Life with Dylan

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  • I have a new found love for tigers

    Sure, I have always liked tigers. They rank high on my list of favorite cats with leopards, jaguars, and lions. The size and strength of these animals alone amazes me and their eyes always seem to tell a story. I knew that tigers were an endangered species, but it wasn’t until I started a board on Pinterest that I realized how critical their fate was.

    The board started as a simple contest sponsored by the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. As part of the 40th anniversary celebration, people can start a tiger-themed board on Pinterest called Pin It For Tigers for a chance to win a Behind-the-Scenes Safari for two and meet some of these big cats up close. I thought this would be a great surprise for Dylan if I actually won.  It started as simply pinning pictures of tigers – then I started really looking at the pictures, the amazing photography, and how beautiful these animals actually are.

    Before I knew it, I was spending hours each night reading blogs and websites about how the tigers are vanishing at increasing rates. Some of the pictures I saw actually brought me to tears.

    How could a human being do this to an animal. An animal that has done nothing wrong. The tigers are not killed in self-defense. The tigers are not killed because they are attacking people. They are killed for their skins, fur, and bones because some cultures actually believe that tigers can provide medicinal healing. Tigers are not medicine.

    Tigers are not shot, they are trapped in snares so not to damage the pelt. Aside from stopping the poachers and illegal trading of tiger parts, you can do something to help save the tigers. You can stop buying products that are made by destroying the tigers natural habitat. Buy sustainable coffee that is certified Fair Trade and does not destroy the rain forests. Buy the Save Vanishing Species semipostal stamps and create awareness.You can donate to local zoos who support conservation and help in their efforts to save the tigers.

    Photograph I took of a Malayan tiger at the San Diego Zoo last month

    Awareness is what it really boils down to. Making people aware of something will cause a reaction. To think that the beautiful Malayan tigers I see at the San Diego Zoo are a rare sight (there are only about 500 Malayan tigers left in the wild) and that future generations may never have the chance to see these animals, or photographs of these animals in the wild breaks my heart. The Safari Park has Sumatran tigers and there are only about 400 of these tigers left in the wild. According to the World Wildlife Fund, there are as few as 3,200 tigers left in the wild. That’s not a lot – considering the size of the planet.

    So sure, I would love to win the contest and take Dylan on a Behind-the-Scenes Safari to see the tigers up close – but I can always pay for a Behind-the-Scenes Tour. More importantly, I would love to create a spark of hope within you, a little inspiration to share what I have shared with you. Conservation is the key to saving tigers and all endangered species – and conservation starts with awareness. You can make a difference. 


                         http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f8/1635268009 

  • Aquarium of the Pacific welcomes new babies

    To some people springtime means flowers and butterflies, but to many in the animal world it means small bundles of joy. Adorable babies that make me squeal with delight and probably share way too many pictures on Facebook and twitter – but I can’t help it – they are too cute!

    In the last month, Aquarium of the Pacific announced the arrival of two new family members. I’m not sure who is cuter, the Sea Otter or the Harbor Seal.

    This baby sea otter was found separated from her mother in Northern California and brought to Aquarium of the Pacific in early March. Once she is big enough and strong enough, she will be placed in the exhibit with the other rescued otters. She has been named Betty, after Betty White, in honor of the long time support White has shown for the aquarium and all animals.  

                Photo courtesy of Robin Riggs, Aquarium of the Pacific


    Now I must admit that I am partial to this little harbor seal pup. She was born to Shelby, a long time resident of the Aquarium, on April 26, 2012. This picture captures a very loving moment between mother and child and I just adore it. Shelby is a first time mom, so Aquarium marine mammal experts are monitoring them both.

            Photo courtesy of Terri Haines, Aquarium of the Pacific

    Both pups will remain behind the scenes for a few months to insure good health and allow time for bonding – but I’m sure the Aquarium staff will continue to post pictures on Facebook, twitter, and Instagram to keep us all updated on the progress.

    Rescuing marine mammals and other ocean animals is something I feel strongly about, which is why I am a huge supporter of Aquarium of the Pacific. Besides being a wonderful place to spend the day, the Aquarium has great exhibits that educate people and believes in protecting and conserving our oceans for future generations. As a non-profit organization, the Aquarium relies solely on donations and annual memberships.

    I’m looking forward to seeing these little pups when they make they debut and watching them grow. Are you a member of Aquarium of the Pacific?

  • LUSH Cosmetics offers fresh products that look good enough to eat

    Beautyisms may be no more, but I still love a good natural product.
    (As published on Beautyisms 2-5-2012)

    The name alone makes me want to shop here, but it’s the fresh handmade products that will keep me going back for more. If you are not familiar with LUSH Cosmetics, then let me introduce you.

    LUSH Cosmetics believes in living a lush life filled with products that look good enough to eat. Products that are made from fresh organic fruit and vegetables, the finest essential oils and safe synthetics.

    Each LUSH products is made by hand using little or no preservatives and minimal if any packaging. Because these products are made fresh, each container will tell you who made it, when it was made, and when the product should be used by.

    The vibrant colors, smells and textures of the handmade natural soaps will leave you asking if you are supposed to eat it or use it on your body. The display of Honey I Washed The Kids soap looks like a rich and creamy creme brulee – and it feels just as rich and creamy on your skin.

    Over the years, bar soap has gotten a bad reputation as being bad for your skin and leaving a filmy residue on both your body and the tub. The hand and body soap selection from LUSH should not be put in the same category as the bar soap you might find at the drugstore.

    Made from all natural ingredients like lemon, jasmine, lavender, honey, mint, fig, and vanilla – to name a few – these soaps will not harm your skin with harsh chemicals or additives.

    (more…)

  • Redefining who I am

    I have spent the past three nights doing pretty much nothing. Well, not nothing because I have enjoyed spending time with Dylan and catching up on reading some magazines that seemed to pile up faster than I thought possible. I have been able to get a good nights sleep and noticed things in my surroundings that have always been there, but that I was just too preoccupied to notice.

    I have had time to reflect on my choices and my decisions that I have made for myself. Time to redefine who I am and what I want. Mid-life changes, coming of age, who knows … I will be 42 years old next month and started thinking what have I done with my life? What legacy will I leave behind for my child, and hopefully one day, my grandchildren? Have I really done anything that spectacular? No, not really.
    I didn’t lose as many followers as I thought I would when I changed the blog last week. However, there is one more change that I wanted to make. A change that would really force me to redefine who I am. This decision took me a while to make. 
    For almost 14 years I have been a makeup artist or worked in the beauty industry. My focus has been cosmetics, beauty, and skin care. People have come to know me as this. However, what  I discovered is that this was not my passion in life – rather it was my obsession. Does that make sense? It was something I was good at, and still am, yet it’s not who I am. For those of you have been following Beautyisms, you may have noticed the Facebook page is gone and no tweets have been going out. Well, this is because I am stepping away from my obsession. I am ending that part of my life. I am moving on.
    My real passion in life has always been animals and the environment. During high school I became active in Greenpeace and drove an hour just to be part of a dolphin movement called Don’t Say Goodbye. The decor of my home has always been nature and ocean inspired and now with my son we are adding more animal inspirations. This is who I am and what I want to be known for.
    I remember how scared I was when I told my parents that I was pregnant – especially considering I was single and knew the guy wouldn’t be around. Something that my Dad told me has always stuck with me. He said, God does things for a reason. 
    I believe that now more than ever because my son, through his love of animals, reminded me of my true passion. The passion that inspires me to see the world as a better place than I did before. 
    The passion that brings me to tears when I see pictures of animals being killed for their body parts. 
    The passion that gives me such a sense of calmness and peace when I see the ocean. 
    The passion that comes with such enthusiasm and sincerity to share – To inspire others. 

  • Wordless Wednesday – Stop and see nature

    The other day Dylan and I were walking through a parking lot and I noticed some beautiful yellow hibiscus flowers. I walked over to take a picture and noticed something amazing.

    There were hundreds of ladybugs and other insects, which I do not know the name of, crawling all over the leaves and stems of the hibiscus plant. We ended up standing there for almost 15 minutes just watching. It was fascinating!

    Some people say stop and smell the roses – I say stop and see nature.

  • 3 simple ways you can help save animals & raise awareness

    Over the years, I have spent hundreds of dollars making donations to various non-profit groups and organizations hoping to make some sort of difference. I went from making the minimum donation of $15 to several places, to now being more specific as to where I donate my money – but that’s another post. My point is that one person can make a difference and you don’t need to spend tons of money doing it.

    Awareness is one of the biggest hurdles faced in animal conservation. Today I am sharing three simple ways that you can raise awareness and help save animals for only a few dollars.

    Even though many of us pay our bills online, there are still times that we need to mail something the old-fashioned way. The next time you buy stamps, ask for the Save Vanishing Species semipostal stamp. (cost is 55 cents)

    This is a first-class postage stamp and all proceeds over the current cost of a first-class stamp go directly to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to support the Multinational Species Conservation Fund.

    For more information on what conservation funds are supported by this stamp visit the US Postal Service website.

    Do you love having a unique screen lock picture and wallpaper on your iPhone or iPad? Do you admire great animal photographers? If you said yes, then this next one is definitely for you.
    In November 2011, the San Diego Zoo released the officially licensed digital skins through the iTunes store. For only $1.99 you can purchase this app and have some beautiful wallpapers and images on your phone. The app also includes app frames and shelves.

    Here are some screen shots from my phone –

     

    This is a wonderful way to support the San Diego Zoo and show your love for animals – and I can promise the pictures will being a smile to your face too.

    Another great way to support animal conservation and raise awareness is to follow your favorite organization on Facebook and Twitter. By simply sharing a post or re-tweeting something you find interesting may catch the attention of someone and before you know it a domino effect is in place.

    A few of my favorites organizations that I personally support through membership or direct donations are listed in the right side column of the blog. Looking for some organizations to follow? Take a peek at the pages we support on Facebook or who we follow on twitter. Find your passion – whether it be wildlife, parks, or the oceans and start doing what you can to help.

  • It’s National Save the Frogs Day!

    Between habitat destruction, pesticides and pollution these little amphibians and fighting a tough battle. Frogs play an important role in the food chain and their numbers are declining at extremely rapid rates. Do your part to keep the waters clean and for heaven sake, do not support restaurants that serve frog legs!

    Find out more about what you can do to help at SavetheFrogs.com

    Photo taken at Aquarium of the Pacific.

  • Changing for the better

    As I mentioned the other day, there will be some changes happening here on the blog. You’ve probably already noticed a slight design change – including the color scheme and a new header. Don’t worry, you are in the right place.

    Life with Dylan (my son, not the blog) brings a smile to my face every day. The way this kid teaches me about animals, shows me the world through his eyes, and inspires me to see the world a little differently than I did before will never cease to amaze me. I’m excited to be sharing more of these inspirations with you and hope that you will continue to follow Life with Dylan as we transition to the new blog design.

    A few more subtle changes will occur over the next few days and I hope you will like the new blog as much as I do.

  • San Diego Zoo Safari Park in pictures

    A few of my favorite pictures from our trip to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park earlier this month.

    I love the reflection in the water

    The view from Condor Ridge is breathtaking

    Just look at the wingspan!

    Staying cool in the shade

    Happiness is touching a gorillas hand

    Bats – Cute or creepy? I haven’t decided yet. 

    Under the watchful eye of Mom

    I think it’s nap time

    Sleeping cheetah

    This has got to be one of my favorite Dylan shots – Hamming it up for the camera.

    I must save the jeep so I can protect the animals!

    Sometimes pictures say more than words and these beautiful animals make wonderful subjects.
    The pictures may speak volumes, but the animals can’t speak and they need your help. Get involved with wildlife conservancy and help bring species back from the brink of extinction.

  • I finally see the big picture

    There is nothing quite like spending a little time with yourself. Turning off the television. Unplugging from the laptop and cell phone. Dare I say, going to bed at 9 p.m. and just letting your mind go blank. No thinking of what needs to be done tomorrow or what you might be missing out on because you turned all connections to the outside world off.

    After four days of tuning out and tuning in to myself, I came to a realization – an epiphany of the big picture. Of what matters to me and what my purpose is on this planet. There are things that I am passionate about and I want to share these things, write about them, and hopefully inspire others to be passionate too.

    My blog is my blog and I’m tired of people telling me what I should or shouldn’t do. What I can or can’t write about. I don’t need a swag bag or free admission to someplace for me to write about something I like. If I like something, then I will write a post about it. If I believe strongly about a cause, then I will write about it.

    I share what I want and I am honest in what I say. I will not say something is great if it is not. I will not promote a brand or place that I don’t personally use and support myself. Sure, I’ve written a few sponsored post, but I was honest in my opinions and tried to write from a viewpoint of the average person. When I see blogs filled with sponsored posts, it doesn’t tell me anything except that the writer was compensated in some way to tell you how wonderful something is.

    When I see 20 different people all writing about how wonderful a place is it makes me wonder – could it really be that great? I don’t need to see a movie a week before it opens to tell you how good the movie is. I have no problem paying to see a movie, and if I really like it I will let you know. Even worse, when I see people writing about a place that I know for a fact has long lines or isn’t as “perfect” as the writer makes it out to be, my blood begins to boil. Call it ethics, call it morals, call it loyalty, call it whatever you like. Whatever you choose to call it, that’s how I write.

    I have been a member of the Zoological Society of San Diego for almost 8 years – nobody is paying me, giving me free things, or special treatment to write about our experiences at the San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The same goes for LEGOLAND California – we have an annual membership and have never been treated differently because of the posts I write about LEGO’s or LEGOLAND. We have a family membership to Aquarium of the Pacific, so I will share our experiences there.

    Dylan and I are huge animals lovers. Land animals, ocean animals – between the two of us, we are ready to save them all! We believe in conservation, preservation, protection, and educating people about these beautiful animals that are disappearing from our planet. I want to share more about this with those who choose to read my blog. Not because it’s the “topic of the moment” or because I am getting something in return, but because it’s who I am. What I get in return is the satisfaction of inspiring someone else to see the world a little differently than they did before. I get the pure joy of being true to myself.

    That being said, there will be some changes happening here over the next few weeks. I may lose some readers and some followers on twitter, but that’s OK with me. If someone doesn’t like me for being me and writing about what I believe in, then that is there choice. My success is not measured by twitter followers, page views, or Facebook “likes” – my purpose in life is to be the best I can be for me and for my son. To be true to myself and in doing that find joy in the simple things.