You may or may not have noticed the subtle changes on Laughing Lindsay over the past few days. If you haven’t, then you may want to take a look at the homepage of Laughing Lindsay to see that I have switched to a different WordPress Theme. I’ve kept the same design (for the most part), but switched over to a different (and better) theme. This is what the main page should look like now…

I had heard great things about the Genesis framework with Studiopress themes. Mainly, I was interested in a more seo-friendly theme as my search engine traffic had dropped off recently and I wanted to work on that. Plus, I moved to WordPress from Blogger back in the summer of 2010 and hadn’t updated the look since. So, I figured a little change would be good for us. However, I still love the design of my blog and didn’t want to lose the girl and swirls (I still have tons of business cards with the design to pass out, too) just yet. That’s why I kept the design for now. I might change it in the future, but not right now. I keep thinking I will get a full-time teaching position and then I will get a new design to match my more professional lifestyle, but that hasn’t happened yet.

In case you can’t spot the difference, here’s what my old WordPress Theme looked like…

It had a taller yet not as wide header. Plus, it also had a sliding component built in. I actually picked that particular theme initially just because of that component. However, it was getting to where it was slowing down the site sometimes. I still miss that aspect of the old theme and I may eventually add something to the homepage to display certain posts, but I haven’t yet. So, what do you think of the new WordPress Theme that was installed over the weekend?

It’s hard to believe that my dad has been gone for six months now. I think about him everyday. I wrote a couple of weeks back that grieving the loss of my father is still hard and that I was dreading my first Father’s Day without dad. Tomorrow is finally the big day and I’m still dreading it.

Father’s Day without Dad

I’ve also mentioned in the past that I’ve found it very hard to find any motivation to do anything lately. You can see my lack of motivation to post by seeing the timestamp on this post. It’s after 2 pm on a Saturday and here I sit writing this post. I always have my posts ready to go for the weekend by Thursday or Friday at the latest. However, I got a post done for Friday on Thursday and then quit. It’s so easy to try and find something on social media to distract me that I haven’t done a whole lot of blogging at any one time here lately. I think that’s because I’m literally trying to distract myself from missing my dad. I’ve been told that the first year without a loved one is the hardest. So, I’m hoping that the following father’s day without dad get easier.

I’ve been dreading this weekend for a month now. Today hasn’t been as hard as I anticipated, but it’s still early yet. I’m hoping I don’t break down soon. Tomorrow, I don’t plan to go out and about. I hope that by being with loved ones, I can cope with the loss on my own. It doesn’t mean that I won’t miss dad or it won’t be hard. I just don’t think I could handle going out and seeing everyone else celebrating the day with their dad.

So, if you’ve lost your dad, how do you handle father’s day without dad? Do you ignore the day or do you do something in remembrance of him?

Since school is out and I’m officially on a more relaxed schedule, I thought I would give you a preview of my summer plans. It includes two blogging conferences, among other things.

Summer Plans

I’ll be honest and admit that I want to take some time this summer to just relax and have fun. As you are aware, the last year has been difficult (see my life changes post to understand fully) for me. So, now I just want to unwind and try to deal with things. So, I fully intend to spend several days just sitting at home. I may get online or I may just watch some tv on DVD (you would be surprised how many un-watched shows I have right now). I could also just catch up on some reading for pleasure. There are several books I keep meaning to read.

My other summer plans involve traveling. I already announced why I’m going to BlogHer this year, so you know about that. However, I’m also planning to attend Reviewer’s Retreat again this year. I went to Reviewer’s Retreat in 2012 and had a fabulous time. So, I’m very much looking forward to returning with my friends Shanaka (Mama Bee Does)and April from This Lady Blogs. We are riding down from North Carolina to the conference to room together with Kayla from Kayla Aimee. I think it will be lots of fun for us all. I’m very excited about these conferences and can’t wait to attend them.

Lastly, my summer plans surround looking for jobs. Since school is out, I’m obviously not working as a substitute teacher right now. However, I am still stalking the counties’ websites and applying like crazy. Many are just now beginning to post jobs though. So, I’m hoping to finally (finally) land my first full time teaching position. So, I may have a couple of job interviews to go to this summer as well. I guess time will tell though.

So, now you know my summer plans and how I plan to spend my time. What are your summer plans? Are you going to be traveling any? If you are attending either of those conferences, let me know in the comments so we can meet up.

I’m sure you remember the post I made back in December where I told you that my dad passed away. When it initially happened, I had a really hard time. It would hit me late at night and I couldn’t sleep. However, during my long-term substitute position from February to April, I became too tired to really have that problem. I thought I was dealing with things better. Then, Mother’s Day happened last Sunday and I realized I’m still definitely grieving the loss of my father.

Grieving the Loss of My Father

You would think that Mother’s Day would have been easy for me. I spent the day with my boyfriend, my mom, and grandmother. That part was ok. However, by the end of the day, I realized that Father’s Day was quickly approaching. It also occurred to me that I would never have another Father’s Day with my dad. Ever. So, as I lay in bed that night, I suddenly felt almost as bad as I did back when it initially happened. I attempted to be quiet about it, as my mom was sleeping and had to work on Monday. I don’t think she knows, but I spent the better part of an hour sobbing that night. I actually cried myself to sleep. The week following that night was not easy.

I’ve thought about my father and missed him virtually all week. The scene from Sunday night repeated itself on Wednesday night. During the day, I usually try to stay ahead on the blog. However, I couldn’t find the motivation to do posts until the day of for much of the week. I generally try to have posts ready to go for the weekend by Thursday. I’m actually writing this on Friday afternoon, if that tells you anything. That is to say that at night I’ve been a wreck and during the day I’ve attempted to just distract myself from the pain.

It’s interesting to me that I’m having trouble grieving the loss of my father now. Back on May 9th, I read this stages of grief post on my friend’s site and I commented that I hadn’t really felt much anger. This week I actually experienced some anger… not at my father though. I’m angry he’s gone and that I no longer have a father. I’m angry that some people seem to assume I’m ok with things. It’s hard for me to describe the exact pain I’ve felt this week. I can simplify it and say that it’s been depression during the day and anger at night. I can also say that I’ve never felt anything like this before and I don’t even know what to do about it.

Grieving the loss of my father is not an easy thing. This week seemed like a step backwards for me and I’m dreading Father’s Day with everything I have. I guess I don’t have a real point for this post, other than to let anyone who cares know that I’m having a hard time. Also, I haven’t been responding to many emails or as supportive in the Facebook groups. So, I apologize for that. I’ll try to get back to people again soon. Just not this weekend.

As you already know, I work during the day as a substitute teacher. That’s not because I haven’t tried to get a full-time teaching position. In fact, I’ve been stalking the local school districts’ websites for a year now. I apply whenever I get the chance and I have had many teacher interviews. Now that it’s almost summer, it’s time for schools to start looking at next year and doing some hiring. It’s officially teacher interviews season.

Teacher Interviews

I’ve interviewed for a teaching position in six different counties/cities in the past year. So, I’ve come to realize that each school/district does hiring their own way. I’ve also learned that each interview has some key similarities to them.

Teacher Interviews: The Differences

• The number of people in the interview. The county that I student taught in has just the principal at teacher interviews. Other districts have the principal along with other staff (such as a parent, a teacher in the subject area, assistant principal, or the director of an area in the county) take a round-robin approach with questions. Most places require a second interview with either the HR person and/or superintendent. Another county’s HR person calls in people for interviews with them directly. This particular interview took place with the human resources person, the person over special education, and the elementary education person. It consisted of an oral interview and a surprise written interview. Like I said, they are all a little different.
• Location of the interview. I’ve had several interviews take place at the actual school of the position. One time I even got a formal tour of the school. Other places have interviews at the school board’s offices.
• The type of person they are looking for. This seems pretty obvious, but I figure it’s worth mentioning. Every school has its own environment and every principal is different. I’ve had some awkward interviews wherein I left being ok not teaching there because it didn’t seem that the faculty got along very well. So, while they may want someone who knows what they are doing, you have to have the personality to fit in at that certain school. It’s hard to remember after so many interviews, but I try to keep in mind that I haven’t feel like many of the schools were a good fit for me (or vice versa).

Teacher Interviews: The Similarities

• They want to know about you. Virtually every interview starts out by asking me to tell them about myself and my experience as it relates to the position. By this point, I’ve got a pretty standard response that I tailor to the position.
• They want you to have experience. This one is the most frustrating thing for me. All of the principals want someone with experience. However, it’s difficult to get experience without a job.
• Time. You can generally expect the teacher interviews to take place during the regular school hours. I’ve never had one outside of those regular hours. I’ve had some in the morning and some in the afternoon, but nothing before 9 am or after 2:30 pm.

So, there you have it. The differences and similarities that I’ve noticed in my many teacher interviews. Have you ever interviewed for a teaching position? How did it go?

You may recall the delicious Mediterranean Vegetable Medley Pasta Recipe I posted the other week wherein I told you it was my entry into the Pompeian Time to Change Your Oil contest. I had given up hope on winning this contest because I thought the semi-finalists were going to be notified on Friday and I didn’t hear anything. Plus, then I came to the beach with my mom. So, I was completely shocked to check my email late Monday night and read the email that I had been selected as a Pompeian Time to Change Your Oil Blogger Semi-Finalist! Wow! I actually made the cut to be one of 15 semi-finalists. Yay! I feel so special. In case you need some reminding, took a look at my entry…

Pompeian Time to Change Your Oil

The whole point of the Pompeian Time to Change Your Oil contest was for bloggers to create a simple dish where we changed the oil we used in a recipe (to Pompeian oil). I ended up using both the OlivExtra Premium Mediterranean Blend Oil (to stir-fry the vegetables) and Pompeian Grapeseed Oil (as a drizzle). The recipe is extremely easy to make and it has a nice taste to it. I was pleased with the results and my boyfriend enjoyed it, too.

Also, like I mentioned in the recipe, since I was in fact chosen as a semi-finalist for the Pompeian Time to Change Your Oil contest, I am now begging for votes. I would be eternally grateful if you would vote for me. I would love the opportunity to go to BlogHer Food in June to represent Pompeian. Granted, I feel blessed to even be chosen as a semi-finalist, but winning would really be great. Please vote for me (the Mediterranean Vegetable Medley Pasta from Laughing Lindsay) in the Pompeian Time to Change Your Oil contest between now and May 12th.

Disclosure: I am a semifinalist for the Pompeian Time to Change Your Oil contest and will win a trip to BlogHer Food if I win.

It’s officially May and that means most of us going to be spending more time outside. We probably have a wedding or a graduation to attend, or even a trip to the beach planned. Plus, it’s also prime conference season now. So, I think it’s a great time to review some basic sun protection tips and myths. Thanks to Dr. Agnes P. Olszewski, I can provide you with 8 sun protection tips in addition to 2 popular myths on sun protection.

Sun Protection Tips

1. Choose products that are light, without a heavy oil base. Heavy oil will clog your pores.
2. Choose products that contain SPF of at least 15 so you don’t have to apply a second layer of sun protection on top of the sunless tanning product.
3. Select products with moisturizers if your skin is dry or sensitive. Those with oily skin may find that gel based products work better for them.
4. Choose a tanner that contains vitamins, herbal extracts and antioxidants when possible.
5. Exfoliate your skin before you apply the self tanning product. However, if your skin is heavily irritated, or your acne is severe, you may do better without exfoliation, and therefore consider using a bronzer (temporary darker or “gold” hue make-up or powder) instead of a self tanner.
6. Applying the self tanning product without exfoliation and on uneven skin may cause streaks and darker spots that are difficult to remove for weeks. Bronzer on the other hand may be blended in and adjusted as needed. Remember to remove it at night with a gentle cleanser.
7. Choose a self tanning product that is the lightest to match your skin color. Darker colors amplify the look of marks and scars.
8. When opting for a bronzer instead of a self tanner, dab concealer in your original skin color, or one shade lighter, on your acne, pimples, scars etc. Blend a bronzer with your usual foundation and distribute evenly, and in sheer layers with your fingertips. Or, if you want an even more shear look, apply with a lightly damp cosmetic sponge . Avoid dark shades and heavy layers of bronzers and make-up.

Sun Protection Myths

• Myth 1: The sun is bad for you

  Fact: No, the sun is NOT BAD for you.

  In fact, the sun is healthy if you take precautions. Ultraviolet light from the sun comes in two main wavelengths: UVA and UVB. They are quite different in respect of the risk they create for your health. UVB is the “good” sunlight and UVA is the “bad” one. UVB helps you produce vitamin D that is extremely important for your overall well-being, supporting the health of your bones, muscles, skin, eyesight, heart and immune system. UVA can cause free radical damage.

  Moderation in sun exposure and using proper sun protection are your keys to safety since long-term, excessive exposure to sunlight can increase the risk of certain types of skin cancer.

• Myth 2: All Sunscreens Protect You Effectively and Safely

  Fact: The FDA takes the position that “To date, there are no clinical studies demonstrating that use of any sunscreen alone can prevent skin cancer.” (FDA 2011)

  As sun protection against UVA rays is necessary, you need to be educated and watch for those ingredients in sunscreen that can do more harm than good. The main chemical used in sunscreens is octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC), which was found to kill mouse cells, even at low doses. OMC is present in 90 percent of sunscreen products. Another common ultraviolet filter, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, has also demonstrated toxic properties.

  Take a good look at your sunscreen label and beware of the following chemicals (they come with names you most likely can’t even repeat) that are not really good for you: Para amino benzoic acid, Octyl salicyclat, Avobenzone, Oxybenzone, Cinoxate, Padimate, Dioxybenzone, Homosalate, Phenylbenzimidazole, Sulisobenzone, Menthyl anthranilate, Trolamine salicyclate, or Octocrylene.

  Instead, look for sunscreens that base their protective properties on these two major ingredients: Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide.
  When both of those ingredients are at a level of 6% or higher, you are covered. Green tea extract, aloe extra, shea butter as well as some other botanical moisturizers will keep your skin from drying. At this point you can probably guess what the healthiest sun protection is, right?
  Clothing! Yes, using light cover-ups, protective hats, t-shirts etc. provides us with the best protection against sunburn and unhealthy chemicals.

Whew. That’s a lot of helpful information. What do you think of these sun protection tips from Dr. Agnes P. Olszewski? Did you learn anything new?

Almost two years ago, I posted the Bonding Over Beauty Book Review on the book by Erika Katz. Now, just in time for Mother’s Day, I wanted to share the Chocolate Oatmeal Cookie Facial from her. It’s super easy to make with ingredients that can be found around the house. I might have to make this for my mom this year since I think she deserves something really special.

Chocolate Oatmeal Cookie Facial

Like I said, this is a super easy D.I.Y. activity. Just look at the common ingredients it contains.

• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup honey
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons dry, uncooked oatmeal

Now, look at how easy it is to make.

1. Mix all ingredients well in a small bowl.
2. Apply mask all over face and let sit for 10 minutes.
3. Rinse with warm water.

Please note: This recipe should be used right away. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week but must be brought to room temperature to use.

See how easy that is? I know that we have at least half of those ingredients in our cupboard right now (maybe all of them). I also know that I can make this at a moment’s notice. So, if Mother’s Day sneaks up on me, I can just grab these things from the pantry and whip it up for my mom. Then, since all my mom has to do is let it sit for 10 minutes, she shouldn’t complain about it. My mom’s a very low maintenance person, so she should enjoy the chance to do something for her skin that isn’t time consuming or difficult. Plus, just look at the benefits of using this Chocolate Oatmeal Cookie Facial:

Oatmeal is a wonderful ingredient to calm irritated skin and absorb excess oil. It also cleanses pores. Chocolate has antioxidants which prevent damage to the skin’s elastin, hydrate the skin, and give it moisture. The heavy cream smoothes and softens skin.

So, what do you think of this super easy Chocolate Oatmeal Cookie Facial? If you want to find more tips like this one, you can check out Erika Katz’s website, Bonding Over Beauty.

Disclosure: Nothing was received for this post. I just wanted to share a super quick D.I.Y. chocolate oatmeal cookie facial for Mother’s Day with my readers. The opinions expressed are my own.

You know how I love reporting on interesting studies. So, I thought I would share these new findings from Zyrtec which includes tips to deal with allergies. I hope you can put these tips to good use, just in time for spring.

Tips to Deal with Allergies

Did you know that 66% of women with allergies have felt ugly or unattractive because of their “Allergy Face” (a.k.a red nose, watery eyes or a puffy face)? I think that’s awful, but it gets worse. 50% of women with allergies have had to miss out on something, such as a party or date, because of their allergy-related beauty woes! To me, that is simply not acceptable. In this day and age, we shouldn’t allow something like allergies hold us back. According to Zyrtec, there are a couple of tips to deal with allergies for women who are suffering right now…

• Mask with metallic: To help reduce redness under your nose, opt for an on-trend, high-shine lip gloss in a copper or bronze color
• Go dark to distract: Darker lashes can serve as a distraction to red eyes so embrace the “wet eye” trend and apply a clear gel to give lashes a wet look. For extra definition, top with a coat of black mascara.
• Au naturel and aglow: If your Allergy Face is really acting up, skip makeup altogether and apply a self-tanner for a fresh and healthy glow that lasts all day.

So, what do you think of those tips to deal with allergies? Do you suffer from seasonal allergies? What do you do to deal with allergies? I hope you don’t avoid going out or think you don’t look attractive. It’s certainly possible to look good during allergy season.

Disclosure: I received nothing for this post. I just wanted to share the tips.