Friday Favorites

We had a chill week.  Our highlight for the week was Luna's first pee in her potty, which I do not think she really understood why we were so excited--haha! 

This weekend I want to cherish all the seconds with my husband because he will be going on a business trip. For the first time, it will only be Luna and I for a few days. All I am hoping is that my husband returns safely and that I don't go nuts. 

For now, I cuddle-filled lazy weekend it is. Here are today's favorites!

Favorite Quote: Life Begins after Coffee--seriously!

Favorite Book: Wild by Cheryl Strayed.  I was not sure if this book would keep my interest, but I finished it feeling empowered! 

Favorite Bathing Suits for REAL woman: GabiFresh swimsuits are on point, and they even make me, the summer hater, look forward to summertime. 

Favorite Moisturizer: Body Shop's Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet. A few months ago I began using The Body Shop's facial products, and this moisturizer makes me feel like a million bucks! And it smells divine. 

Favorite Menu Planner: What to Eat Notepad. I have tried so many menu planner ideas, and this magnet notepad works the best. Every Sunday I write down our weekly menu and then input what we need to buy into our shared Wunderlist. We keep the notepad on our refrigerator and it keeps us in line. 

Favorite Toddler Toy/Distraction: Doodle Pro. This saved us during our recent road-trip. It is sleek with an easy top handle and no extra attachments (the extra stuff always gets lost or ends up in mysterious places). 

Favorite Frenchy Thing: French idioms! As you all know, I am studying French as my third language, and I love reading French idioms. I cannot wait to purchase the book Edible French--below is an illustrated idiom from the book which says “Cheveux poivre et sel.”  This translates to, “pepper and salt hair,” it is used to describe graying hair. .

http://chocolateandzucchini.com/category/series/french-idioms/

Cheers to the freakin' weekend!!

Friday Favorites

I had a long week, but a blessed one to say the least. I have a feeling you are as happy as I am that its Friday! 

Here are my Friday Favorites. Enjoy!

Favorite Weekend Activity: Add this to your to-do list!

Favorite Spring Heels: Sole Society - Anneke Mid-Heel Pump.  I just purchased these, and they are beautiful. The mid-heel is a perfect size for all you mommies, especially with Easter Sunday around the corner. 

Favorite Outdoor Decor: Globe String Lights. I have spring/summer on the brain! Check out these ideas and tutorials on installing globe string lights. 

Favorite Quote: Give people High Fives for getting out of bed. Being a person is hard sometimes.- Kid President. Isn't this quote brilliant?!?!

Favorite DIY: Alphabet Rocks. Luna and I have begun collecting rocks during our daily walks, and I have my eye on this project!

Favorite Children's Book: Mr. Tiger Goes Wild.  We have lots of books for Luna, but I always like sharing the ones that I think parents may enjoy as well! 

Tonight I am making breakfast for dinner for our in-home date night because after a long week we all need easy choices! As for the weekend we are planning to get lots of rest, and hopefully feel all better by Sunday so we can go visit my husband's family. 

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! 

Mindful Monday: We are all just trying to function

Recently I was reading this post about having a secret with regard to a loss of a close family member. As I read it I thought, it is so crazy what so many of us go through behind the screens of our phones, computers and the images we post. We are quick to judge and imagine everything everyone posts is based on their everyday reality--which is not always the case. 

We are all just trying to function...

For instance, an old high school friend of mine recently posted on her Facebook page what she has been going through and asked for help. My instinct was not to feel sorry for her and ignore the post.  I instantly thought how amazing she is! I love people who are real and are not afraid to put themselves out there. She is definitely going through a tough time, and she knows I wish her the best. I bow down to her for the courage it took, and hope she gets tons more positive messages sent her way so she can turn the tide. 

Never judge a person 

until you've walked a mile in their shoes...

In my journey to be more mindful in all aspects of my life, I go through a lot of ups and downs.  Some days I am very present, productive and feel super alive! On other days, I have low energy, cannot shut my brain down or I wallow about the most mundane things (which at the time seem highly important to me).  

So when you see my posts or photos know that these are glimpses of my life. Like the saying goes, We were born to be real, not perfect. If you are having one of those days where your feeling a tad bit jelly about someone's life, a vacation post, or a celebration photo--remember there life is not perfect. 

Yes, I am happy.  No, my life isn't Perfect... 

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday lovers! 

Love Poem: Pablo Neruda ~ Sonnet XVII

Love Song: Tu Amor Me Hace Bien by Marc Anthony (Your Love Does Me Good). I chose this one because it reminds me of my husband! 

Love in Flowers:  Instead of Red--why not go all Pink tones. Hint: if she has a favorite vase at home take it with you to the florist and have them fill it! 

Love Story: Part of Hallmark's #putyourhearttopaper campaign. Look them all up they are good, but this is one of my favorites. 

Love-inspired Breakfast in Bed: Keep it simple with coffee.

We do not have anything big planned--which is how I like it.  I am not gonna be one of those woman who says "don't get me anything" because we all know that's a lie *wink *wink~a small token never hurts. What can I say my love language is receiving gifts!

I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's day weekend. 

Love is in the Air

The celebration of love is here--Valentine's day is this Saturday. Are you ready to show some love?!

As you may or may not know, I am all for LOVE!  Last year, I wrote more extensively on my thoughts regarding the meaning of Valentines day and you can read it here.  

When it comes to your spouse or significant other, it is so important to know their love language (Words, Time, Acts, Gifts, and/or Touch), and once you get that down, include handwritten letters, be silly & laugh together, spend quality time (just the two of you or family time), and most importantly KISS OFTEN! 

This article on How Hugging, Kissing And More Displays Of Affection Help Your Health says kissing has shown to affect oxytocin and cortisol levels, and, just like hugging and cuddling, can reduce stress. I hope this is more than enough proof for all of you to get your hugging and smooching on!

This Love season should not only be about your significant other. It is also a time to pay a little more attention to the other people in your life who show you love. 

On a day like Valentine's Day, I always think of my parents.  They are not perfect, but in my eyes they are the epitome of love and marriage.  During this time, it is great to acknowledge the ones that first taught you love.  

Of course, do not forget about your children.  Yes, they may drive you bonkers sometimes, but the love they have for you is like no other.  Now is the perfect time to give them some extra hugs and kisses--even if they fight you off!

And what about your friends! You know the friend(s) who are there when you need them. In Spanish, Valentine's Day translates to El Dia del Amor y la Amistad aka Day of Love & Friendship. So get to it--Show your friends some love too!

Lastly, don't be a love scrooge.  Remember love comes to those that give love even during hard times. Do something nice, be kind and smile.

Wishing you all a love-filled Valentine's day season! 

 

Mindful Monday: Creating Family Rituals

Let's talk family rituals and how important they are. 

Now that Luna is two, we are making an effort to create some family rituals. It is incredible how much kids take it all in. 

These are our current family rituals (not including our nightly bedtime ritual & daily reading--because I hope you are already doing that!):

Daily Walk

In the late afternoon, I take Luna on a walk.  I always say it is our adventure walk and she gets excited, even if all we do is walk around our neighborhood.  I try to point out all the leaves, birds, dogs, and rocks.  I make it a point to turn it into an adventure to find a new pretty rock.  I find rocks and then describe them to her in every way I think up.  Now we are starting to have a rock collection because every time we are out she brings back a rock. 

Daily Adventure Walks

Dinnertime 

We eat dinner together Monday through Thursday at the same time.  Before we begin to eat, my husband or I say a prayer giving thanks for our day, and end it with a big Amen! We try to give Luna whatever I make for dinner (on this day we had tilapia and broccoli, and she had brown rice with smooshed tilapia and broccoli and kept saying Chicken--it was a hit). Luna is getting so accustomed to our dinner ritual that she has begun to say Amen right along with us! 

High and Low

During dinner, my husband and I always say our high and low of our day, and I am looking forward to including Luna on this one once she is ready. 

Dance Sessions

I am the queen of dance sessions! As a stay-at-home mom, dance sessions are a saving grace! When Luna is starting to get fussy, I know it is time. I will say out loud "its music dance time," and she knows what is about to happen.  My suggestion is do not expect them to do it on their own! Luna loves it when I dance around and I will not hesitate to put on a full montage if the song is one of my favorites.   

Weekly Lunch date/outing

Once a week Luna and I meet my husband for lunch.  It is usually on Thursday, and our usual spot is Whole Foods.  Having our lunch dates at Whole Foods is so much fun! My husband and I make ourselves bangin' salads and Luna gets to try something new.  During our last lunch date, she had Indian samosas and loved them! It doesn't hurt that i also get to grab any needed groceries while we are there. 

Weekly Lunch date at Whole Foods

Weekend Library Trip

About once a month, we go to the library as a family.  Luna loves to play in the kids area with my husband and I am in charge of picking out new books for all of us.  Afterwards we take a walk around the library or take a ride on the little train.

Train ride outside of the Folsom Library

There are so many reasons why it is important to create rituals/routines. As one doctor was quoted in the Huffington Post: 

"Routines create safety in the minds of children, and the present younger generation, which knows so much external uncertainty and fear, certainly needs to know and feel safety."

In Creating Your Own Family Rituals by Gordon Simmons he indicates the rituals you create need to fit your family. You'll do best if you keep things simple and tailored to your family's lifestyle. 

"A misconception about establishing family rituals is that there must be a big time commitment. This is simply not the case. Ten minutes a night reading to your daughter before bed is one ritual you may wish to consider." 

I hope this inspires you to create a new family ritual or bring one back that you haven't done in a long time. Just remember--consistency is key!  

Friday Favorites

Heck Yes! Friday is here again!

Favorite Flowers: These carnations are currently on our breakfast nook table, they smell good, they are affordable, look amazing, and if Luna asks me for a daily flower I have no qualms!

Favorite Music I'm listening to right now: Chef soundtrack on Spotify. This is one of my top movies, and the soundtrack is good too!

Favorite hair inspiration: The Wavy Lob. I recently cut my hair and would love to learn how to get it just like this.

Favorite Product: Keeping with the hair inspiration. I recently purchased this L'oreal Boost It High Lift Creation Spray, and it is magic!

Favorite quote: Never underestimate the importance of having a person in your life... 

Favorite Toddler Diy: Valentine's Day Noodle Necklaces by The Allison Show. I cannot wait to try to make these with Luna!

Tonight's in-home date night plan of action is spaghetti squash dinner and a movie rental. I can't wait! As for the weekend, it is going to be a lot of relaxing and ending it with a birthday celebration for Luna's best friend Mikey!

Hope you had a great week, and now looking forward to the weekend!

Luna's 2nd Birthday Party - Thoughts & Photos

Most of you have already seen the photos from Luna's birthday party because I could not resist sharing them! Also, I was not kidding when I said, this week my blog posts would be dedicated to our one and only!

Before I inundate this post with birthday party photos, I want to share my thoughts regarding the party. We had such a fantastic time and the energy was pure joy!

As I mentioned last year, I am not great at hosting parties at home, and I have no problem admitting it! Even if I gather tons of Pinterest-inspired inspiration, it does not change my mind. I get really cuckoo and anxiety-ridden from my own pressure.  When I began researching locations for Luna's party, I wanted a happy place, as well as a place where the parents could have some peace of mind or a teensy break per se. The place I chose was awesome! Thank you for creating a wonderful experience Tiny Tumblers!

To all you Mamas out there who feel the pressure to throw these Pinterest-inspired parties, its okay to do what works best for you. If you are a party maven, then I applaud you! If you are more like me, then its okay to hand over the reins! The look on Luna's face, and listening to everyone's feedback on what a great time they had, made it all worthwhile. I enjoyed watching the parents feel at ease since all the kids were happy and playing in a safe environment.  The icing on the cake was coming home to a clean house, the three of us getting in our comfy clothes and watching Luna open her gifts! It was a truly memorable day for us, and we feel so blessed to be able to celebrate her birthday and share it with family and friends. 

Now its time for the photo memories:

Sprinkle cake designed by yours truly and it was brought to life by Cake & Candy Specialties

Tiny Tumblers party room~design traditional Happy Birthday theme.

Proud Mama & Daddy with the Birthday Girl, Amelia Luna

We also had sprinkle marble flavored cupcakes-which were the birthday girl's favorite! I diy'd the cupcake flags :)

Everyone at the party could attest to her favorite part of the party--the ball pit!!

Time to play with the balls! Every toddler's dream!

Katherine & the birthday girl! The only two girls at the party. 

Bring on the bubbles! At this moment, all of us parents were in quiet awe watching the joy on their faces. Priceless.

The happy Birthday Girl! 

Amelia & daddy having fun with the bubbles.

Time for food! We may have gotten a little carried away with so much food! Pizza, salad, veggies, wings, etc.! Yummy for the tummy!

She loved the big pink Birthday Girl chair. 

Thank you again to everyone who celebrated our daughter's 2nd birthday with us.  For us, it was an unforgettable! To all our friends and family who could not attend or are too far away, I hope you enjoy getting this glimpse of Luna's happy day!

(To my husband, who gave a great speech at the party--Ame and I are blessed to have you! Thank you for giving me the green light to make our daughter's day so special! And dealing with my nutty moments leading up to the party--Haha! You are so loved & appreciated!)

Hmmm How will I top this next year!?! LOL!

Letter to Luna on her 2nd Birthday

It is official our Luna is TWO today! Happy Birthday Amelia Luna! 

This year gave us a new sense of gratification in being your parents.  As much as we miss you being a baby, being able to experience life through your eyes and hearing your happiness is amazing. 

I want you to know mama and daddy love you sooooooooo much! At night when you are asleep we always end up talking about you.  I tell your daddy the funny new thing you did in the day and your dad tells me about your morning together. We also look through the photo/video of the day, and love seeing you experience new things, come up with new words and sing your heart out.  

There are so many things I am loving about the stage you are in, and here are some of my favorites:

when you softly run your little hands down my face  and say "nice Mama" 

when you scrunch your nose to smell things as if everything is stinky 

when you belt out in song

when you say "I love you" 

when you dance 

when you get super shaky excited seeing daddy walk through the door

when you stare into my soul as I hold you in my arms and sing Hush Little Baby

and so many more... 

I also want to take this time to share some of the things you are totally into these days:

The color Purple is your jam. 

You love watching Peppa Pig, Sesame Street, and Finding Nemo (and more if we'd let you watch!)

The song that makes you instantly get your groove on is Uptown funk. 

You love drinking up your daily green smoothie, and then ask for a cookie.  I guess you are trying to have a balanced diet! 

Coloring and going on walks are a must. 

You request we read you your favorite books everyday, especially Bark George. 

Lastly, your three amigos, doggy, piggy and winkle are still kickin it with you all day everyday!  They even go to bed with you every night. 

Waking up with a smile and hugging your three amigos, doggy, winkle & piggy

Now that you are two years old, Mama needs a favor, please take it easy on those so-called "terrible twos,' and if you are still contemplating on whether you should bust them out, why not skip on them altogether! Gracias! 

You are my sunshine, my moonlight and everything in between and thereafter. 

I love you, 

Mama 

Mindful Monday: Self-Motivation

Are you self-motivated?  I know I'm trying to be. 

Many times we rely on external influences to motivate ourselves, but after all this searching all it took for me was to really look at myself in the mirror.  For the first time ever, I took a gym mirror selfie (yup, I went there).

When I looked back at this photo, I was actually proud of how far I have come. I am a healthy woman who is slowly becoming comfortable in her own skin for the first time in my life.  I have changed my outlook (positive thoughts=positive vibes=positive life).  I am the heart of my little family, I not only feed their souls, but I also feed them healthy meals. Lastly, like many people I have overcome many heartaches and lessons in my thirty-something years (growing up with a crazy brother, who like a cat has 9 lives, almost losing my mom to a violent crime, self-esteem issues, living away from family, health issues and a late miscarriage). 

“If you think you can grasp me, think again:

my story flows in more than one direction

a delta springing from the riverbed

with its five fingers spread” 

― Adrienne Rich, Time's Power

My motivation to work on becoming my best self came from within--nobody or nothing propelled me to change, but myself. 

I am not saying I do not have days I need to hear motivation from my husband, family or friends, but I have discovered my best actions and decisions have been self-motivated. I am at my best when I muster up my own motivation and decide it is time.

I want all of you to become self-motivators! Here are some tips to get you started:

* Be willing to leave your comfort zone. 

*Choose to be happy. One of my mantras is "Trick yourself before you wreck yourself." 

* Spend at least one hour a day in self-development. 

* Finish what you start. 

* Do not hold back on LOVE! 

* Practice positive affirmations.

I hope my self-motivation journey inspires you to look within yourself.