You guys, I love baking. I also love rainbows. When the two combine there's just nothing better. :)

We recently made some rainbow cupcakes & rasta cupcakes and I honestly think that the crazy colors made them taste even better.

The big secret of the rainbow cupcakes....separate containers + food coloring! :)

These rasta cupcakes also look a little different because the batter was chocolate...hehe! 

What's your favorite thing you've ever baked? Holler at me!
Keep up with all the baking adventures here. <3

LOVE YOUS!

Just over two years ago, my mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  She was one of the healthiest and strongest women I've ever encountered, so when I learned she was sick with cancer, it changed my life.  In the past, I thought that cancer only affected unhealthy or old people; this couldn't be farther from the truth.  I know now that cancer does not discriminate.

I didn’t get to see a whole lot of my mom while she was on the road to recovery since I was already living far from home at the time of her diagnosis.  It often feels surreal when I tell people my Mom is a Breast Cancer survivor, since I only saw her a handful of times when she was sick.  In so many ways I wish that I could have been close to her so I could have been more helpful, but selfishly, I know that it would have been hard for me to see her sick on a regular basis.  The mom I knew was never sick.

Although we were separated by many miles, my mom was always in my thoughts and I made efforts to relate to what she was going through in my own way by making changes in my own life.  I started eating healthier, practicing yoga, and finding balance, mentally and physically.  I learned the risk factors and tried to eliminate as many as possible.  I stopped drinking out of plastic water bottles, started using natural deodorants, cut down my meat intake and started eating super foods like papaya, mushrooms and cacao.  I figured we have the same genes, the same tendencies, and I could at least try to make an effort to reduce my own risk factors.  As I began making healthier choices, I felt like more of a grown up; funny how that happens.  

I researched preventative measures, but up until recently, I didn’t know a whole lot about what it was like to actually battle Breast Cancer.  My Mom didn’t feel as comfortable talking with me about her sickness, probably because she didn’t want me to worry.  I can certainly understand, because much like my mom, I sometimes have trouble talking about my feelings as well. 

Through Blowfish’s support of Breast Cancer Awareness month I have attended two events with Susan G. Komen, and had the opportunity to speak with our It Girl, Zandi DeJesus, who is an amazing 28 year old breast cancer survivor.  These experiences have helped me to learn more about the disease and connect with women like my Mom.  It has been a truly wonderful experience.  

My mom’s battle with Breast Cancer was tough, but it also helped us grow closer, and helped me realize I needed to make healthier choices in my own life.  I also loved seeing our family come together and how wonderful my Dad was in the ways that he cared for her in her time of need.  He honored his vows to care for her in sickness and in health and he allowed me to feel confident that she was ok, and for that I am so grateful.  

My mom has been in remission for a year.  Now, I see in her a new appreciation and zest for life.  I imagine her experience fighting for her life helped her to take a step back and focus on what is most important, living in the present and finding peace and happiness.  As I get older, I see myself in her more and more, which I know is a good thing.  My mom is amazing, loyal, graceful, loving and strong as ever.  I admire her fight and am thankful for organizations like The Beautiful Day Foundation, who work to help women like my mom find hope and get better.

 So, it's no secret that we love partnering with bloggers, artists, designers, stylists, photographers, musicians over here - we love to be inspired by all the amazing things that people are creating! We wanted to celebrate some of the awesome women that make up our Blowfish family, so we started this It Girl program! An It Girl exudes effortless originality, isn't afraid to express herself, and offers a bit of the unexpected! She also has amazing style - so we've asked her to pick a selection of her favorite shoes!

Meet our newest “It Girl”, Zandi De Jesus, who is an inspiration to say the least.  Zandi is a mother, a musician, a UCSD alum, a blogger, beachgoer, L.A. native and Breast Cancer Survivor.  Zandi received news that she had Stage 3, Grade 3, Her2+ Breast Cancer when she was only 27 years young.  Rather than succumbing to fear and doubt, Zandi used her illness as an impetus for personal growth and self-expression.  While changing the fate of her own life by remaining strong and positive, she in turn has inspired others through sharing her experience battling Breast Cancer on her blog, www.onceuponaboob.wordpress.com.

Zandi’s strength, positive outlook, amazing sense of personal style and ability to still look to help others in her time of need, made her the obvious choice for our October “It Girl”.

Our Interview with Zandi:

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Los Angeles and spent most of my childhood in Northridge.  After the earthquake, we moved to Lancaster.  After high school, I moved to San Diego for college, where I attended UC San Diego as a theatre major. 

What do you do now?

Right now I am working an admin position at a Physical Therapy office.  I was touring nationally as Marcy Park in “The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” (a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical), but then I settled down and got married and had my son, Max.  My current job allows me to provide for Max and is understanding with my cancer treatment and recovery so I can continue writing music on the side.  I am currently writing an album that has a lot to do with my cancer journey.  Eventually, I would love to get back to doing something more creative.  

WATCH ZANDI LIVE

Subscribe to Zandi’s music channel on you tube here: [http://www.youtube.com/user/zsos].  

Most of Zandi’s current music was a collaboration between her and her brother-in-law, who she stayed with during her recovery period.  She describes her current works as Folk-Pop, different from her usual Jazz-Pop style.  Her new album is more introspective, which matches more what she was going through emotionally.

Does Max love your music?

He actually doesn’t love when I play because he wants me to pay attention him, but he likes to hold the microphone with me.  

Are you more of a flats, heels, or boots kind of gal?

Because I am 5’ tall I don’t wear flats because I want to be taller.  People think I am a lot younger than I am with flats.  Wedges are my favorite.  I love boots too, but they have to have a wedge.

What is your favorite Blowfish style?

I picked the “Inspiration” because I love the wedged boot look, and all of the detail.  I also love the Iris t-strap wedge in nude.  This style is cute, girlie, and versatile.

What are your favorite things to do in L.A.?

I love going to the beach!  I have a deep appreciation for the ocean and water because it calms me down.  I like to sit on the beach and watch the people, and the water, and enjoy the sun.  During my treatment I would go to Whole Foods, pick up food and have a picnic to just appreciate life.  When I am stressed I love the batting cages.  And I also love heading to West L.A. for jam sessions with my band mates.  

When were you diagnosed with Breast Cancer?

September 15^th 2011.  

What was going through your mind when you got your initial diagnosis?

To be completely frank, I thought I was going to die.  I hadn’t been exposed to cancer too much.  I just thought it meant you were going to lose your hair and then die.  I thought, "I want to see my son grow up and get married."  After I snapped out of it and found out the prognosis was good, I thought, “What is the plan of attack?  I need a positive attitude and determination. “

What inspired you to start your blog?

I have a large family, so on the initial day of diagnosis, I called my parents, 4 sisters, 2 close cousins, and my voice was so hoarse from telling the story over and over.  That is why I started the blog so I could let them know how I was doing because they were all praying for me and supporting me.  It turned into something really therapeutic and different in terms of awareness.  I didn’t realize that breast cancer affected so many younger people.  My blog spread the word and let people know that.

“I wanted to be able to refer back to my blog to remind myself what I went through.  I fought for my life and there is no reason to be afraid any more.“ 

What kept you strong throughout your recovery process?

My son 3 year old son, Maxwell.  He is so funny and loveable.  I never lied to him about where I was going or what I was doing.  I never dumbed down anything.  I would say “You have to be careful because I just had surgery” or "Mommy is sick and needs to go to the doctor."  He really kept me going. 

Did you know anyone else who had cancer and how did that affect you?

My aunt is going through breast cancer, but she has opted out of chemotherapy.  Also my Dad’s sister had cancer, my best friend’s dad passed away from lung cancer that metastasized to his brain, and a good friend's mom from college had colon cancer and died. 

“[Cancer] doesn’t discriminate.  It can happen to anybody.”

I also met a lot of beautiful breast cancer survivors throughout my recovery process.  Kimberly from Susan G. Komen is amazing and doing big things.  Being around people who know what it is like to go through cancer treatment was crucial.  Around these people I could be vulnerable; I could let out the sadness, pain and hurt.  Having these people in my life was really important.  

How did the response and support you got through your blog affect your recovery process?

It was so uplifting to know that my blog was reaching people, touching people and even making people cry.  Being a spokesperson and a voice for young people with cancer made me feel that I was making a difference and going through this for a reason.  I don’t wish it on anyone, but it was a blessing in disguise.  I can reach out to people through this disease.  This made me more responsible about writing more and feeling obligated to say something.  It really kept me in check and kept me going.

If you had to do it again, would you do anything differently?

No.  I think everything happens for a reason and I wouldn’t be who I am today without going through all of that.  I think I had a really good cancer experience.  I have a great family and a great job that supported me when I needed to be out of the office.  I am now in a place where I can speak about it and be happy.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I hope to be happy, healthy, cancer free, making music, and speaking to young people about awareness and prevention.  I don’t know where I will be in terms of my career, but I am a very creative person so would like to be in the creative industry, whether singing, acting or writing.  I think when Max goes to school I will be able incorporate this experience into my life through a creative platform.  

What do you think was the most important thing you took away from this experience?

“There was no other choice than to be positive.  That got me through every single challenge, trying to find a positive ray of sunshine in the midst of the storm.”  

The most important thing to keep in mind is a positive attitude.   When you have cancer it is so crucial for your recovery to stay positive; you need to believe that you are going to get better.  So much of your recovery process has to do with your outlook, people don’t want to be there for you when you are down and negative.  If I would ever write about something horrible on my blog, I would try to write about something that I was thankful for, or something that was funny at the end of every entry.  I thought about the blessings, I thought about the positive.  

What kind of advice do you have for young women dealing with Breast Cancer now?

“When you are going through your treatment it helps to do something to make yourself to feel feminine and beautiful.  Treat your breast cancer warrior to a makeover day, a new outfit or a pair of shoes.”  

I was just telling my coworker, I used to have really long hair and bangs.  It was so traumatizing to lose all of my hair and look so sick.  It was so important for me to do my nails or put on makeup, and have friends and family to make me feel pretty.  I wrote an entire blog post about shoes, about how every time I finished a treatment I wanted to treat myself to a pair of shoes.  [Read that post here]

 Zandi's story warms our heart, gives us hope, and finds us feeling grateful for the beauty that surrounds us.  Follow her story here and listen to her music here.  Share her story and remember why it is so important to have a positive outlook! When life gives you lemons... <3

 Margaret Cho is amazing. This quote gives me goosebumps everytime I read it. #nuffsaid

Find out more: www.margaretcho.com // Quote originally found here

Have you joined the revolution yet?
xx