Mini DIY

I told myself when I moved in that I would do more post on DIY's. Not only for the blog but for myself, I wanted to teach myself to be a little more independent with mini repairs and make overs. Oppose to paying someone, we can save money and have it done the way we wanted it. Sounds good doesn't it? Well, truly, I have no time. I am still adjusting to mom life, almost two years later and I am still trying to figure where did the time go? So big jobs like this takes more than one, and a little more time, so we had to pay someone to do it.

Pretty much every room in the house is furnished except the guest room that still remains as a semi storage/play room for Sage. We are still figuring out the little details of the home, so I think the guest room would be last on our list. One of the rooms that meant a lot to me to do was Sage's room. For a while it stood cold, just toys, bed and a dresser, it needed more. It was driving me crazy that it didn't scream "life of a child". If I was a child I wouldn't want to play in there. So, moderately we began filling it in, but it still needs more. Before moving in, Sage had her own dresser that a friend had bought for my baby shower. It was a simple dark brown glazed dresser. It was too dark for her current room, or for at least the look I was going for. I didn't want have to buy another dresser because of vanity for god sake. So, why not just paint the darn thing. I went to Home Depot and purchased the Rustoleum spray paint. There is a huge selection, however most options were with gloss. I wanted a matte finish, and just when I was about to lose hope, I realized they have a special line of chalked spray paint. Unfortunately, they only have a few colors in the matte finish, wishfully, with popularity they'll drop some more cool colors. I picked Aged Gray. Check out the finish.

 Before

After

Bumble Bubble

Bubble weather is my favorite. This jacket I purchased last year at Urban Outfitters and has quickly become one of my favorite every day gear.  

Shades: Grey Ants
Sweater: Vintage
Pants: Joggers from Zara
Jacket: Puffer Jacket Urban Outfitters

October...

Nothing like October... Who else loves pumpkin and apple picking? I am planning on taking Sage to her first apple picking, will share the deets once photos are taken. I remember going when I was a kid, never appreciated it then, just hope Sage will. 

Universal Energies

It’s been damn long, I haven’t posted an outfit post, or even dress up for a blog post in a while. However today was different, Sage was asleep, I had only an hour to possibly get some warm shots. Since moving here, I’ve been eager to shoot outside in my yard. Though my nerves frighten me considering I felt like my neighbors were probably watching and wondering what the heck is this girl doing. Fear, it tends to hold me back from doing what I love most. I want to be fearless and jump in head first to whatever it is what I want to do

Going forward, this post is about universal gratitude. Are you familiar with universal energies? Before moving out here to New Jersey, I kept seeing 1111 everywhere. Especially on my phone or iPad, I thought at first maybe it was coincidental, I was probably subconsciously looking at that time, every time. It wasn’t only 1111, I would see 222,333 and especially 444. So I researched, and most sites would state that it could be a big change in my life. So I left it that and thought 'well I am moving to another state', so maybe the universe is just preparing me for my move. But I moved in, and I still saw it. It was constant, 1111,111,222,444 and 1212. Not just on my phone, but addresses, someone else would open their phone and I would glimpse it. Or I’ll be on Instagram and someone would have 1,111 or 111 likes. So I asked myself, it is my energy that is attracting these numbers? Was it the sudden gratification I’ve had this past year? or is it my guardian angel is trying to tell me to keep it up, stay in tuned and you’ll get what you really want. Because I know what I want, I just don’t know how I’m going to get there. My life is such a blur since becoming a mom, a stay at home mom on top of that and when my energy was off. However the universe is telling me to be patient, you will start your own business, open that cafe, motel or e-commerce (I just have to figure it out). I read the trick is to let go, taking it easy and trust that your stars will align. I talk about the universe a lot, and I apologize if it may be a bore at times, but I believe this; That we all are here and aligned for a reason and I want you to understand that, so you can find your reason. I still haven't found mine, or its here, I just can't see it.... maybe?

 Thank you 

Hello September...

We are here welcoming you with open arms. We couldn’t wait to sit curled up next to you, in our throws with a cup of cocoa nestled in our hands, comfortably burning our finger tips. I can’t wait to kick your leaves and watch them sprinkle the sky. Feel your warmth from the sun and inhale your cooling breeze. Sip your warm sweet teas, and hug your warm tones. Hello September, so glad you’re here. 

Mood with Cool Tones

We're almost out of summer. My favorite season is approaching. I can't wait for cool tones, knit socks and blankets.

Sunday Same Vibes...

Something about Sunday mornings that feels different. Still, even after childhood. I use to blame it on school, thinking maybe it was that break that makes Sunday's feel good, even when school was the next day. It’s the sense of finally getting comfortable and being yourself. It’s finally doing what you’ve wanted to do all freaking week, as well as lacking the guilt of feeling lackadaisical. 

Mother's Love...

As you slept, the cool breeze pushed through the windows, classical music danced through the room and at that moment I was filled with so much gratitude. To be so lucky that I am able to watch you grow, especially your first stages of life. That I am able to guide you the right way and teach you to be kind. You’re forever mine as well as I am yours. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you smiling. I pray for you every day and I ask to always keep you safe, to protect you from the dents of life.

Saving Grace...

I went through hell trying to retrieve these photos. I accidentally formatted my camera, which deleted everything. I had to download a program to recover whatever I can. This is why some photo's resolution is poor. However, I hope you can enjoy the photos still, even if it isn't as clear.

I saw a print of an African woman, topless with a white long skirt and this similar pose. I was inspired, and to consider that I saw this photo years ago, it is still lodged in my brain, coerced me to create my own moving piece. 

Honey Avocado Sandwich

A quick post here. I had to share because it was one of the best home made sandwiches I've had in a while, if not ever. My thing lately has been food, and frankly, I got really tired of eating the same thing every day. I need flavor and texture, some times more than one. So after I concocted the meal and sliced it in the middle, all I heard was this little voice say "Mama! mmm piece?" and them "Yum!"

This sandwich is really simple, you'll need several ingredients

1. Honey Mustard
2. Bread or Bagel
3. Honey Turkey
4. Kale
5. Avocado
6. Tomatoes
7. Cheese (Swiss or Mozzarella) 

Health & Self...

Like I mentioned in my last post, having time for yourself is imperative, especially for your health. And, as a mom of a speedy robotic toddler, you'll just forget yourself and not take good care of your body. Eating the right foods and taking the right supplements is extremely conducive, and I had to learn that the hard way. I still breastfeed Sage and it literally sucks the life out of me when I do not eat the necessary foods, and a certain amount of food a day. I thought food would just help, but it didn't, I was still drained, I would sleep 9 hours and still feel sleepy by mid day. I noticed my skin looked dull, by hair was dry, bangs under my eye, I mean I was the walking dead. So there was a few things I started taking and doing to brighten up confidence and appearance. 

In terms of eating, it is pretty self explanatory that healthier foods is better for your body inside and out. It also helps with energy. I would stay away from heavy greasy foods because it tends to weigh you down. I stick to healthy but flavorful. Regarding skin, I exfoliate my face at least twice a day, if not three times on a summer day. I can't stand when my face feels dirty and oily, so I exfoliate with Up & Up towelettes from Target. There are different kinds but this one seems to work for my skin. You have to find what works for your skin. If you need it to be medicated or not. After, I moisturize with Hyaluronic serum alone, or with vitamin E for extremely dry skin. Now I started taking vitamins because even with all that, I still needed a push. So I am trying Sundown Natural's Women's Multivitamin with biotin now, I am unsure of the results yet, however I do have more energy through out the day. 

Surviving Motherhood

How do we survive motherhood? I don't think there is an actual manual, everything we read are advice or suggestions, something to potentially give us hope. I mentioned in my last post that I have moved from home (my parent's) into a house in New Jersey, so my life changed dramatically from being a bonafide city girl, to a stay at home full time mom, in a small country like suburban neighborhood. Though the lifestyle here is way more simple and less vain, the work load has officially took its toll on me. When Sage and I lived with my parents, it was a little easier to move around, considering the help I had between them and Will. Now that we are alone and not close enough to squeeze in a little family baby sitting time, it is a bit more challenging, and honestly, overtly tiring. We don't get much sleep, everything works on Sage's nap time schedule or else we are going to have to deal with her Katey Kaboom Wrath, and in between all the errands we have to run, I still have to fit in the household duties. Now, I am not complaining, I just want to know how do women do this and not lose their sanity? Or do we lose it, but go with the flow? I am learning to keep things in order by scheduling my entire agenda, not saying that it always works out fine. But.... here are some tips that may help first time mom, though I am one myself, I can also pass on my advice so you don't lose your mind as well.

1. Prepare the night before - Everything seems to work out best when you plan ahead for trips, dinner or laundry. I noticed when I try to cram everything in without preparing, I get frustrated because it doesn't work promptly or smoothly
2. Take your baby out - This one I don't like to do as much because I am an extreme home body. I prefer to be in the comfort of my own home, and gratefully we have a big yard so Sage can romp around all she wants with Bo. However, taking your child outside is good enough to tire them out. There is so much to explore (though I can't stand when they pick things up) they will just get overwhelmed and crash. 
3. Make time for tea or coffee - No matter what, I make time for my coffee, and thats usually when Sage is taking her nap, it is the most peaceful time ever. You'll feel slightly, just slightly energize before little one wakes up, especially if you catch yourself up on the latest shows, you tube videos, trends, blogs, whatever! I mean, take a NAP! I for some reason never really take naps because there's so much I feel I need to catch up on.
4. Make time for loved ones - We can't forget that our spouses needs our time too between the mayhem. I can be a little selfish with my time but it is important in a relationship that you both remain close for your family.
5. And lastly, find your inspiration - We have to remain creative and continue to do what it is that we love. Some times we need that push, and really don't have the right people or tools around us. I loved watching motivational you tube videos, or motivational testimonials, just because some times I need that positive energy to give me drive. 

Mother hood is draining but it is all about balancing everything out. Some days you don't need to sweep, just skip laundry for a week, eat some leftovers and enjoy your time here. 

In the photos I decided to finally take photos of myself in our living room. It was simply spirit of the moment, I did not put on any make up or prepare any outfits, just because my time is limited. 

Changing Stage

 A lot has changed since I've last posted. It killed me everyday not to be able to sign on and do what I love, take photos, edit them and share them with you all. I had to focus on other things, and at that time, that's what was important to me. However not being able to express my colors was a never ending battle! But having a child won the war, it was the beginning of my new life, as a mom! I wanted to share this with you all, but I simply didn't have time and it was easier to post on social media to those who do follow. Also, keeping up a blog is a job within itself, and since my life was going through this dramatic change, I had to choose what was priority and of course my time was limited. Furthermore, I can't say my life is in shambles, it was more of a comfortable battle, a battle that I'd accepted and was willing to fight with happiness. But... I have reached a point in my life where I am beginning a battle with myself, my fight with "being" or let's say "living out my truth". I can't forget myself or get consumed into nurturing, though I have no problem giving my little girl whatever she needs, I feel that I need to find my truth before it's too late, if there's even a deadline for that. I feel like I've lost myself in motherhood a little, "letting yourself go" some might say, but not in the form of appearance but by ignoring my creative nature or finding what it is that I bring to this earth the time that I am here. 

Since having Sage we decided that we needed to get a home. Somewhere we can raise her together, better and as our own family. We wanted to stay in New York close to our family but we also wanted something different and simpler. Less fast pace and intimate. We fell in love with this small colonial home in suburban New Jersey, pedestaled on top of a hill, surrounded by life and greenery. I contested a little in the beginning considering that I've never been away from my family, and I wasn't so sure I was ready to take Sage away from them in fear of her not knowing who they are. However, apart of life is about moving forward with it, to be able to follow your truth and continue your journey, no matter who you have to leave behind. And besides, it's only an hour away from home, who the hell am I kidding??!!!! (lol). Now I realized that I am going through another stage in my life, I understand that I need to trust it accept what it is and be 100% grateful... I am... :) 

There's going to be a lot of changes to this blog as I try to become more transparent with you, thank you.