Thursday, October 23, 2014

Happily Ever After Starts...NOW!


This is a story that I've never really told. I really never talk about when I was married or the experiences I went through. Most of my best friends and even my family don't even know a lot of the details of what happened. It was really hard and painful and not something I love to chat about. I just feel with everyone desperately trying to portray these picture perfect lives I want to share with you my perfectly imperfect life and let everyone know it's totally ok if your happily ever after is crumbling or looks a little (or a lot) different than you pictured! 

I know that when I got married (at nineteen) yikes! I thought it was the start of my happily ever after.  I had just married my prince charming and knew my fairy tale life was just beginning and would never end! I truly married the man of my dreams. I couldn't have created a more perfect man for me. I still remember the day I met him.  It was my first semester of my freshman year in college. I was walking home from class when I saw him. He started talking to me but I didn't hear a word he said. I looked into his eyes and I forgot everything. I forgot I had a missionary I was in love with.  I forgot where I was. I forgot my name. I forgot everything but found everything at the same time.

It all sounds so lovely...and it was for awhile. We had the perfect courtship.  I was so in love with him. Everyone that knew him LOVED him! I loved his family and my family was obsessed with him! He was charming, gorgeous, smart, sweet, romantic, caring, funny, athletic, adventurous and everything I ever wanted in a man and more.  I felt so safe and he literally just adored me.  I had never felt that way before from a man. Even after everything that happened I still have never connected with someone on that level. He treated me like gold. I think that's what made everything so hard. Not knowing what was real and what wasn't.

But everyone thought we were the perfect couple. People use to call us Ken and Barbie.  From the outside everything looked perfect. But what everyone didn't know was my perfect prince charming was a drug addict. I know this isn't a huge shocker these days. I hear about it all the time. But when I found out he was a drug addict a year into our marriage at the age of twenty I was not mentally or emotionally prepared to deal with it..not even close! I had never in my life heard of someone being addicted to prescription drugs. A drug addict was a homeless person doing cocaine living in Compton! Not a good ol' Mormon boy from the suburbs of Utah from the perfect Mormon family. I can't even describe to you how I felt when I found out. There are no words. Just no words. 

The next five years were so hard.  Most people would have peaced out but I'm not the type to give up on anything or anyone, especially the person I loved the most in my life.  I always thought he would get better. I truly believed I could fix him.  I thought if I made everything look perfect, became perfect and made his life perfect that he would get better. Nobody knew this was going on. Nobody knew I was dying inside and felt so alone. Everyday I was lied too and everyday I had to lie to everyone. Everyday he lived a double life and everyday I had to live a double life covering up his secret. 

The drugs weren't the worst part.  I think the part that was the most painful was being lied too and watching helplessly as the person I loved and committed my life too destroy themselves right in front of my face. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. After supporting my husband through rehab, lies, cheating and things that are so awful to share...he left ME! I remembering feeling like I was physically dying but somehow I was still breathing. I remember feeling my heart break into a million little pieces but somehow it was still beating. It didn't make sense.

My life turned completely upside down. I literally went from living in my dream house that I had built from the ground up, being on infertility treatments because I couldn't get pregnant, thinking my husband was clean to the next day him saying he didn't want to be married and he left...and I never saw him again.  Literally.

I will spare you the horrifying details that happened on and off during those years and things I found out after. When you go through something so traumatizing and traumatic as that you either crumble and die or somehow survive.  I crumbled for awhile.  I couldn't function. I couldn't get out of bed. I didn't want to live but somehow I pulled through piece by piece...day by day.  It's taken me years but I'm finally realizing it had nothing to do with me.  I thought for years it was me. It really ruined my self esteem and I just felt worthless. I became so afraid of love and loving anyone.

I am so grateful for my real friends and family that have supported me through my trials.  I don't think I could have made it without them.  I am so grateful for my brother who was living in California and left his full ride scholarship to come live with me and get me through. He will forever be my angel. And I just want to tell everybody that nobody has the perfect life.  For six years people thought MY life was perfect and look what I was going through! You NEVER know what people are going through. 

I'm grateful for my friends and people in my life that uplift, support and love me because even as I write this I am struggling with things. I feel we all need to support each other and lift each other up instead of tearing each other down! Life is hard enough and everyone is fighting a battle.  I started this blog to share my passions and one of my passions is living an authentic REAL life! After having to live a secret life for so long I can't handle any more fake! Life is seriously way to short for that crap!  

So, I guess the point of this story and why I finally shared a piece of my life that was painful and awful is because I want people to realize it's freaking ok if your life isn't perfect! STOP comparing yourself to other people that you think might have it all. I shared this because I feel it's NEVER to late to start your happily ever after. You might have to change your story of what that looks like but it's never to late to live, be, achieve, become and experience the life you have always wanted and dreamed of! Whatever trials you might be going through I now see as gifts for my own personal learning and growth. I would not be the person I am today if I hadn't of gone through what I did.  I can look back and feel grateful because I feel stronger, more compassionate, understanding and a heck of a lot less judge mental of people with problems! So, get going because your happily ever after starts now! 







Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Hair Therapy..

Hi! My name is Krissy and I am a hair addict! I'm also a shoe addict..but that's for another post!;) I was totally raised Dolly Parton style...the bigger and fuller the hair the better! Some people are into eyelash extensions or acrylic nails...I'm all about hair! I have had extensions on and off for literally the last ten years! I've tried them all! I have a love/hate relationship with them. I started wearing them for length but then I had to keep wearing them because they ALL damage your hair to some extent. It's almost like once you start you can't stop! I really do sound like an addict but it's true!

So, when I got my extensions taken out a couple months ago and saw that literally half my hair was gone I nearly had an out of body experience! (not really...but kinda) I seriously couldn't believe how damaged my hair had gotten. I knew I had to take a break from extensions and give my hair some much needed TLC & therapy! You're probably wondering why there is a picture of avocados when I'm talking about hair! Well, being an esthetician and health freak I knew I needed to start from the inside out! True beauty begins within! If you're trying to grow, thicken or just even want to get your hair healthier scroll down to see what I have been doing the last couple months to repair my hair! It's a combination of what I put on my hair, eat and supplements I'm taking! There might be a few things that will surprise you! 

AVOCADOS

Let's start with one of my favorites! I love avocados so much I might name my first child after them...and then my child would hate me so maybe not! I eat an avocado EVERY SINGLE DAY! Avocados are packed with rich nutrients, vitamin C and E and healthy fats that keep you healthy, make your skin glow, soft and hydrated AND they are magic for your hair!

Due to their high concentration of essential fatty acids naturally found in skin cells (which helps to keep your skin smooth and supple). When TOPICALLY applied to the hair and scalp, they have the added ability to stimulate collagen and elastin production! 

Here's what I do! Mix avocado with a little sour cream (which contains lactic acid to help exfoliate dead skin and clean up buildup on the scalp) and apply to your hair and scalp for ten minutes before washing off.  I have been doing this twice a week and noticed dramatic results in the last few months!

ALMONDS

These nuts will make your hair grow faster, stronger and thicker due to their high biotin content! One cup contains nearly 1/3 of your daily requirement. You should be able to see the results in a month or two of adding them into your diet. Check out my recipe link for my energy bites recipe that are packed with almonds! Great way to add almonds to your diet!

SWEET POTATOES

Sweet potatoes are also one of my favorite foods. They are loaded with beta carotene and not only do they promote a healthy scalp, they also promote hair growth! Yaay! I try and get my nutrients through food as much as possible because eating whole foods will increase your entire overall health but you can also get a Beta Carotene supplement if you don't like sweet potatoes! :)

SUNFLOWER SEEDS

I've added a handful of seeds to my daily diet! Filled with an abundant supply of Vitamin E they promote faster hair growth! 

YELLOW PEPPERS

I actually don't really like yellow peppers but my desire to restore my hair trumps the fact I don't love them! I added them to my diet because they are so healthy in general for your body! They have FIVE times more Vitamin C than oranges! (Sorry oranges the secret is out!) This is good news for your locks because Vitamin C is an antioxidant that strengthens the hair shaft and hair follicles, as well as prevents damage...how could I not eat them after finding all this out! 

IRON 

Iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of thinning hair in otherwise healthy women. Every month when you have your period you lose iron (thanks, Mother Nature!) To keep your hair thick, strong, and healthy, try to eat more iron rich foods like leafy green vegetables.  I eat a ton of veggies but I also take an Iron Supplement as well. I take more during my cycle since I know I will be even more deficient!

BIOTIN

I take a biotin supplement of 5000mg every single day! It helps grow thicker, healthier and stronger hair (and nails!) 

*I am Vegan so I don't eat meat or dairy but salmon, oysters and eggs also promote hair health! 
Later this week I will take about all the products I use from Shampoo to curling irons! This is a lot of information and I wanted to first talk about repairing your hair from within. It won't just make your hair healthier it will make you're mind and body healthier as well! And who doesn't want that?! 

Ps...I had to post this! I'm obsessed with Dolly! I laugh so hard every time I read this! I hear ya Dolly! Get those people out! Hahaha Hope you all have an amazing day! :)








Saturday, October 18, 2014

Fall TIme = Flannel Time





I have a little confession to make.  I may or may not have stayed in my pajamas for half the day today! But I made up for the other half of the day by wearing my new favorite top from Urban Outfitters.  I love how flannel is everywhere this season! It's so comfy, cozy and fun to mix with other patterns and fabrics! I fell in love with this flannel top when I saw the lace detail on the bottom...giving it a little feminine pop! I paired mine with my favorite skinny jeans and over the knee boots from my main man Mr. Michael Kors for the perfect Autumn outfit! Well, I'm headed out for some grub and to see the production Thriller! One of my favorite Halloween traditions! Hope you all have a great day/night too! :)

PS...if it's still a little warm where you live style this adorable lace flannel shirt with some ripped boyfriend jean shorts, booties, hat and other fun accessories I found! All items pictured below! 

SHOP THIS POST:










Friday, October 17, 2014

B&B Faves + Sale Today Only!

Hey friends! It's a beautiful day here in Utah and I'm soaking in every last minute of sunshine and semi warm weather before it gets cold! I wanted to share some of my favorite items from Brickyardbuffalo! If you aren't familiar with this online boutique you need to be! They have the cutest items! Everything from clothing, accessories, home decor, kids clothing etc! All of their stuff is amazingly priced and everything is discounted! It's perfect for me because this single girls gotta pay all her bills and look cute! :) So, basically I'm obsessed getting new trendy items for killer deals that I can afford! Scroll down to see how I styled my two favorite Cardigans two different ways and my favorite pants ever...seriously get some before they are gone! 




I love dresses and I love wearing them all year long! I don't let living in a place that is cold in the fall and winter stop me! I start in the fall and layer my dresses with cardigans and booties! There are SO many cute ones available and they are so versatile. When it starts getting a little colder I add leggings, tall boots, scarfs etc... It's really fun taking you favorite items and transforming them into different looks for the seasons! 




I'm seriously speechless about these pants! (And that rarely happens!;) The material is HEAVEN people! I'm pictured wearing them casual here but you seriously could totally dress them up! Personally I would style up these pants with some cute booties, a basic tee and a long slouchy cardigan! Accessorize with layers of gold jewelry, a fun hat and handbag to top it all off!




I styled my other favorite cardigan with ALL my go to favorites! I wear these items ALL the time! My favorite skinny jeans, booties, Alex and Ani bracelets, arma necklace and Michael Kors earrings and ring! Such a fun casual and comfy look for fall! 
These are just a few of my favorite things from Brickyard but TODAY ONLY their ENTIRE site is 30% off!!!! OMG I will keep you posted on what new items I find! Use CODE: GIMME30 at checkout! Happy TGIF! 


ALL OTHER ITEMS I WORE TO STYLE MY BRICKYARD FAVES AVAILABLE HERE!
SHOP THIS POST:



Thursday, October 16, 2014

Be perfectly imperfect you!


I love this quote so much and I'll tell you why.  Nobody on this earth is perfect. Nobody.  I truly believe it is great to strive for growth, progression and bettering yourself but you don't need to be perfect to do that. I know in my own life I am mainly inspired by people who are no where close to being perfect! I'm inspired by people who have been dealt the difficult hand in life. The people who have gone through major struggles, issues and painful experiences and are brave enough to talk about it and share their REAL life with others. I am grateful for these people because they have helped me realize it's ok not to be perfect! If we use these "imperfections" to learn, grow and help others that is what is beautiful and inspiring to your own soul and other people! 
I feel it's human nature though to want to portray an ideal image of perfection and a perfect life.  I live in a culture where I think it's even worse than the norm! It's even harder when you go on social media and see everyone's "perfect" lives posted daily.  I've had so many friends tell me they have gone off social media because it makes them feel bad about their own "not so perfect lifes" and I totally get it! When you are looking at perfect bodies, hair, flawless skin, perfect homes, perfect families, perfect jobs, perfect everything, it's hard not to compare....and then despair!!! 
So I just want to say you don't have to try so hard to be perfect! Nobody you see that seems like they have it all together does. Most people are fighting battles that we just don't know about. Once you realize YOU are perfectly imperfect, once you become your own best friend the world starts looking and feeling a whole lot better! I love this song I posted below because it speaks to my heart! It inspires me and says what I've been rambling about in this post! I hope you all listen to this song and have a beautiful day! 

Ps...you still have until Friday to enter the Zoonys Giveaway! All you have to do is go to Facebook and LIKE my new facebook! Winners will be announced tomorrow! Link on sidebar! 


Tuesday, October 14, 2014

SHOPBOP SALE!!


So excited that one of my favorite sales of the year is finally here! I can't get over how many amazing things I'm finding! Here are some of my favorite finds and don't forget the entire SHOPBOP site is on sale! Checkout with Code: FAMILY25





You're such a peach..

I've been Lactose Intolerant for over ten years now.  I was never a big cheese or milk drinker but I had a slight obsession with ice-cream! So when I discovered all these "nicecream" recipes I felt like I found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow...however that would be way cooler but you get what I mean! This bowl of heaven is literally frozen bananas, frozen peaches and some water! It tastes like a creamy peach shake! I want to share the recipe with you as well as some of the nutritional benefits that bananas and peaches possess so scroll down for more info!


Bananas provide several key nutrients for everyday health! (And that is why I eat them everyday!) They are low in calories...providing about 90 calories for a 6 inch banana. They are high in Fiber, Potassium, Vitamin B, and Vitamin C.  Potassium is an electrolyte, meaning it helps conduct electricity throughout your body when absorbed. This probably doesn't sound that important but electrolytes sustain a balance of fluid and is an imperative process to the body. Keeping the heart beating and muscles moving. Also, bananas are filled with fiber! Everyone kept telling me stay away from bananas they bloat you and constipate you...SO FALSE!! Each 6 inch bananas has 3 grams of insoluble fiber. This is the type of fiber that pushes out waste and makes your stool easier to pass. Ok so I'm getting to the best part! Bananas have small amounts of great vitamins like folate, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin but they have tons of Vitamin B!!! Vitamin B is every girls best friend...or should be! When you are deficient in Vitamin B you will feel like death! I'm not joking...I've experienced it! Also Vitamin C is just one of my all time faves! Yes I have a favorite Vitamin! haha It is such an amazing antioxidant and helps with damaging free radicals that destroy healthy cells. It's also amazing for the skin! So that's some banana nana info for ya!
Peaches are delicious and also low in calories (you don't even have to count calories when you eat whole but I know a lot of people are calorie counters) Moderate source of antioxidant, vitamin C, A, B-Caroten (helps with vision and skin) Also contain many vital minerals such as Potassium, fluoride and iron. (Iron is required for red blood cell formation) also helps with bones and teeth, regulate the heart rate and blood pressure! 
Cocos Skin Tip! Peaches also contain flavonoid poly phenolic antioxidants such as lutein etc... These compounds help act as protectors agains free radicals and reactive oxygen that play a role in aging and various disease processes! Awesome! 

Peach Oh So Nicecream Recipe:

2 Frozen bananas
1 frozen peach
add water or almond milk until arrive at desired consistency
Sprinkle with coconut sugar (optional)
Serve with a fresh peach!

Coco Tip* You really need a food processor or Vita Mixer for these frozen fruits to blend into a creamy mixture. If you don't have one they are worth the investment for your health and to make these recipes delicious!

Hope you all have a happy and healthy day! :)



Monday, October 13, 2014

Double GIveaway Time..

Happy Monday everyone! I know most people hate Mondays but I kinda love them! I feel like it's a fresh start, a new week, a chance to make new goals and fun new plans! But just in case you have the Monday blues I decided to do a little giveaway to cheer you all up! I just recently came across the cutest online shop called Zoonys! They were featured at Provo Fashion Week this last weekend and now have this shirt I'm wearing in cream with gold sleeves! Yaaay! I'm totally getting one since we all know I'm obsessed with gold! These shirts are so comfy! Seriously fabric is everything people! If it's not soft and a little stretchy I ain't gonna wear it!;) I love that this shirt is so comfortable and casual but can easily be dressed up too with that hot leather sleeves! Scroll down to see how you can be one of the three lucky winners to get one!!!




I'm giving away not one but THREE of these fab shirts from Zoonys! One grey (pictured) black and leopard print! All have the leather sleeves! 

This giveaway is so simple! I just created a NEW Krissy Coco Facebook page! My old page won't let me accept new friend requests or add new friends! It hasn't let me for over the last 8 months which is lame! Soooo I decided it was time to make a new page where friendship is limitless and I can share everything Krissy Coco on Facebook with everyone! 

TO ENTER GIVEAWAY:

LIKE my NEW Krissy Coco Facebook Page (link to my new FB also on side bar)
Share or Tag one of your Facebook friends in Giveaway Post for extra chances to win!

Giveaway will be announced on my Krissy Coco Facebook page Friday October 17th at 5pm! 

And ps...everyone is a winner with this giveaway! Head to Zoonys and use the code KRISSYCOCO15 and get 15% off all your purchases until the end of the month!  











Friday, October 10, 2014

I'm a Blue Jean Baby..





Did I tell you I found the perfect boyfriend?! We are so perfect together and couldn't be a better match! Oh wait...Did I say boyfriend? I totally meant I found the perfect boyfriend JEANS!!! Waaaay better in my opinion! You can take them anywhere, they go with anything, they always make you feel good and  comfortable no matter what! Score! I found mine at the adorable Blue Jean Baby Clothing along with this sweater that I'm in love with! 
So, head over to BJB and find your perfect match! Make sure you use discount code SHOPBJB for 15% off your purchases! Yaaaay Happy TGIF shopping peeps! Hope you all have an amazing weekend! 

SHOP SHOES & ACCESSORIES HERE:

Shirt: Here | Jeans: Here | Shoes Black & Brown: Here (on sale!) | Bracelets: Here | Earrings: Here | Ring: Here |



Thursday, October 9, 2014

Easy as 1,2,3.... Energy Bites!!!

Happy Hump Day everyone! I wanted to share with you all the easiest recipe ever! Is it even legal to call this a recipe when all you do is dump 3 ingredients into a food processor and push go?! Luckily they look way more difficult to make then they actually are! So, my suggestion is when you share these blissful bites with all your friends, you can tell them you've been slaving away in the kitchen all day and that they owe you big time!;) haha just kidding! Share the recipe and let's all get healthy together! This is just the basic bite that I made but I've been playing around with tons of variations so stay tuned for more bites! Scroll down for recipe! :)





These bites are sooo good and soooo good for you! They are raw, gluten free, vegan, vegetarian and filled with vitamins, minerals and nutrients! 

Gluten Free Organic Oats are an excellent source of fiber, omega-3 and iron! They are low in fat and have high levels of protein. Oats have been shown to to help boost your immune system and clear skin! If you have allergies to gluten make sure you get gluten free oats. I always buy GF because I have a very sensitive stomach. 

Almonds...where do I even start? I could have written my college thesis on almonds! Almonds are filled with Manganese, copper and Riboflavin..aka..they give you energy!!! Who doesn't need more of that?! They have also been proven to lower your risk for weight gain, help prevent gallstones, lower cholesterol, and protect against diabetes, cardiovascular and heart disease! The also are an amazing antioxidant! I'll just stop now...I could go on forever!

Dates are a good source of energy, sugar and fiber. Calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and copper are all found in dates! They also contain thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, vitamin A and K. So, your probably like cool Coco...what does that mean? It means the benefits of eating dates include relief from constipation, intestinal disorders, heart problems, anemia, sexual dysfunction, bone health and strength and balance the nervous system and keep your heart healthy. They also give you a huge kick of energy! 

Combing these 3 ingredients make for a killer energy bite snack or rawnola crumble to top on your favorite yogurt, smoothie or fruit.

ENERGY BITE RECIPE

1 Cup Gluten Free Organic Oats
I Cup Almonds
10 pitted Dates

Blend together in food processor...add a swirl of raw honey and a couple Tablespoons of water...enough so they form into balls. The mixture will be crumbly! Enjoy :)

Shop Anthropologie for my favorite plates pictured! 





Follow on Bloglovin
 

design + development by fabulous k