Mother's Day 'Love Language' Gifts

A thoughtful way to choose a gift for your wife or mother is to take advantage of their love language. The five love languages are quality time, words of affirmation, acts of service, physical touch and receiving gifts.  

Photo credits: Auberge du Soleil hotel, vintage letters, Honey Do list, couples massage, breakfast in bed with a beautiful gift. 

Mindful Monday: Mamas & Taking Me Time

I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day. This was my third Mother's Day and I have a bit more perspective, and even though I have yet to perfect slowing down and remembering to take me time, I am getting there.  

As a mother, like most, I have a difficult time putting myself first. Even when my husband tells me to take more time for myself and he reassures me in every way possible that it is okay, I still do not put myself first. To be honest, I really love hanging out with my husband and daughter, but I will admit there are times I feel a little nutty and full of knots in my neck and shoulders! 

If you haven't taken time lately to do something for yourself--DO IT! I realize it is easier said than done, but once you get over the logistics, take a little time to take care of You. 

For Valentine's Day my husband gave me a gift certificate to my favorite local spa, The Spa Simply Skin, and they did not disappoint as always! I am not the type that can easily relax or fall asleep, therefore, when my massage was over and I thought to myself "was I asleep?" and I felt like I could cry from the pure joy of relaxation--well, I obviously waited too long to take care of myself. Lesson learned.

It is worth investing in whatever relaxes you. It does not have to be a trip to the spa (though it doesn't hurt), the main point of taking time for yourself is to be present and really relax so afterwards you feel like you hit that reset button. You will thank me later!

Friday Favorites

Happy Mother's Day weekend!

I am super excited about the weekend, and I am ready to celebrate being a Mom. Tonight as you know is my cooking day off, therefore, my husband is making us breakfast for dinner. Yum! Tomorrow night...wait for it...we have a BABYSITTER! Yes you read right. My brother-in-law is coming up to watch our television and watch Luna on the monitor while we go out to dinner and a movie. Life is good. 

As for Sunday, I simply want to lay around and do nothing.  Breakfast in bed sounds pretty nice!

I think Mother's Day should be renamed to this:

Now that I've put that out there, lets get to this week's favorites:

Favorite Street Style: Boyfriend Style. I know gingham is back this Spring, but I prefer stripes, and this woman looks hot!  

Favorite Quote: I am unable to quit, as I am currently too legit.  This quote makes me feel fierce, and I want You to feel it too!

Favorite Drink: Kalimotxo (Red Wine + Coke) via Spoon Fork Bacon. I have yet to try it, but something about it is calling my name.  What do you think? Would you try it?

Favorite Home Decor: Turkish Towels. The one below is from The Anatolian Etsy shop. I recently purchased my first Turkish towels at our local farmers market, and they are beautiful. They can be used as traditional towels, and also for decor like this and this. . 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! 

Top 5 Lessons I Learned From My Mom

Since today is throwback Thursday, and Mother's day is around the corner, I am dedicating this post to mi Mami.  If you ever find yourself wondering, where I get my loyalty, strength and sense of humor...well here She is. Here name is Dina Lopez and she is my hero.

We refer to her as the Mujer de Acero aka Woman of Steel because she has been through hell & back, survived and is still smiling! God blessed her with life and I am blessed to have her see me as a Mom. If you knew her whole story you would give her a standing ovation {I promise, but that is for a different post}.

Here are the Top 5 Lessons I have learned from my mom:

1.  Focus on the positive, even when the going gets tough.  

2.  It is okay to laugh and be silly. My mom is not a jokester per se, but she finds lots of joy in family and laughing at the little things. She is much funnier than she thinks.

3. Don't call your husband/wife by their first name. Always refer to them by a term of endearment. My parents never say each other's names. *This is one of my favorites!

4. Once you get married you have to worry about your own family because Dad, I and your brother will always be here no matter what. It is important that you put your family first. 

5. Earrings and lipstick are a must. 

 I love her so much and feel grateful to have her. I am honored to be her daughter.

Gift Guide: Mother's Day

This gift guide is for all the Mamas in your lives and can also work as a great hint to our husbands (I do not know about yours, but sometimes hints go a long way).   

1. Rose Gold Herkimer Diamond Stud Earrings 2. Apple watch 3. COATT morse code personalized necklace 4. Popsugar subscription box 5. Paleo Life Box 6. Blue Apron meal delivery  

7. Mother by Maya Angelou 8. Blair Ritchey Travel tote 9. Bouqs flowers 10. Dior Nail Glow 11. Jo Malone perfume 12. Nars pencil (in every color!) 

13. Daily Look Handbag (shhh looks like a Celine) 14. Tory Burch flats 15. Diptyque

Mini Candle Duo 16. Rifle Paper Co. monogram stationary 17. Emily Ley Simplified Planner (new editions on May 6) 18.  Polaroid Zip Instant Mobile Printer