how to prioritize the many projects in your life.

Continue to be the kind-hearted, sweet, smart, forgiving, confident person everyone tells you, you are. Love unconditionally. Be patient. Everything happens for a reason. Be thankful everyday. This life is what you make it and will be the best one you can live.



This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

My blog is being turned into a TV show!

Ha, I got your attention! It really isn't being turned into a TV— don't we all wish we were on TV for a little while?! This is my second blog post, so read on :)

2. My TV Show. Your blog is being turned into a TV show! Congrats – you’ve
earned it. In fact, you get to co-write it. Write about the TV show based on your life or blog.

Eeeekkk, I thought the book titles were hard. I can't tell you how many times I've heard in passing, conversations with friends, FB updates "my life should be turned into a reality show" or wow, that is definitely reality TV show ready.... Everyone wants their 15 mins of fame. And if they say no they don't, then they're lying!

Now, back to my TV show. I would love the TV show to incorporate all my book titles, hehe! Basically chronically my life as a twin, the good and the bad (definitely some drama for the ratings); my family dealing with the health scares of my parents; my diagnosis with psoriasis which was in high school—like high school isn't rough enough on a teenage girl, I now had to deal with a disease we knew nothing about—then later going on to become a National Psoriasis Foundation volunteer mentor; my sister getting her first teaching job; my moms cancer treatments; meeting my husband (add in some ups and downs) and then our marriage(lasting longer than 72 days, mind you. Too bad, Kim K!). Then a season finale can be that Chris accepted the job to be the Mauitime Art Director and we move to Maui!

Season starts off with us living in paradise and chronicles the tough times—no job for me or friends for awhile, small place, planning our wedding, adjusting to a completely new island lifestyle, rubbing elbows with the rich and famous(can you say Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Josh Radnor, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban?) and the good times—Chris excelling in his job, being honored for his design work, meeting life-long friends, visiting breath taking places and everything else in between. Shots back home to include my sisters promotion at school; brother moving to Colorado; updates on my parents; Chris's brother graduating high school and starting college. Season ends with Chris accepting another job to become the Associate Art Director at the Seattle Met Magazine! Surprise—time to move, again!

Next season starts off with our new life in a COMPLETELY different city. Going from living in tank tops, swimsuits, shorts and flip flops to jackets, scarves and rain boots; handling the death of a very close friend; still no job for me; public transportation; moving expenses; new puppy; one year anniversary; family visits; planning and leading my first event; learning a new city and the list goes on.

So there you have it. No, I haven't given this any thought..... what would your TV show be like? I'd love to hear!

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

Take Time for 12 Things

Just recently we had some friends from Maui stay with us last minute due to some unforeseen family drama on their families part. Chris and I were glad we were able to be there for them and that they felt close enough to call us.

Before they left, Karen (whom I used to work with at The Grand) left me with a poem that hit home on way too many levels.

Last weekend made me realize that no matter how young or old you are, whether you're still in high school or not, whether it's work, home, friends or family drama—EVERYONE has it. But we have to make sure to take time for the special things in life, 12 things to sum it up. And always be grateful for the days we have with our family and friends, drama or not.

1. Take time to dream .... it hitches your soul to the stars.

2. Take time to work .... it is the price of success.

3. Take time to think ... it is the source of power.

4. Take time to play ... it is the secret of youth.

5. Take time to read ... it is the foundation of knowledge.

6. Take time to worship .... it is the highway of reverence and washes the dust from your eyes.

7. Take time to help and enjoy friends ... it is the source of happiness.

8. Take time to love ... it is the one sacrament of life.

9. Take time to laugh .... it helps with life's loads.

10 Take time for beauty ... it is everywhere in nature.

11. Take time for health .... it is the true treasure of life.

12. Take time to plan .... it is the secret of being able to have time to take time for the first eleven things.

— Author Unknown

Life Is Not a Race, Take Some Me-Time

I saw this on one of the women entrepreneurs blogs I follow on Twitter (@womenonthefence) and just had to share it.

SLOW DANCE.

“Have you ever watched kids
on a merry-go-round
Or listened to the rain
slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly’s erratic flight
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down
Don’t dance so fast
Time is short
The music won’t last

Do you run through each day
on the fly
When you ask “How are you?”
do you hear the reply?

When the day is done,
do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
running through your head?

You’d better slow down
Don’t dance so fast
Time is short
The music won’t last

Ever told your child,
We’ll do it tomorrow
And in your haste,
not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
‘Cause you never had time
to call and say “Hi”?

You’d better slow down
Don’t dance so fast
Time is short
The music won’t last

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift….
Thrown away…

Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.”

Everyone is always on the run and on the go. We have to get out of the house and not miss traffic. Gotta make this meeting or my boss is gonna kill me. I have to make these brownies tonight for my kids bake sale tomorrow. I have to study right now to get into a great college. Can I make a 15 min run today after a long day of work?

There is always something that you are going to feel like you need to be in a rush for, but really what we all need to do is SLOW DOWN.

I really have to credit my mom with this, too. It doesn't matter where we are or where we're going, you will always hear her say "What's the rush? We're going to get there eventually." It doesn't matter if there is a five car pile up or just 5 o'clock traffic, she is as cool as a cucumber. Thank you mom for teaching me the patience I have—but could always have more.

Chris and I have had a lot of things happen to us, good and bad, but we are on a mission to just slow down, take life as it comes and live our life day to day—not in the past. That was one of the main reasons we left Houston. To put it in Chris' words "We were tired of the rat race." Sitting in traffic every day, always rushing some where. So we definitely slowed things down, Maui style, and loved it while we were there. Fast forward to present time: Dealing with moving two times, up rooting our lives, leaving our friends and families, not having a job, several family health scares, death of a very close friend, births of our friends babies, a new group of friends, air mattress and college living for a week, getting to know a new city— so yes, we have been through A LOT. But there is always time to S-L-O-W D-O-W-N.

Take time during your day, kiss your kids and parents, call a friend, listen to music for 10 mins, send a "just thinking of you" text to your significant other, take some me time and slow down.

Something Chris and I love doing is we have a date night set every week (thanks Loni!). No matter your schedule, set date night every week with your sig other and stick to it. We also do a Taco Tuesday. We look forward to these things every week. No matter how fast or crazy our lives have been.

So slow down and take a deep breath. You will always get to where you're going.

What me-time will you initiate this week for yourself and/or with your loved ones?

Hello, Seattle!

We are happy to announce that Chris is officially the new Associate Art Director of Seattle Met magazine! Chris will be joining a highly-talented team including Design Director André Mora & Editor in Chief Katherine Koberg and company this July. I’m really excited about this great opportunity and can’t wait to get up there and get to work! Get ready to hear much more about this award-winning publication in the weeks to come…

Some words, from Chris: But, as excited as we are about new beginnings—it’s a bittersweet feeling leaving such a great team behind. MauiTime has been an amazing place to work, and I can’t say enough about what a wonderfully talented group of people they are—and what an amazing product they produce each week. When you see what goes on behind the scenes you gain a new respect for the hard work and dedication that it takes to make such a great weekly happen. They haven’t been just co-workers, but a family here for both my wife and I. So to all my MauiTime peeps—I wish you guys (and gals) the best of luck going forward—although I know you won’t need it. Mahalo, and aloha to our friends.

A New Year, A New Us

Well, it's the 5th day of the new year and 2011 has started out pretty good.

We had an AMAZING 2010 - best of all I got to marry my best friend and got a great set of in-laws in two awesome sisters and a cool brother! Our wedding was the highlight of 2010 for us and we still can't thank everyone involved for making it truly the best moment in our lives.

We can only hope and pray that 2011 will be just as great, if not better. As everyone is making their New Years resolutions, here are the things we are looking forward to and will be working our butts off to do.

Exciting events lined up for 2011:
1. I am working on getting my Nutrition and Wellness Certification from AFPA (I am super excited!)
2. Chris gaining even more press and awards for the great work he is doing as MauiTime Art Director
3. Chris and I partnering together for lucky11studios.com to bring my PR background to Lucky 11
4. Great health for family (mom and dad!), friends and us
5. Starting the next phase of our life
6. Traveling to new places
7. Paying off Chris' car
8. Chris' brother, Cody, graduating from high school!
9. Learn how to surf
10. For me to get a full time job

We have been so blessed and lucky with everything and everyone in our life. So, thank you to everyone, especially our families, who have continued to support us in all our endeavors.

Instead of setting resolutions you probably wont keep - make a list of things you hope to accomplish this year. I promise, you will so much better.

2011 will be amazing!

What are your goals for 2011?

Do You Still Need Date Night Out?

Yes, I really asked that question. Because that question came up when Chris and I went out to dinner the other night.

We had our first night out in Maui as husband and wife and we went to Bocalinos, Mediterrean with a fusion of Italian. It was a new place and I have been dying to try it. The building is lit up from the inside and looks so modern from the outside. We sat at a table right in the middle and secluded. I started off with a Merlot and Chris had his Longboard.

The menu was comprised mostly of delicious sounding tapas - trust me we wanted to try them all - chicken egg rolls, baked oysters Provencale, calamari fritti, New York steak pupu. They also have a Koi Sushi Bar. But we ended up going with the Spicy Sausage - which turned out to be more of a meal instead of a tapa - otherwise the sausage was seasoned perfectly, pasta was cooked well and the tomatoes were juicy complimenting the spiciness of the sausage. Then we split the lasagne (you can never go wrong with lasagne) The meat sauce had a nice blend of tomatoes and herbs and the lasagne layers filled with meat and cheese just melted in your mouth. Granted it was a great dinner, but LOTS of carbs, which need to be run of as we speak :)

The whole night we talked about our day, our thoughts on different subjects and brainstorming potential new business projects. I enjoyed just sitting there talking about anything and everything with Chris. We weren't distracted by our new AppleTV, phones, or anything else around the house. It was a nice feeling.

So on the way home, I told Chris "I had such a great time, thank you." A thank you always goes a long way, even in a marriage :) And he said he did too of course. Then I was like we should go get a drink somewhere. This is where the whole question comes in, he said "But we have drinks at home, we can just go home." If I wanted to go home, I would've suggested it lol!

Then we started to discuss the whole date night out vs staying out home. Studies have proven that date nights can be beneficial to not only marriages but relationships. That's why I feel that it's always important to have your weekly/monthly date nights out. It strengthens the bond between you two and raises your bodies natural endorphines which has the ability to produce feelings of well-being ( the same feelings one has when you start dating).

You don't have to go to the most expensive restaurant or hot spot. Just a place that's special to yall, maybe somewhere yall when on your first date or a favorite burger joint. As long as you're getting away from the distractions at home then you're good to go. If your schedules are super busy, then plan it that week AND it will give you both something to look forward to.

Christopher and I also have our weekly Taco Tuesdays which is something we both look forward to! And super easy on the wallet! Because you just pick up the stuff on your weekly shopping trip :)

When was the last time you had a date night out with your significant other or even your friends or siblings? Take time our of your "busy" life and do something good for yourself and those special in your life.

And you're welcome in advance!

We Got Married!!!!!

Wow, with out realizing it, it has been about a month since I last wrote on my blog. I was a little busy getting.... MARRIED!!!!!

It has been an exhilarating, amazing, joyous, hectic, fun-filled, etc month!

Back to the married part: Christopher and I got married on October 9, 2010 with a beautiful ceremony at the gorgeous Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral Church followed by the most amazing and perfect reception at America's Reception Hall. Pictures on FB, but will post photos on here later. The same question I get asked a lot is "So was it everything y'all hoped it was?" Yes, it really was. We were so grateful to be able to fly back to Houston and have our wedding there. What made it even better was that my entire family from Argentina (cousins, aunts, uncles) were all able to come down and be apart of it. We truly are the luckiest two people and had the most amazing time celebrating our love in front of our friends and family.

Looking back, we loved everything about our wedding. What wasn't to love: flowers were gorgeous, BM and GM looked spectacular in their dresses and tuxedos, moms and dads looked even better, our readers were GREAT, ceremony and the Father were incredible(minus my dad's cell phone going off!), my dress was beautiful and Chris loved it, Chris looked SO HANDSOME!, reception hall was out of this world (Thanks to Christian Cabello! I definitely recommend him!), food was great, dancing and music- well let's just let the pictures explain that one, our cake and the Grooms cake(homemade MAC cake) was awesome, homemade dessert table even better! and the fact that we had all our family and friends, well, that's all we can ask for!

It hit me, when we were saying our vows to each other; when we put our rings on each other and walking down the aisle as Mrs. Christopher Skiles. I can't put it into words how amazing our time was there. We have so many amazing memories from the time we spent with everyone and look forward to the next time we are all able to get together! The times we spend with each other will forever be in our hearts and memories. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making our wedding day the most memorable and amazing time.

No, we didn't take a Honeymoon. We both took time off of work and aren't able to take more time off and we're saving up as well. We also live on Maui, hello! So what we may end up doing is see if we can visit some of the other islands and make it an ongoing honeymoon. No rush. We have the rest of our lives to be together :)

Now we are back to the daily grind: working at the Grande Wailea and designing the wonderful and always artistic MauiTime.

Keep us in your prayers as we both venture off to try new things and await the next chapter of our lives!

Im Hoooommmmmmeee!

I have been home now for about a week and a half and I haven't stopped going since I got here. But I wouldn't have it any other way! Seeing as how I haven't updated since then, you can tell how busy I have been!! Thing's I have done:

1. Had my first dress fitting
2. Found white shoes and earrings
3. Mom found her beautiful dress!
4. Dad and bro got fitted for their tux/suit
5. Met with the venue coordinator to finalize floor plans, cake design and food
6. Met with DJ to finalize play list
7. Met with florist to finalize all flowers (I have the best florist ever! Flowers by Lois)
8. Bought my dresses for: bridal shower, rehearsal and bachelorette party
9. Attended my awesome bridal shower!!
10. Picked up gifts for flower girl and others

Wheeewwwww!!! That's a lot of stuff in a week and a half! And I'm still not done.
1. Started with the seating chart- that has to be one of the most stressful thing EVER!
2. Attend my final dress fitting next Sat
3. Hopefully get my bridal portraits taken
4. Do a trial run with my hair stylist and makeup artist
5. Find my sister and BM's their shoes!!
6. Attend bachelorette party!
7... and so much more.

It has been a little stressful but so great being back and seeing everyone, especially spending time with my family and staying with my sister! It's hard being away from friends and family especially since both Chris and I are big family people. I already knew I was lucky to have the family and friends that I do, but being here with everyone makes me feel even more lucky and blessed to have such amazing people in my life.

I have even had time to go to a UH football game with my sister, her boyfriend, my bro and sister in law; shopping with my mom and sister(what we do best!); have some lunch/coffee dates with my BM's; shoe shopping with my sister in law; hang out with friends at Sawyer Park (awesome place!); met and got marriage advice from Houston Rocket's Shane Battier! So it hasn't been bad!

My parents have made me into the woman that I am; my sister and brother take care of me even when I don't have to tell them; my amazing friends keep me grounded; my fiance keeps me wanting to be a better woman and wife :) for him. I couldn't ask for a better life!

Thank you to everyone who makes a difference in my life and keeps me sane :) Bear with me through this "emotional, stressful" and happy time of me and Chris' life before we start our life together as husband and wife. We couldn't do it without you!

Are You a Good Neighbor?

Yesterday was a great Sunday, and I am so glad I went to church, as I am every Sunday.

I worked all day and I wasn't sure if I wasn't going to be able to go to church because of how late it was. Come 4:45, I'm rushing out already annoyed that I may be late to Church. But I get home change really quickly and get to church in time! And I even have time to pray before which I always love doing. It gives me a sense of calmness and serenity. Not think about anything but be present in that moment and connect with God. It's my time and no one can take that away from me.

I was also able to speak to my sister after Church - which always gives me a sense of calmness too. I'll be honest, I got kind of teary-eyed talking to her because we used to go to church every Sunday: teaching Sunday school then sitting right next to each other. It's sad I'm not able to go to Church with her on Sundays, but I know she's only a phone call away! Chris does go with me every now and then and I appreciate it when he does, because he knows how much it means to me.

But the homily really spoke to me.

It was in regards to The Parable of the God Samaritan Luke 10:25-37

In the parable, a Jewish traveler is beaten, robbed, and left half dead along the road. First a priest and then a Levite come by, but both avoid the man. Finally, a Samaritan comes by. Samaritans and Jews generally despised each other, but the Samaritan helps the injured Jew. Jesus is described as telling the parable in response to a question regarding the identity of the "neighbor" which Leviticus says should be loved.

Are we good neighbors? Do we act neighborly? This was the father's questions to us. It got me thinking to us living here and how relevant this scripture was to our lives. We try to act neighborly every where we are and I think we're pretty good at it. Being here, it's a little hard I have to admit. Because all we have is here each other, not our friends or family. Yes, we have made friends here but it's really not the same. We do know our neighbors, which is a good thing. It just made me smile. I try to live by God's word and this was only another little way of God making sure we all are living this way.

You don't even have to be Catholic to be a good neighbor. It takes love, willingness, patience and comfort. God asks us to love him as well as love our neighbors. If we can't show love to our neighbors then how can we show love to God? It doesn't take a lot to go to your next door neighbor, the person who lives across the street or behind you and just introduce yourself and say hi. A little kindness goes a long way. The Good Samaritan didn't have to stop, but he did it out of the kindness of his heart. There should be more people like that in this world. Don't hesitate, don't wait, go and be neighborly. Even if you have lost touch with someone; if you know someone who is going through a divorce; who has an illness; who has lost someone close to them; let them know you are there if they need anything. They will appreciate it a lot more than you know, and you will feel better doing it :)

I leave you with these thoughts.....

"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"

The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."

Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

We Left Our Hearts in......

Everyone knows how much we love living here, but we have been here almost a year, so I thought it would be appropriate to write about the things that we think about (miss) back home:

* Family

* Friends

* Buster

* Our old apartment

* Myriad of Restaurants and food: TEX MEX food; BW3's; Chi-fil-a; What-a-burger

* Dressing up

* Night life (concerts, restaurant and bar openings)

* My car!

* The Galleria

* Shiner Beer

* Thunderstorms

The time has gone by so fast, I still cant believe that's it's been almost year of living here. In less then a year we have accomplished a lot of what we planned; experienced things we would've never been able to do; seen things we would've never been able to see; met new people; learn about a new culture. We have honestly grown so much and this was the best thing we could've done before our marriage; yet we know there is a lot more growing to do. It's been a little hard but God doesn't ever give us things we can't handle. We thank him everyday for giving us the patience and love we have for each other.

I've also learned that people here take where they live for granted. It made me realize I definitely didn't take living in Houston for granted and we don't take living here for granted.

Take time to appreciate where you are, who you're with and what God has planned for you.

Find Someone To Love the You You Love

For all those SATC or Sex and the City (for you non- fans), you know this quote. With just five days to go before the sequel comes out, I think it's only appropriate to talk about all the great things we have learned from SATC.

Fashion: It is only appropriate to start out with this one! Coming from a big fashinoista- what I like to call myself- I love watching all the fashion trends on this show. Everything from Manolos, Gucci, Chanel, Louboutin, Hermes and so much more. Young women around the world drew inspiration from Charlottes classic look, Miranda's power-house suits, Samantha's sexy vixen dresses and Carrie's "fashion forward ensembles." This is especially important now because they are showing you can still be sexy and look great in their 40's and 50's. Even though I'm not quite there yet, I think that is much needed. Women need to know that turning older isn't just "turning older" you're much more wiser, beautiful and have lived life. Celebrate the age you are, don't hide it. You are only what you perceive yourself to be.

Friendship: A single lady looking for her Mr. Big, a high-powered lawyer and full time mom, a sexaholic who can't say no and a polished, conservative, happily married of one all manage to stay friends through life's ups and downs. Every lady can draw on their relationships with each other as they each represent a different woman in America. It is so important to have that close group of friends you can always call whenever anything is wrong, as we saw and will continue to see in the sequel. No matter what life, friends, family, jobs throws at you, your friends will be there- waiting with a cocktail in hand- to be your listening ear.

Jobs: They each have their own professional career and manage it with grace and elegance. Especially in a busy city like New York, you are able to see them excel at what they do best, even asking advice from their friends along the way. They also continue to manage every other aspect of their life as well. Why can't everyday women do it? We just have to tell ourselves that nothing is impossible and everything is attainable.

Love: Besides fashion, this one is my favorite. We all feel a void if we haven't truly loved before. You know the saying, if you haven't loved and lost before, you haven't truly loved. I honestly believe in that. I don't think Carrie would have been able to find out she truly loved Mr. Big if she didn't lose him once. Like I always say I don't regret anything in life, especially my past relationships because they have made me the person I am today. I am able to truly love Chris and be in love because I know what it's like to truly love someone. I have never loved anyone the way I have loved him. But that wouldn't have happen if I didn't love myself first. "If you can find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous." Thank you Ms. Carrie Bradshaw.

Everyone needs to learn to love themselves first and I believe everything else in your life will fall into place.

Thank you SATC for all the things you have taught me. I can't wait to find out what adventures in life, fashion, friends and love this next part of your life brings you. Come on MAY 27!!