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Holly Sturgill

 

Mermaids of Alcatraz Tour (a.k.a. one of the best nights of my life!)

So most of you are probably wondering why I have been going crazy over last night's concert and blowing up your news feed... I mean it was just a concert, right? 

WRONG. 

Well, first off I am going to tell you all of the crazy things that happened last night. Then I'll explain why it's such a big deal.

Last night was a celebration for my good friend Erica and I because we both just landed new jobs. We saw Gavin DeGraw last summer at the Ohio State Fair and, being the huge fans that we are, really wanted to see him again. We really like Train, too, so it seemed like the perfect show. Well... Her new job is in Virginia. And she is moving TODAY. (::insert crying emoji here::) So the concert ended up being our last hurrah  together here in Ohio. Because she is moving today, there was some stuff she had to get done last night and we kind of got a late start getting on the road.  Like, 5 o'clock. The concert starts at 7, so no biggie right? Ummm... Yeah, until we hit major traffic on 271 and sat for a long time. THAT was fun. Once we got moving again, we decided to take the back way into Blossom and we got right in until we met up with Steels Corners traffic.  At this point it was 6:45. Remember... concert starts at 7. We were stopped, trying to get into the lanes for general parking, when a lady jumped out of the car in front of us and handed us their extra VIP parking pass! She told us they were going to give it to the car in front of them, but they were smoking. We were not. See? Good health pays off! 

Our golden ticket!

So we made our way to Lot A which put us right into the venue. We rushed in, hit up the bathrooms (hey, it was a long car ride) and as we were coming out of bathroom we heard the opening notes to Gavin DeGraw's set so we rushed to our seats. 

Honestly, without that parking pass we would have had to park way out in the general lots and walk all the way to the venue. We would have missed his whole set. And what was about to happen next. 

Our seats were in the back of the pavilion. Not horrible, but you don't expect the artists to EVER come back there. Gavin is singing and next thing you know, he hops off the stage and is walking into audience. He makes his way to the middle and I just kinda figured he'd head back to the stage. Except HE WAS HEADING RIGHT TOWARD OUR SECTION. The next thing I know, I'm standing right next to him, holding on to his arm. HOLDING ONTO HIS ARM. Mostly to steady myself from all of the girls behind me shoving.... And ok, maybe I did want to touch him ;-) 

Does that curly head look familiar? ;-)

How about that hand? (If you zoom in, you can see my wedding rings...haha)

And THEN he started singing to us... Which was pretty awesome. Even more awesome? He sang Justin Timberlake's "Mirrors." And he did the song justice for sure! 

After GDG was The Script. They put on a pretty good show. We enjoyed it, we just weren't as excited about them. 

And then came Train. They opened  with "Calling All Angels" which I did NOT expect! 

They put on such a good show... There is nothing like being able to stand there and sing at the top of your lungs the songs that you have loved for so long. We also had the pleasure of seeing the lead singer,  Pat Monahan, up close and personal as he visited us there in the back of the pavilion. Again, totally unexpected!  

There was just so much energy, everyone dancing and singing along. I know I sang every word to every song. My voice is paying for it today. 

They closed up the show with "Drops of Jupiter" and then Gavin DeGraw, Danny O'Donoghue from The Script,  and Ashley Monroe joined them to sing a cover of  "The Weight" which was AMAZING and I hope they record it! 

The whole experience was just amazing. Easily one of the best, if not THE best, show I've ever been to and I got to spend it with some great friends.  As for leaving the show, getting out of the parking lot was just as easy as getting in--- always a bonus at Blossom!

Now, here is the big deal behind the concert. If you know me pretty well, or even a little bit, then you know that music is a huge part of who I am. I associate songs with important parts of my life. I have a song for everything and I look to lyrics for inspiration, to cheer me up, whatever.  The thing with Gavin DeGraw... I've been a fan since I was 16.  I can tell you every detail about the day I bought his first album. The short version; I was with my best friend, Carley. I bought it at FYE at the mall and I didn't have a CD player in my car, but I had a tape deck and an adapter that I plugged my portable CD player into. I had the CD unwrapped before we were even back to the car and I haven't stopped listening to it since.  Even as an adult, his songs have held significance:  "More than Anyone" is a special one for my husband and I. There is  the One Tree Hill connection as well (which is HUGE) ... But that's a whole 'notha blog post!

As for Train, I can hear Drops of Jupiter or any song from My Private Nation and instantly think back to that summer when I was 16.. It was a good summer :-)  

To be able to see the artists I love and have loved for so long play live, to meet them and be so close to them, to hear the songs that mean so much to me--- there is nothing like it.  So while it might appear to most that I am crazy, I'm okay with that because my heart is so happy right now. 

Gavin DeGraw setlist:

In love with a girl

Radiation 

Make a move

Chariot 

Save us

Mirrors 

I don't want to be

Best I ever had

Not over you

Train setlist:

Calling all angels

50 ways

If it's love

Get to me

Meet Virginia 

Feels good at first

Save me San Francisco 

Free/Beatles 

Mermaid

Bruises

Weed instead of roses (w/ Ashley Monroe)

Drum solo

California 37

Soul sister/can't hold us

Drive by

Encore :

We were made for this

Drops of Jupiter 

The weight

Monday motivation

Be nice to yourself this week and always!

A wonderful day!

My husband has been working a lot of overtime lately and we have hardly seen each other the past couple of weeks. He wanted to do something special for me, so he surprised me with a trip to the Cleveland Museum of Art. I have been dying to check out Gallery One, the new exhibit that allows you to use experiences with technology to emphasize engagement. I had some fun (as you'll see in the picture below...the piece is Kottobos Element of a Dancing Satyr
470–450 BC, Italy, Etruscan, 1974.16) with the "embodying the art" interactive area. The best part is, it's free! If you live in Cleveland and you've never been... what are you waiting for? Anyway, it was really great to spend the afternoon surrounded by such beauty and history. It's one of my favorite places to be!

Our trip was followed by dinner at B Spot. The food is so simple, yet creative and super yummy! We both had Lola burgers (minus the bun for me... yayyy gluten free) and Lola fries. I love eating there, but we try to save it as a special treat... Even though I've eaten there twice in a month. Oh well. : )

All in all, it was a really special day and I'm so happy that he planned this. I'm a pretty lucky gal!

Enjoy the pictures.

Gluten Free Banana Protein Muffins

I was so excited when I saw this recipe in my email. I have been craving muffins lately, but I can't freely indulge in them due to my low carb/gluten free diet. Not anymore! These little gems are perfect.

Ingredients:

3/4 cup ripe banana (about 1 large banana)
3/4 cup egg whites
1/2 cup plain low fat greek yogurt (I used plain Chobani yogurt)
3/4 cup oats (use gluten free if sensitive to gluten)
2 scoops vanilla protein powder (I used Designer Whey, or you could use any flavor you would like!)
12-14 packets stevia (or 1/2 cup sweetener of choice)
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray, or line with silicone or foil liners, (spray liners if using).

2. Place all of the ingredients in a blender, (or food processor), and blend until mixture is smooth.

3. Divide mixture evenly between 12 muffin tins. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.

(Note: be sure to use either silicone or foil liners with the paper insert removed because they will stick, as does any muffin made with oats rather than flour!)


Servings: 12 (full size) muffins

Calories: 58 calories each (9 grams carbohydrates, 7 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, 1 gram of sugar each)

(Recipe via dashingdish.com)

Meatless Monday: Mediterranean style!

Here at the Beris household, we have decided to participate in Meatless Monday! You're probably wondering "Why the heck would you do that?!" Well, going meatless once a week may reduce your risk of chronic preventable conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. It can also help reduce your carbon footprint and save precious resources like fresh water and fossil fuel. So it's good for you AND good for the planet... Score!

Now, my husband is a meat eater. He would eat meat with a side of meat if he could. And he was a little less than thrilled with the introduction of MM. BUT when you make meals that are super yummy and filling, you don't even miss the meat.

This week we decided to take a Greek spin on chili. We used canned beans/tomatoes this time because we were short on time, but you can always use fresh! Since I have to eat gluten free, we used a Mediterranean blend of quinoa and it was DELISH! Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:
2 cans garbanzo beans
2 cans diced tomatoes with roasted garlic and onion
1 tbsp cayenne pepper
8 cups spinach
1/2 feta cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Combine garbanzo beans, tomatoes, and spices. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium low heat and allow mixture to simmer for 20 minutes. Add in spinach, cooking for one minute or until wilted. Sprinkle with feta and serve with quinoa, rice, or couscous. Serves 4 (1 1/4 serving)

Enjoy!

Happiness is more.

Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.
Denis Waitley

Favorite things: Winter 2013

It's been a while since I've posted some
"favorite things" but I have a few to share, so feel free to indulge : ) Pictures/where to purchase these items are at bottom of post.

1. Perlier's Caribbean Vanilla Line

This stuff is like a taste of paradise, which is perfect this time of year when it's cold and dreary... a temporary escape! The scent is nice and light, too. I love the scent roller... I just throw it in my purse! Speaking of purses....

2. Dana Buchman Me-Me Tote

I have never been a "small purse" type of girl, so this tote is just right for me! Mine is actually brown with a black patent-faux-leather front pocket and silver-tone hardware. I love that it goes with almost everything and it's great for carrying all of my essentials!


3. Sally Girl Lip Gloss
These are so fun! They come in a variety of shades, and they're only $.99! Just the thing for trying out new/different shades. I bought a nude/pink colored one and it's my new fave : ) They are also hydrating, which is nice when the air is dry.


4. Old Navy Belted Cap Sleeve Dress
I wasn't quite sure about this dress at first... It's orange. I don't really do orange. But I quickly fell in love and so did everyone else! For $8, you can't beat that! I have never had so many compliments from strangers as I did when I was wearing this. Well worth the purchase and taking a risk on the color! I toned it down a bit with black sweater/tights but it's fun to wear a pop of color in the winter.

So that's that. Like what you see? Here's where you can find them : )

Perlier:
http://www.perlier.com/product.php?productid=616
Dana Buchman Tote: http://m.kohls.com/product/prd-1088874/dana-buchman-me-me-tote.jsp
Sally Girl Lip Gloss: http://www.sallybeauty.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-SA-Site/default/mProduct-Show?pid=SALGRL7
Old Navy Dress:
http://m.oldnavy.gap.com/product.html?dn=op330134022&dv=1&pid=330134022&referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.savingsaidsimply.com%2F2012%2F11%2Fcrowdtap-old-navy-dress-sample-share.html%3Fm%3D1&cid=86263&vid=1

I am so grateful for the love of my husband.

“The funny thing is that although we place so much energy and importance on our wedding day, it isn't the biggest day of our life. The biggest day of your life is every day thereafter. Because it's not the pledge to love someone that matters, but the act of fulfilling that pledge that is most important. In other words, it's only just begun.”
― Laura Wolf, Diary of a Mad Bride

Monday Motivation: Fresh start

I kind of love Monday. Fresh start, fresh perspective. Grab today by the horns and know that everything will be alright ; )

Say Yes

“ When you say 'yes' to others, make sure you are not saying 'no' to yourself. ” ~ Paulo Coelho

I have to start saying yes to myself. At first, I thought that was a pretty selfish way to think. But then I realized... If I am not the best version of myself, I'm neglecting my end of any relationship. If I don't like me... Why should anyone else?


So, I'm going to say yes to myself a little more often. It doesn't mean I'll always say no or that I'll say no to everyone, but if it takes away from being the best version of me? I'm not going to do it.

It's not selfish. It's anything but...

It's for God. It's for my husband. It's for my family. It's for my friends. It's for ME.

It's for anyone who deserves the best of me.

Monday Motivation: Be happy!

Have a little faith.

“Sometimes beautiful things come into our lives out of nowhere. We can't always understand them, but we have to trust in them. I know you want to question everything, but sometimes it pays to just have a little faith.”
― Lauren Kate, Torment

Holiday challenge: Do something for others while doing something for yourself

A couple of months ago I participated in a 5 week fitness challenge by Peak 313 Fitness. It really made a difference as it helped me prioritize the things that are important in my life, things that are necessary to be healthy--- physically AND spiritually. I love being challenged and I love the rewards that come from completing those challenges!

With that being said, I'm really excited to participate in Peak 313's Holiday Challenge. The holidays are a hard time for me because I usually make poor food choices. But I've worked really hard this year (hello 25 lb weight loss!) and I don't want to reverse it. SO for every good choice I make (or every bad choice I avoid) I can do something good for others. Want to know what it's all about? Check it out here:



http://peak313.com/featured/holiday-challenge-21-days-to-a-hunger-free-and-healthy-holiday/

Be thankful EVERYDAY.

I can't think of a day when I don't sit back and say, "Hey God... thank you." Even on my bad days, I still try to be thankful. Because even though I have bad days, those days could very easily be someone's best days. I live a happy, beautiful life and I don't want to take it for granted.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (MSG) says. "Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live."


BE THANKFUL. Be prayerful. Live cheerfully. Today and everyday. Not just for 22 days in November.

Monday motivation: Be the best you can be.

Everyday, I try to be the best version of myself. At the end of the day I want to feel satisfied that I was the best person, wife, daughter, friend, etc. I love this advice....

To be inspired is great... To inspire is incredible!

I never thought of myself as the inspiring type. I'm average. I work, I live, I laugh, I love. I go through each day trying to be the best I can be. I find inspiration easily in other people, but I never thought of myself as being an inspiration. So imagine my surprise this week when I was told by a few people that I have inspired them to get healthy. My first thought was "Wait a minute... Don't be inspired by me. I've still got a loooong way to go." But don't we all? What you say, what you do... everyday, it matters. You never know who is watching, who is learning from you, who is being encouraged by you. Embrace and live each day as an inspiration. Make a difference, no matter how big or small. You'll be surprised at how much joy it will bring!

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
― Jane Goodall

Monday motivation: Strength

Reflecting on this quote this morning as I begin a new week of overcoming obstacles!

Go all out!

“Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes; but no plans.”
― Peter F. Drucker

This quote struck a chord with me today, so I thought I'd share it. If you really think about it, planning and commitment go hand in hand. I can promise myself "I'm going to lose those last 10 pounds" and I can really hope that it happens, but if I don't put a plan in action, I can't fully commit. I was thinking about commitment this morning as I dragged my butt out of bed at 4:45 a.m so I could get to my early morning spin class. Did I want to get up that early? Um...no. But it's a commitment I've made, a plan I've out into action to fulfill the promises I've made. It's hard. It's really, really hard. But the rewards we get for keeping our promises, especially the ones we've made to ourselves, outweigh the difficult journey. And that goes for any commitment: to God, to your marriage, to yourself. So I challenge you today, friend: evaluate the commitments you've made and if you're not happy with the results (or lack thereof!) put a plan in action. It might take some time, but it's so worth it in the end! Go all out!