Happy 11th Blogiversary to Beauty and More by Pilar!

 Hello Everyone!

Today is a special day, it's my 11th Blogiversary! Last year marked my 10th year, but I didn't really celebrate or acknowledge it because my mom died a few weeks earlier and I wasn't in the headspace to concentrate on my blog.

I know that my mom wouldn't have wanted me to miss such a milestone, so this year I'm making up for it with celebrating my 11th year blogging.

How does one celebrate 11 years blogging? Honestly I don't know lol. I will start by saying that blogging has been life changing and therapeutic for me. I have engaged with some amazing followers over the years and made blog friends along the way as well.

I originally want to do a fashion blog, but I had so many ideas hence the name of my blog. Beauty and More by Pilar. This is my little space on the internet that I share my love for beauty and all my other interests.

I may not have a mainstream blog and thats okay. I blog because I truly enjoy it. There have been a few times throughout the years I thought about ending my blog, but I would miss it too much.

I've shared the good times, bad times, and everything in between here on my blog. Mostly I wanted to create a blog that shows the realness of life. I wanted my blog to be a safe place where my readers could take some kind of meaningful.

Thank you all for joining me these past 11 years! I'm looking forward to continuing my blogging journey!

Meal Prep: Chocolate Chip Overnight Oats

 Hello Everyone!

Before I start this post I want to thank everyone for their kind words on my last post. I truly appreciate it. Since I'm going back to work next week from medical leave, I thought it would be a good idea to start on some meal prep/meal prep ideas.

I've been wanting to make overnight oats for a long time and I finally got around to doing so. I was glad they turned out pretty tasty.

1 Cup Old Fashion Oats

1/2 Cup Milk of your choice

1 Tbsp Honey

1 Tsp Pure Vanilla Extract 

1/4 Cup Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips 

Place in a jar with a lid. I use a 16 ounce Mason jar. Let Chill in the fridge overnight. I usually let my overnight oats set for at least 8 hours. I eat mine with 3 days. Some people choose 5 days, but to each its own.

Since I work 12 hours shifts I tweaked the recipe so I can eat this throughout the day

1 1/2 Cup of Old Fashioned Oats

1 Cup of Milk of your choice

1 TBSP Honey 

1 TSP Vanilla Extract 

1/4Cup Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips

As I mentioned I'm new to making overnight oats, but so far I can see me making this for breakfast, snacks etc. I like that the overnight oats are filling and a quick go. I'll probably try blueberries next time.

What are your favorite go to overnight oats?

Where Have I Been?!

 Hello Everyone!

Surprised to see another post from me?! I didn't mean to take a three month hiatus, but once life happens. Working 12.5 hour shifts and everything else in between can be a little challenging to get everything done.

Back in April My landlord decided to sell the rental property last minute so I ended up moving. To be honest, I was ready for a change. I didn't like that I had limited time to move and working 12.5 shifts just to come home to pack, but thank God everything worked out for the best.

I moved into my new apartment during early May. I still haven't set everything up or unpacked everything and I've been living here for almost two months.

Fast forward to June, as you can imagine I was exhausted emotionally and physically. By the end of June I had a pulmonologist appointment and she wanted me to take a few days off. Going against doctors orders I ended up going back to work a day early due to feeling pressure from my job.

Well not 48 hours later I was in the ER. Guess what came back?!..Sepsis (3rd time) and pneumonia again, and a small blood clot in my lung. There was no doubt I was being admitted in the hospital's critical care unit. 

One year ago on July 4th 2023, I posted the most difficult post about losing my mom. A year later it still hurts. I don't think you ever get over losing your mom, but learn to adapt to life without them. She may no longer be here physically, but she's always here with me in my heart. She loved the 4th of July, so as I continue to recover from my recent hospital stay. I will celebrate and cherish the wonderful memories we shared. 💛

Lately my personal and work life have been stressful, but in moments I feel unsure, worried, and doubtful, I have to remember God is in control. Despite a few setbacks and challenges I'm still blessed. I have a couple of follow up doctor appointments this week, so per doctors orders I'm going to continue to get rest so that I can get better.