SEE TRUE SUCCESS

   Having breakfast, with my friend Mike Veny, we were laughing over eggs at all the ridiculous obstacles we’ve experienced in our lives.  I told Mike I believe a bumpier ride in life helps you achieve true success, as opposed to perceived success. Upon Mike’s insistence, I decided to dedicate a blog to the subject. Mike, this one’s for you.

Mike and I met as speakers at the CEO conference last November. Check out his website it's pretty amazing what he is doing in the worlds of mental health and music.

   We live in a voyeuristic world where too much of our time is eaten up by perceived success.  It chips away at our self esteem and, suddenly, our achievements are no longer good enough. 

  When I started my handbag company, Solas, in 2004 I had one thing on my mind, "Oprah".   I believed in order to be considered a success, I had to be on her show.

I literally had a picture of Oprah in my bedroom. As you see, she is welcoming me with open arms.

My first big press hit was The Today Show.  Katie Couric said, "My friend Kara invented these bags" and my mom was elated!  If I had Facebook back then, I am sure I would have received 100 "likes" from high school friends who would have thought I was really cool. 

 The reality was, I only sold 8 bags from that segment.   When a mutual friend of Katie's and I found out I was going to be on The Today Show, she rang her up in hopes that Katie would give us a bigger "shout out". 

   

 In the fun banter of Matt jabbing at Katie, playfully, for saying I was her "friend", Cojo never mentioned where to buy my bags. However, my mom called everyone she knew to say that Katie said my name.

Click on this click and fast forward to minute 4 if you want to witness the hilarious moment!

 As time went on, Solas graced the pages of People, Us Weekly, In Touch etc...  I was on Extra, E! News, Fox, but not Oprah!!!!!  We were selling thousands and thousands of bags, but I never truly celebrated because the "mothership" refused to answer my calls.  Ok, that's a lie. I might have had a glass of Champagne or two (or three, lol,) but the next day I would always wake up to this little voice in my head saying, "It's not good enough. You're not good enough." 

This pic is for the .10 percent of you who didn't know this was the "mothership".

The year Entrepreneur magazine considered doing a feature about me, Solas was finally considered for Oprah's Favorite Things. The article happened. Oprah didn't.  Clearly, I was a loser.  In the end, the closest I ever got to Oprah was when I, embarrassingly, did the "Oprah ugly cry" during my documentary when I went from a potential deal with HSN and Dillards... to almost having to claim bankruptcy.

Come on! You have all done it... you just weren't stupid enough to have the cameras rolling.

My Oprah obsessed journey taught me there are two sides to the coin of success.  The head is how the world interprets your achievements and your attachment to that perception. The tail is your heart string. It is your calling and it’s driven by your soul, not others'. The key to happiness is finding a way for both sides to live harmoniously.  I missed the boat on a few things, those years I was chasing the big "O". First of all, the Katie Couric moment was not a failure.  My soul knew it was not about selling bags it, was about giving me credibility so I could achieve my dreams.  Plus, my soul really likes making my mom happy! 

My head made it a failure by tying it to money. Even when I did start to achieve monetary success, I never saw myself as successful. So my tail side said, "Grrrlll didn't you learn anything?!?!? I'm about to wake your ass up!" (Cut to Oprah ugly cry and having to start all over.)

    Before I wrote this article I asked my friends, "What is the meaning of success?"  Some people had very specific goals in mind. However, universally, people wrote about balance.  Whether it was juggling motherhood and career or work and spirituality, everyone seemed to want to balance life's mishaps with life's achievements. 

I thought it would be fun to post some of the comments as a reminder to all of us to stay focused on real success.

I think at the core we all know about the two sides of the coin. We struggle with it. We feel guilty to admit we have a head side that cares about perception. We wish we always came up tails and lived our lives 100% driven by our hearts.  I am here to say both sides are OK.  In fact, you need that balance to achieve happiness.  Just make sure your perception of things isn't clouded. It's OK to have lofty goals or aspirations in life. It's OK to be aware of what your neighbor or children or the world thinks of you, just don't let it guide you. Keep it in your peripheral vision and make sure you are always checking in with the "man in the mirror." (or should I say goddess?)

Love and Light- YOU ARE A SUCCESS!!!

KK

Make sure to follow me at @lifebykk on twitter for daily inspiration!

STEP UP TO THE PLATE... FOR BOSTON

Once again, the hustle and bustle of an American work day was brought to a grinding halt by another tragedy.  A day that should be filled with joy and celebration was literally brought to its knees by a senseless act of cowardliness. There are very few traditions left in our culture that bring out the spirit of brotherhood and humanity, The Boston Marathon is one of those traditions. 

 

Carlos Arredondo carrying a bloodied US flag at the scene of the Boston Marathon explosions. Photograph: Darren Mccollester/Getty Images

I think we all knew on September 11, 2001 that our lives were changed forever but I don't think any of us fathomed how deep the penetration of violence would now be embedded in our culture.  At first we all banned together. We flew flags. We introduced ourselves to our neighbors.  We prayed for strangers.  As time went on, however, we locked our doors.  We closed our shades. We tuned into CNN.  

We drifted farther and farther away from our fellow Americans slowly becoming desensitized to Anthrax scares, heighten security alerts, and images of war.  Little did we know the score had just become 2 points Terrorist, 0 America.  Americans were oblivious to the fact the terrorists had just turned our living rooms into a battle field without using a gun.  We were, however, acutely aware of the media and our quest for justice. We watched the news religiously.  We spent money and resources to find whoever was responsible because we thought killing the source of evil would wash America clean and restore normality.

When I was a kid life certainly was not perfect.  The country had a long ways to grow in respect and support of equal rights for all Americans.  I am proud to say I have seen that change in my lifetime. However, my school was never a war zone. My yard was my utopia. And I spent more time interacting with my neighbors and family than I did a video game.  I felt loved by my community. I felt safe. My teachers had the resources and support to nurture my growth.   I honestly remember being excited to say the Pledge Of Allegiance every morning. I would  jump up and down waving my hand in hopes of the teacher choosing me to lead it. There was support in our community. People were not only willing to help foster the future of the children but when something did happen, it happened to all of us, as Americans.

 

A simpler time with my mom as a child.

Now as mass shooting after mass shooting occurs we spend hours debating on television as to where to point the finger.  The mother?  The teacher?  The law?  Anything to deflect a sense of responsibility as a community. As more places become unsafe for us to congregate and love one another we deny we are drifting away into a world where we have abandoned our children and each other.  We no longer need the terrorist to create terror, the seed was planted and we watered it.  

We find ourselves once again looking for one source of evil to pinpoint the violent act on so we can wash ourselves clean and move on with our day. Terrorist 3,  America 0. 

The Boston Marathon had thousands of charity runner participants. People much like myself who run to raise awareness and money for diseases like Cancer.  And a half a million people lined the streets to cheer on all the runners.  Many of the participants were complete strangers to the supporters yet they cheered and yelled, "You can do it!"  They were selflessly supporting one another to show the younger generation and the world that love is limitless.

Someone or some group tried to destroy that example of community.  As we see the  injury and casuality reports,  I know it seems impossible to overcome the anger and not seek revenge. I want justice like we all do.  But if we lose sight of our neighbor I believe we are doing a disservice to every hero involved.

So what do we do?  How do we turn such soar lemons into lemonade? It won't be easy but we could start by doing something different to really start fighting back.  I say we turn off our TVs and ipads and instead find time to volunteer in our community. If that is not possible, how about we just simply display a random act of kindness to a stranger everyday this week.   Introduce yourself to that neighbor you have never met or maybe have avoided because you are "too" busy to talk.  Let's promise not to forget, but let's also promise to not be afraid.  We can use this tragedy to get motivated to make a difference.   What happened won't destroy or shadow one of the greatest traditions in American culture-- the Bostonians are too strong for that... but it could inspire us to make more.

My friend Henri's cousins were among the victims severly injured in this tragedy. The family could use your help and support.  Please click on this link to learn more and donate. http://www.gofundme.com/CelesteandSydney

 

An emergency responder and passerby tend to Sydney Corcoran, a Lowell High School student who was injured by shrapnel in Monday's bomb explosion at the Boston Marathon. (AP Photo/The Boston Globe, David L Ryan) Read more:

 

Love and Light to everyone in Boston,

KK

(Kara Kurcz)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

edited by J. Perrone

KEEPING IT SIMPLE!!!

So there is nothing simple about cancer. Just as there is nothing simple about any unplanned bump in the road of life.   When Brian was originally diagnosed two years ago, the initial prognosis was not good.

They believed his cancer was already at a Stage 3b.  I know some of our doctors would have preferred for us to accept this... and wait.   I am too impatient for that. There was now three of us in this marriage.  It was up to me to figure out how we were going to evict our new roommate... "cancer." 

At first I complicated things. I was going out of my mind trying to control what was happening. I wanted an overnight cure that would erase this dark cloud looming in our living room.  Then I heard a voice whisper, "Take a step back. Take a deep breath. Just start simple."

So, I started with food. It seemed like a logical solution. Everyone needs food. Food was the one thing I could control. Plus, if cancer feeds off sugar... then surely something must combat it???  However, I had no idea what I could or should feed him!

Once I started my research, I had a panic attack. I was overwhelmed by a world riddled with carcinogens, casein, GMO's, pesticides and arsenic!!! AND THE DEVIL MONSANTO SEEDS IS GOING TO KILL US ALL!!!!

FINALLY, WHOLE FOODS HAS STEPPED UP.   IT IS NOW EASIER TO IDENTIFY GMOs  (Click here to learn more)

I literally stayed up for 48 hours sobbing uncontrollably. There was no way I could save my husband!!  There was nowhere to go! Nowhere to hide!!!!!! WE ARE ALL GOING TO DIE!!!!! WAIT!?! MY CELL PHONE!!  IS GOOGLING GOING TO KILL ME TOO???!!

I DON'T THINK I COULD GIVE MY CELL PHONE UP. I WOULD RATHER EAT TWIGS!

It was about day 3 of no sleep that that little voice inside started chatting again, this time louder, "KK, get a hold of yourself!!!! Stop being so dramatic. Just keep it simple!!!"

SOME OF MY FAVORITE "CLEAN" CONDIMENTS TO ADD TO VEGGIES. IF YOU LIKE THE TASTE OF MEAT PACIFICO BROTH IS THE BOMB. AND ITS PACKAGING IS SAFE!

So I had glass of wine and took a nap. When I woke up, I began cooking simple lifesaving foods. I am not a devout vegan or nutritionist. I am not a doctor. I am just a wife who did not want to lose her husband. It was that love changed our lives forever.  Cancer has taught us not to complicate our lives. You need to embrace and attack each day head on and look for the opportunity for a lesson. My lesson was about living foods.

HOW COULD YOU NOT ADORE THIS GUY?!

I now believe in balance. I promote that 70% of your diet should be plant based and organic. BUT it should also taste good. I promise this blog will never fool you- when it comes to taste.

I don't like things that say they are, "Raw Mac N Cheeze" and then you taste it and it is more like nutty gooey stuff. I believe if you keep it simple, you can go out and have a cheeseburger...once and awhile. 

So weekly I will post a simple recipe that will introduce some great foods that can help your body fight back whatever it may be battling:)

Since it is a holiday week I will start with a cruciferous vegetable! Brussels are my favorite cancer fighting food!  Two major reasons you should eat them; Sulforaphane and Vitamin C.  I do them a hundred different ways but my  "Mexican Explosion" Brussels are a favorite among my spicy friends:)

1 bag of organic brussels. 1/2 cup Dijon. 1 garlic clove. 3 tbs of jalapeno juice. 1 tbs olive oil. 1 tbs dry organic mustard. 1 tsp Celtic sea salt. 1 tsp cayenne pepper 1/4 cup of Soy-Free Veganaise

 The thing about brussels is you do not want to undercook or overcook them. In order to maintain their healing qualities it is best to cook them until you see their color change to a slightly brighter green.  For this recipe I chop the ends and halve the brussels. Then I lightly steam them in an organic broth until I see them change color.  I strain them and put them to the side. Then I add my Dijon,crushed garlic,jalapeno juice, olive oil, dry mustard,cayenne, salt and Soy-free veganise.

NOTE*** If you cannot handle spicy foods for medical or any other reasons my alternative is to replace the jalapeno juice and cayenne with 1 tablespoon of Raw Organic Blackstrap Molasses.  (Click on the link to see why Blackstrap Molasses is a great alternative.)

Once your spicy or sweet aioli is mixed, put your brussels back on the stove on a medium heat and fully coat them with the mixture. Once you can see they have started to soften in the middle, remove and serve.

If you are interested in more information on cancer fighting or healing foods, here is one of my favorite sites!

http://www.healwithfood.org/cancer/foods.php !

And remember, this weekend try and keep it simple! xoxox KK

 

 

 

Special thanx to editor Josie Perrone

SURVIVING ...SURVIVING

Survivor is a funny word. It has this ring to it that implies all you need to do is earn the title and suddenly everything is OK.

 My husband, Brian, is an easy going guy. Not much fazes him.

 

NOTICE HE IS WEARING MY SCARF

 

I would go as far to say that even when he was diagnosed with cancer he was practical and succumb to the fact that most likely... he had no control of his destiny.

However, all bets were off once Brian became a "survivor". You see, when you have any major hardship happen to you, your life becomes a fish bowl. 

 

WHY IS EVERYONE LOOKING AT ME?!

 

At first everyone cheers as you swim in and out of that tiny plastic castle.  You feel special.  People enjoy nurturing you. They never forget to feed you or change your "water". 

 

LOOK AT US! WE ARE SO HEALTHY!!!

 

 

Then slowly the novelty wears off...

You wake up one morning to find that the world is no longer cheering. Instead, everyone is just staring.  So you feel depressed.

 

 

I"M A LOSER. NO ONE LOVES ME

 

If you had cancer; you might feel judged on your appearance.  "Should you be eating that?"

 

OMG!!! HE IS EATING MEAT!!!!!!!!!

 

 If you were mourning; you might feel people are judging you on your ability to move on. "Is she actually dating?" "

If you were broke; you might feel people judging you when you do something nice for yourself.  "Did you buy a new dress?" 

 

THAT WOULD BE PRADA WITH A "P"

 

As your bowl swirls with everyone's opinions you wake up one morning to find your water cloudy. You are starving because no one has fed you in weeks.  And you start to wonder... "Is everyone just waiting for the morning they find me belly up in the bowl???"

 

PLEASE DONT FLUSH ME!!!!

 

So what happened? You overcame insurmountable obstacles to earn the title of survivor. I mean you did the unthinkable;  you beat cancer, you clawed your way out of debt, you overcame the loss of a loved one, you got through a divorce, you lost 100 pounds now... YOU'RE looking at a toilet bowl anticipating someone will flush you!?!?!??!?

I would love to say, "People suck that is what happened!"  However, then I would have to throw out my whole "Life into Lemonade" stick and hit the bottle.

 

I DID THINK ABOUT IT... FOR A SPLIT SECOND

 

Instead, lets make lemonade. (you can add vodka later if you wish)

 

KK-TINI: 1/2 LEMON JUICED, 1 OUNCE VODKA, .5 OUNCE CHAMBORD AND A REAL FRIEND TO SHARE IT WITH

Everyone has a light inside and I believe people, like moths, are attracted to "light."  Some people have to climb mountains and swim oceans because it is a necessary part of their journey. Their light shines outward, so others can be guided. It is like a gigantic flashlight! Your life is meant to be shared with the world!

 

 

WE DID IT! SO CAN YOU!!!!!

 

 However, when we believe we are defined by what "this life" has put us through instead of who we are inside...moths start eating our clothes. We allow them to poke holes in our truth and our flashlights start to dim.

 So what do you do????? Well, first it's time to change the batteries in your flashlight:)  You need to take a step back and look at WHO you are asking to clean your fish bowl.

My guess is if they are questioning your candy bar, they just ate two. If they are judging how you spend money, they have a fear of being broke. If they are smack talking your ability to laugh or love, they wish they could do both.

Next eat a twinkie if you feel like it.  Then kindly tell them you appreciate their concern but you are a survivor and you know how to do just that.

 

MAKEUP GENIUS KRISTINA DUFF KNOWS HOW TO SHINE INSIDE AND OUT WITH HER ATTAGIRL ORGANIZATION!!!

 

Finally, ask them, "What is really up your butt?"   Something is most likely bugging them and you can shine some light on how they too, can learn to be a survivor:)

 Now...speaking of "Asses" and "Survivors" this month is Colon Cancer Awareness month!!  WHOOO HOO! So in the spirit of shining lights up butts....we have asked some of our fabulous celebrity friends to support the cause!

 

STEVEN KRAMER GLICKMAN AKA GUSTAVO FROM BIG TIME RUSH KNOWS WHAT'S UP!

 

 We are happy  to support our buddies at the Colon Cancer Alliance .   We are donating a portion of every Solas bag purchased to raise awareness for this cause! Check out www.solasfashion.com and listen to Stan!!!!!

 

 

LESLIE DAVID BAKER AKA "STAN" from THE OFFICE

Now go buy a purse that will light up just like you! www.solasfashion.com

 

xoxox

KK

 

WHATS UP YOUR BUTT?

Some important information:

 

1.) Colorectal Cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.

2.) Although there has been a significant rise in the number of young people diagnoses with this cancer in the last 5 years recommended screenings are not until age 50.

3.)Colorectal Cancer is a slow moving cancer and if caught early has a 90% recovery rate.

4.) You can have colon cancer and feel great. Symptoms are non specific like stomach discomfort,rectal bleeding or slight blood in and around your stool.

4.) Over 9% of MEN AND WOMEN will be effected by colorectal cancer. This is not a man's disease.

 

LIAR,LIAR, PANTS ON FIRE

Nobody likes a liar.  In fact,I have never met a single person who has ever told me, "I enjoy people who lie."

According to Wikipedia; a lie is a known untruth expressed as a truth often with the further intention to maintain a secret or a reputation.

 Hmm, well who wants to have a bad reputation?  Not I!

 So with that in mind some lies aren't as bad as others, right?

 I mean there is the Noble Lie; when you lie for the sake of honor, whether it be your own or some else's.

So if someone asks you :  "When are you due?" (and the only baby your birthing is all that birthday cake you ate)

and you happen to stutter in a panic, "uhhhh...."5 months".

This is not a lie!  You were clearly protecting your honor.

(Side note:  Ladies write your local congress.  Questions like that should be punishable by law.)

Another example, as my good friend Kala pointed out, is when you tell a sympathy lie in order to make your friend feel better.  Maybe...she happened to gain a few lbs over Xmas and you lost a few.  You don't want her to feel bad!

"I totally gained 5 lbs too! Don't worry about it, it's winter."

 

(Come to think of it maybe skinny samaritans like Kala should be punished as well.  Their offense?  They have the ability to be skinny samaritans!)

Then there is the ever so popular, White Lie.  The "white lie", in the 21st century, has become a right of passage in relationships. Therefore making 80% of people in relationships...absolved of the sin of lying.

Ladies, your man TOTALLY remembered to drop your mother's card in the mail on the way to work.

I mean, why would he lie?

Now my favorite word for lying is Puffery; which is an exaggerated claim.  Why?  Because everyone does it, politicians, sales people, marketing executives...women...

"I have no idea why these jeans don't fit!  I have been the same size since high school."

Oh!  How about Lying By Omission...commonly used by teenagers and some adults...

Listen, when my best friend Carolyn and I went to our alma mater IOWA for a football game, it was not our fault those boys assumed we were seniors.

...I mean we are seniors...(to them)

And the devil of all categories of lies is...

 Lying Through Your Teeth

I mean who could ever do that?  What a horrible person!  GROSS!

Yes, we have conveniently categorized lying so that some of us can do it when we deem ABSOLUTELY necessary...and others...well...they are L.I.A.R.S!!!

So why am I babbling on and on about lies?  And what does this have to do with your closet?!  The way I look at it, in some way shape or form, we are all...liars.  (GASP!  I KNOW!)  And the majority of our lies stem from how we think we look...and how we want to look to the world. 

So next time someone is having a hard time telling the truth, don't get mad right away.  Think about all the times you have have total a little fib and why. Maybe it is your job to help them feel comfortable in their own skin. So they don't find the need to "lie".

When we are able to light the way for others that is when we are being true to ourselves...that is when we feel fabulous...and the rest my friends just has a way of falling into place.

 

Have a great weekend,

KK

WHAT IS THAT SILLY SLIT IN MY SPANX?

THE SECRET TO THE SLIT IN YOUR SPANX...

Boys laugh at bathroom banter. 

But as gabby as us gals can be, the bathroom...is usually A BOYCOTTED subject.

And while I agree the loo should stay, lets say, a "dirty little secret," there are times we need to break protocol for the betterment of women kind.

When I worked on "The Tyra Banks Show" I had heard a rumor from Tyra herself that you can go to the bathroom without pulling your Spanx down.  But I have to be honest, she talked about a lot of things I would never try at home so I sort of dismissed the thought.  I would just yank, and tug, and pull down...then I would hope that no "overflow" would hit the wad of nylon wrapped around my ankles as I stood hovering over the toilet seat.

 

 

 

Finally, I would pray as I did the "running man" in place, pulling the Spanx back up.  I hoped an angel would land them exactly where they had been...so they would not slip and create a fat roll..

...until one day when one of my best girlfriends changed my life.

At a wedding, my friend Carolyn said, "You know the hole is for peeing, right?"

You see, I had been wearing Spanx since the dawn of Spanx, and I never noticed that my new Spanx now had a slit in them.

Perplexed, I looked down and there it was, staring right at me...

Terrified, I said , "No way!  If I miss, I'm screwed for the rest of the wedding because I will have to ditch the Spanx and reveal the burrito baby I am hiding!".

She fed me a few more cocktails and coaxed me back into the ladies room where she told me to literally sit, spread, and lean forward.  I was terrified to say the least, but Carolyn was not letting me at out that stall until I performed. And low and behold... a few rum and cokes and a glass of water later, it worked!

Now ladies, you are going to have to trust me on this one.  I know it's scary but I swear it works!  I highly suggest the buddy system because it will ease your fears.  Carolyn was taught by her friend Emily...and now girls, it is my turn to pass the torch.

I know you are mortified,when I told my good friend Josie, she was too....
 

But I explained to her she needed to focus on all the free time she will have once her Spanx bathroom trips are reduced from 25 minutes to 5!  And I pointed out that I am basically issuing a Public Service Announcement... after a few glasses of wine, she reluctantly agreed to let me show her just how the deed is done.

 

Step 1:   Do not be afraid to sit on the seat . Think of the Spanx as a seat cover.

Step 2:  In a seated squat position lean as far forward as you can...

(without falling in of course)

Now take a deep breath... and relax

When you lean forward all the way the slit will open naturally like this...

  Step 3:  Trust your Spanx will not spill!

Now that wasn't so bad was it?  Today, I leave you with one last word of advice.  Proceed with caution if you have the newest model of Spanx.

 

The kind like this where your bra attaches to the Spanx.

I hear it tends to shift the slit just slightly to the right...which I am sure you can imagine could be...a little messy.

CHEERS TO BLISSFUL BATHROOM BREAKS IN YOUR FUTURE!

XOXO

KK

IF YOU ARE NOT DEAD YET... HERE IS A WAY TO START LIVING!!!

Welcome back to the rebirth of my new blog now titled: "Life Into Lemonade".  I have missed you all so much!  I thought it would be fitting to launch a blog all about how to embrace life's imperfections on the supposed day of impending doom!  "Life Into Lemonade" will be a place where you can laugh at life's unexpected BOULDERS in the road and find a way to use those rocks as the foundation for your dreams.  I will be sharing fun recipes, tips, mishaps, stories and more!  Everyday will be something new to improve your wellness, your work and your ability to laugh at life.  Now lets get down to business.

 

SAL & I TURNING THE APOCALYPSE INTO LEMONADE

I thought my Armageddon was the day my husband Brian was diagnosed with cancer two years ago.  I was trapped in a Hulk Hogan chokehold with no end in sight.  I was filled with a secret hate.  I hated how my life had changed.  I hated I selfishly felt abandoned by my spouse.  I hated the people who made it all about them.  I felt deflated and lifeless.  Everything I knew, everything I loved, and everything I cared about had suddenly vanished.  I couldn't write and I couldn't speak.  I was just an angry General.  I had one job and that was to get my two-man army home safe.  In these desperate moments of solitude I found solace in an unexpected place...the kitchen.

It started out as a necessary chore.  I believed food could cure Brian.  So I looked at his meals as scientific experiments.  The kitchen was my lab.  Eventually, I realized food was the only thing I had control of in our lives.  I would get up at 7am head to the local farmer's market, Whole Foods and health stores.  I would study recipes and change them to a more palatable presentation for Brian. This went on for months, I couldn't work but I could cook.  Slowly but surely, friends and family started to comment.  "You need to share this recipe".   "I would love to hire you to cook healthy for me".  At first I refused to see the signs.  I liked holding on to my anger; clearly these people thought I had lost my creative touch.  They no longer saw me as writer or producer.  They looked at me and saw someone who had failed, someone they needed to show pity.  It took months for me to realize that they were ACTUALLY complimenting my creativity.  It took even longer for me to realize the universe had given me an opportunity not a curse.  Cooking not only allowed  me to be creative but it allowed me to help those around me better their lives.  My "Armegeddon" was a big fat present.

 

 
WE RENEWED OUR VOWS ON THE TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF OUR "ARMEGEDDON"

We wanted the ceremony be an opportunity for our guests to benefit from what we learned during our journey with cancer.  So the theme was all about mother earth and accepting the power of healing and oppurtunity.

 We decided to do a handfasting ceremony so we asked our guests to wear white or green.  Green represented healing, generosity, and abundance in family.  White represented new beginnings and opportunties.

MY LA "ADOPTED SECOND MOM"  JOAN, WHO IS AN ASS KICK'IN CANCER SURVIVOR AND MY BEAUTIFUL MOTHER JUDY, ROCKED THE COLOR GREEN!

We wanted everyone to see the power that lies in perceived obsticles.

OUR TABLE NUMBERS WERE LOG STUMPS. BRIAN'S GRANDFATHER'S CHALK BOARD SAID "GRAB YOUR STUMP TO GET OVER A HUMP"  

 DURING DINNER WE ASKED OUR GUESTS TO WRITE ON THE STUMP WHAT WAS HOLDING THEM BACK IN LIFE.  LATER WE ALL BURNED THEM IN A FIRE.

THEN WE ALL ATE S'MORES THAT REMINDED US ABOUT LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP

See today as a new lease on life!  Let it be the end of your old way of thinking and the beginning of a new way of living!

 xoxoxo

KK

SIZING UP OUR SISTERS

So what is it about us gals? Let's face it, ladies, I don't know who we check out more:  ourselves... or other chics!

NO SHE DIDN'T JUST WEAR A DRESS ON CASUAL FRIDAY!

Ain't it funny how our confidence can hinge on little things like...

Does our desk mate have her sneakers or stilettos on today?

"Cuz I am wearing flip flops...not Ferragamo.

I'LL BE DAMNED IF MY NASTY BUSTED TOES ARE NEXT TO THAT BLING!"

Whether it be Dana's dressing down and Dina is dressing up...

Sally washed her hair and Susie waits till Friday...

Or the carnal sin, Karen's got full face and Kara ...

WENT AU NATURAL!

Yep, the minute we see someone done up we feel down trodden.

The last ten days I kept track of how many times I witnessed this phenomenon.

Believe it or not, 10 out of 10 days I saw it happen. And sadly, the 10th day was me.

Sure enough some young sprightly soul named Kelly frolicked into my office on Thursday...

  

NOTE THE NATURALLY TOUSLED HAIR AND PERFECTLY WHITE TEETH

Miraculously when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror moments later I had gained 10lbs and was in dire need of crest whitening strips.

Funny how that happens...

What is not funny; however, is the fact that Thursday I did not blow dry my hair.

And lipstick... hello? Who does her make-up in the am and forgets to put on lips?

DOUBLE HELLO??? I DO!!!!

So what do we do girls? I mean NONE of us are immune to it.

We could just stab all the pretty bi***es in the eyes and spread nasty rumors about them... just kidding.

(sort of)

But that would not be good karma, cuties!

A cutie will wake up tomorrow and go to her closet with a smile plastered on her face. No matter what she chooses she will stick to her guns all day! 

And when her insecurities kick in because Betty lost 10 lbs... and she happened to spend last night baking a "cake", she will force herself to give Betty a hug.

Girlfriends, at the core we are all SISTERS.

So just fill the room with love and light and trust that you are just as amazing as you were when you woke up this morning. I truly believe positive energy can not only change our outlook on life but our bodies, as well.

I promise it will come back ten-fold. Someday you will be in a hurry, in flip flops, and void of make up.

And someone will notice how pretty you are and compliment you on your true beauty. Ask my co-worker Carol. Today it actually happened to her. Unfortunately, she would not let me take a picture to prove it.

 

Love and Light

KK

WHEN THE "C" WORD INVADES YOUR CLOSET

There are so many C words that make your heart flutter like...couture, cashmere, or better yet closet!  I have to admit that I am a big fan of most C words...especially coffee and cash!

But somehow in my 30's, I had completely forgotten there were other C words-words that make your heart feel like it has stopped.  Words like carcinoma, cancer or chemo.

In my 20's I had experienced those words first hand with family and friends and while you never forget the "who" in those lost, over time I had slowly forgotten...the "how".

So at 6:30am on November 4th the only "C" word on my mind was coffee...creme brulee coffee to be exact.

Brian was making me drive to his doctors appointment.  I don't drive.  So If he didn't let me make a pit stop...this could be grounds for divorce.  We made our way through traffic in Beverly Hills.  My eyes were definitely on the clock, not the road.  As we approached our destination I saw an oasis in the distance-the most beautiful Coffee Bean EVER!

We had 4 minutes till his colonoscopy appointment. We were practically early!

He looked at me and said "Kara, forget about it.  I don't want to be late."

I retorted, "You're just getting checked for celiacs stop being so dramatic."

He laughed and said, "Me dramatic?  Ok drop me off.  I will fill out the paperwork out and you run and get your coffee.  You are an addict Lady!"

And with those words I frolicked to the Coffee Bean clueless that in hour our lives were about to be changed forever...by the "C" word I had forgotten.

The rest of the day is pretty much a blur for both Brian and I.  Brian was coming off a twilight anesthesia.  I was obsessing over the thought, "Why was that damn coffee so important to me?" As if I had NOT stopped somehow things would have been different. 

I remember the gastroenterologist was wearing a red tie.  It clashed with his shirt.  I also remember he would not look me in the eye.

I remember a women in her 60's in the CT scan waiting room.  She had a purple bandanna on her head.  It was silk.  She told me, "You get through it.  Don't worry, you do."  I wanted to say to her, "Sorry you must be mistaken. You see were in our early 30's we don't belong here."  But instead I said, "Thank you that is a beautiful scarf."

The doctor who finally told us Brian had cancer was wearing a blue shirt.  It matched his blue eyes.  He was the best dressed I had seen all day.

The tumor was the size of an orange.  The scan indicated 3 lymph's were most likely infected putting us somewhere around an early stage 3.  He had no major symptoms or signs.

I thought about how two days before we had just returned from a football game at my alma mater.  He had looked so cute in that black and gold shirt.

In my mind I screamed, "Why is this happening?"

The doctor continued to talk.  His vital organs were clear.  We should be thankful.  He said,"A tumor that big, the news is usually a lot worse, even fatal."

Somehow, we didn't feel very lucky.

I was wearing my gray cashmere sweater with a hood.  I pulled the hood over my head as too not let Brian see me cry.

The days that followed were to be the biggest tests of our life.  We changed the way we thought, we changed the way we ate and we changed the way we dressed.  We eventually started to un-closet our own Karma.

Brian has asked that I share our whole journey with our readers. So I will continue our story in future blogs. His hope is that you will find inspiration in whatever obstacle you come across in the new year and take it on with an open heart and mind.

And to be honest, that is just the type of amazing man I am married to.

Brian and Tess joke around just 80 hours after surgery.  Brian's doctors said his release was a record, but I will tell you more about that later.  I just dig the xmas pants and the robe.

Life has a funny way of redirecting our path to get us back on track.  I hope you check back daily to see where the road took us.

Love and Light,

And remember the light inside of all of us burns bright even on the darkest of nights. You just have to remember to open the closet doors and let it out:)

KK