A Month in Review

October, where did you go?

Christmas is in SEVEN weeks?!

I hope you all forgive me for not posting in weeks. Last time I wrote, I mentioned we were a man down at work and awaiting a new hire. Said new hire starts TOMORROW!! Can’t even begin to describe my elated happy dance! I’ve been on call two weeks out of the last four, I’m ready to breathe a little again.

I keep saying I’m going to plan out this blog and start to post on a more regular basis with actual themes and scheduled postings. I bought a new planner (from Paper Source) for the year ahead and have started the process… we’re going to call that a win for now. Don’t get me wrong.. I’m not complaining.. I’m just learning how to balance my life that is transplant and blogging. It’s so much harder than I had originally anticipated, but I’m loving every minute of it.

Since I’m severely lagging on my posts – let’s catch up shall we?

In mid- October we ventured to Napa/San Fran for Charlie’s cousin’s wedding. More to come on that one (will post in Tara’s Travels). But in a nutshell, Napa was incredible beyond words!!

I had some FANTASTIC meals last month including a new(er) restaurant, Flora Street Cafe & the new Shake Shack that recently opened here in Dallas. In all my ventures to NYC, I never once tried the popular spot.. and it did not disappoint. Flora Street Cafe is the new Stephen Pyles spot, and is insanely beautiful. I’d go there again just to stare at the design of the place.

Cheeseburgers, cheese fries and a chocolate marshmallow shake — happiness on a tray

Flora Street Cafe’s dinner — sadly I don’t entirely remember the name of this plate other than astounding!

Lunch at Celebrity Cafe, one of my favorite spots here in Dallas.

I also finally tried frose, this one at Social House in uptown. The pink rose just made it perfect!

I also tried this life changing frozen treat from Berrynaked Pops, pumpkin + cheesecake. OH EM GEE you guys… I never wanted it to end. If you haven’t been, you must try their huge selection of pops!

One of the best things about Dallas is second to New York City, it has the most restaurants per capita. I’m sure I’ve mentioned it several times before, but my brother is an amazingly talented chef here in the city. The food business runs in our family, but Neal’s talents never cease to astound me. He and I often try out new restaurants together or find incredible hole-in-the-wall or mom/pop places that knock my socks off. We were raised in a town where El Chico and Olive Garden were the go-to places, so imagine my utter joy being in this foodie-driven city!

October has also been exciting to see the how much the blog & Daiquiri Diaries name have grown, I am always floored by each and every follower. It is truly remarkable there are so many people who tune in to see what I’m wearing, where I’m eating, and what I’m up to. I sincerely appreciate every single one of you and always welcome more feedback. The greater depths I reach into this, the more I want to know what you guys want to hear & see!

I finished the month with two huge milestones, professionally speaking. I presented my first webinar with Interlink, who specialize in identifying, certifying and recognizing medical excellence. For those of who you don’t know healthcare or even transplant, healthcare facilities can be deemed “centers of excellence” which, in short, helps entice insurance companies to covering that facility and overall speaks very well for your program. I was approached by Interlink to present a webinar to nurses and case managers across the country discussing our program and the in’s & out’s of transplant care as a leader within our transplant community. I’m still blushing over the whole experience. You know when God sends you little nudges about your life path? This was another little pat on the back assuring me I’m exactly where I need to be. The funny thing is the webinar is obviously online and faceless meaning all those tuned in to the webinar itself could hear me but couldn’t see me. I was SO NERVOUS you guys. Nervous to the point of sweaty palms and a rapid heartbeat… like I was standing in an auditorium speaking to hundreds face-to-face. I think I need a coach to smooth out my delivery, I listened to the entire thing afterwards and definitely say “um” quite a lot.

I also completed the last and final step for my hopeful DNP (doctorate in nursing practice) with a telephone interview with Loyola faculty. I’ve been waiting for literally months, hopefully I find out in the next week or two! It’s odd, I was so relieved to complete my master’s this summer but I actually miss school! You know how older folks always tell you the benefit in education and to never stop learning? I feel like my brain turns mushy if I’m not constantly reading and learning new information! (I do crossword puzzles at night before bed for this very reason!)

Lastly, let’s talk clothes. I picked up some amazing new pieces from my favorite local boutique, L Bartlett, including several items from for Love and Lemons fall collection. The dress takes me back to the 70’s (theoretically since I was born in ’86). The pattern & cut are so flattering and delicately feminine. The hint of lace at the collar is also just the right touch! Bell sleeves also add an element of excitement to this winter white ensemble.