Nobody said it would be easy. Having two young kids has been one of the hardest and most challenging experiences of my life.
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
We are less than one week away from the start of Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale!!! Get ready for deep savings on some of your favorite brands. I know I’m late for the party, but I have been obsessed with Nordstrom for a few years now. It was not my usual go-to at the mall, but now I will specifically choose the mall based on if they have a Nordstrom. The brands I find there are amazing and sales like these make it affordable. I’m not the one to break the bank on a pair of shoes (girls got bills to pay) but I do like to shop for great clothes at a fraction of the cost.
So you lucky Nordstrom card holders, you get the luxury of peeping out the deals and shopping first. July 12th – July 19th, you get to shop in-store or online. For the rest of us, we get to shop July 20th – August 5th. If you would like to apply for a card, you can do it here.
This sale, I’m a girl on a mission. Number one on the list is a good pair of shoes. I’m preparing for the fall, so a good pair of booties are a must. Now, it doesn’t get cold in Houston until about December but a cute bootie must not be passed up. Here are a couple I’m eyeing. A white bootie was so hot last year and it looks like the trend is coming back this fall!! And a leopard bootie? I mean, how could you not?
Next on the list… a good pair of pajamas. I know, yawn! but if you could see me now. I’m still sporting my maternity PJs like heyyyyyy! Now that I am done breastfeeding, I think I can do away with those easy-access breast flaps with the clasps. Here are a couple of sweet ones. And you know my MIL lives with me so there will be no lingerie to sleep.
And just because, as I told you before, it’s Summer weather in Houston about 10 months out of the year, I figured stocking up on some cute dresses would be ideal. Both of these would be perfect for a beach stroll in late August.
And finally, there will be some free workshops around the country if you’re a Rewards member. If you’re not a Rewards member, head over to Nordstom’s website to join, it’s free! I’ve narrowed down the Texas workshops below for my Lone Star peeps. There will be three different workshops. Click on the link and it will take you to the RSVP page. The workshops are already filling up, so RSVP today. Happy shopping!
WORKSHOP NAME
Dallas Galleria
5220 Alpha Road | Dallas, TX
Thursday, August 2, 6:00 P.M.
The Domain
3111 Palm Way | Austin, TX
Thursday, July 26, 6:00 P.M.
Sunday, July 29, 1:00 P.M.
Thursday, August 2, 6:00 P.M.
Houston
5192 Hildalgo Street | Houston, TX
Workshop Full
Stonebriar
2613 Preston Road | Frisco, TX
Thursday, July 26, 6:00 P.M.
Sunday, July 29, 1:00 P.M.
Thursday, August 2, 6:00 P.M.
Dallas Galleria
5220 Alpha Road | Dallas, TX
Workshop Full
The Domain
3111 Palm Way | Austin, TX
Sunday, July 29, 1:00 P.M.
Houston
5192 Hildalgo Street | Houston, TX
Sunday, July 29, 1:00 P.M.
Stonebriar
2613 Preston Road | Frisco, TX
Sunday, July 22, 1:00 P.M.
Sunday, July 29, 1:00 P.M.
Woodlands
1201 Lake Woodlands Drive | The Woodlands, TX
Sunday, July 22, 1:00 P.M.
Sunday, July 29, 1:00 P.M.
Dallas Galleria
5220 Alpha Road | Dallas, TX
Workshop Full
The Domain
3111 Palm Way | Austin, TX
Thursday, July 26, 6:00 P.M.
Thursday, August 2, 6:00 P.M.
Houston
5192 Hildalgo Street | Houston, TX
Thursday, July 26, 6:00 P.M.
Thursday, August 2, 6:00 P.M.
Stonebriar
2613 Preston Road | Frisco, TX
Thursday, August 2, 6:00 P.M.
Woodlands
1201 Lake Woodlands Drive | The Woodlands, TX
Thursday, July 26, 6:00 P.M.
Thursday, August 2, 6:00 P.M.
Breezy Summer Dresses Under $100
Whether you’re hitting up a pool party, BBQ or the zoo with the kiddos this Summer, chances are you will be outside. Under the sun. In the heat. UGH! So why step out with some threads that will weigh you down? I found some of the cutest dresses sure to keep you cool and cute this season. I love that some of these picks are flowy – great for me when I’m feeling a bit bloated. When I’m feeling on point, I’ll opt for the body-con dresses. And they are all under $100. I can’t wait to gives some of these a try!
Summer Beauty Survival Kit
It’s here!! The unofficial start to the summer, or better yet, Memorial Day. First, let’s take a moment to thank all of the brave men and women who serve or have served to protect our freedom. THANK YOU!!!
Now, as we kick start the beginning of pool days and sun rays, let’s talk about some essentials that will make surviving this summer a breeze. For one, the proper outdoor protection is crucial. So stocking up on some sunscreen is a must every year for me. Don’t forget that sunscreen does expire, so you want to make sure your SPF is still kicking. I usually have one for my face and one for the rest. I like Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 100. Now, I’ve heard it doesn’t make any difference once your SPF reaches 50 or 75, but I’m going to take any extra precaution and do it 100! Even at my ripe, young age (insert laughing emoji here) I’ve started to notice some fine lines around my eyes, so I don’t play with my face.
They even have a sunscreen stick for babies that is easy to apply and gentle on their face. The Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen Stick comes in SPF 60 to protect those chubby cheeks. 
Now that we have your skin covered, let’s not forget about your hair. If you’ve ever had your hair treated, you will need to protect your investment. Getting your hair professionally colored is not cheap. So why take a chance with sun damage when you can take some extra precaution to keep your tresses looking lovely. There are a few products I recommend and if you cannot buy them all, at least start with the Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil. UVA/UVB filters help protect your hair from dryness and it smells AHHHHHmazing! This baby is part of a 3-part sun care system. The Sun Care Hair and Body Cleanser helps remove minerals that are found in pools (thanks chlorine) and may cause discoloration. It also removes salt and product build up, in case you’re hitting the beach this summer. Then you finish off your sun-protection trifecta with the Sun Care After-Sun Hair Masque.
Third on our sun-protection crusade is SPF for nails. Exposure to the sun may cause your fingernails to turn yellow. So to protect them by applying your favorite nail color. There is also this polish that claims to protect your nails from yellowing especially if you tan indoors. I’ve never tried it, but its called Essie Sun-E and I found it on Ebay. Or you can go my route with some cute polish and generous amounts of sunscreen on my hands. Also, don’t neglect the back of your hands. This skin is thin and gets daily exposure to the sun while driving, walking outside, even next to your work window. So make sure you are slathering on the screen daily. You can try to ward off the wrinkles on your face all day long, but your hands will tell your age. Remember that!
One of the hottest items this season will also be a wide-brim hat. There are plenty of straw hats that are not only cute, but can serve as extra protection against the sun’s harmful rays. This sweet hat is only $35 at Nordstrom!
I live in Houston and Summer is the longest season for us. It usually starts around April and can stretch into November. Yes! It’s hot here. Always. So I usually try to keep my every day makeup simple. But one must have is my tinted BB cream. I use the Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream 8-in-1 Skin Protector with SPF 30. This gives me a bit of coverage while keeping my skin protected. Now, the sunscreen in this formula does give me a bit of a shine so I have to dust some translucent powder to keep me looking matte.
And last on our Summer beauty survival kit is the good ol’ lip balm. Unless you want dry, flaky lips (not here!) I suggest getting some lip balm with SPF and apply generously and often. I personally am a Burt’s Bees kind of gal, but their SPF lip balm can only be found online. So when I am in need I head over to Wal-Mart and pick up the Chapstick Skin Protectant With SPF 15 & Moisturizer. It doesn’t have a color but it leaves my lips protected. I like to wear it under some lip gloss to add some shine.
And there you have it folks. My Summer survival kit. Obviously, the most important beauty tip is to keep yourself protected from the the sun. Keep yourself hydrated, drink plenty of water and don’t get shy with that sunscreen! Stay safe this summer and have fun!!
Shoe Obsession: Gingham
Oh how I love gingham! The checkered fabric just screams summer to me. Red gingham reminds me of a picnic blanket, right? This adorable print is coming in hot this season. I just snagged my first pair of gingham heels from Lulus and they were under $35!!
These can be dressed down with some denim or dressed up in a cute summer dress. And the block heel is on trend. They run a little too true to size so I would recommend ordering a half-size up. You know, for when this Houston-summer heat makes you retain water and your feet grow.
Here are a few others looks that caught my eye:
Mother’s Day
Happy Mother’s Day!! This is my 4th mother’s day as a new mom and, I have to say, it just keeps on getting better each year. Every year I feel like I am growing. Growing as a wife, a mother, a friend. Every year I am learning new things, experiencing new things and figuring it all out. I’m learning how to juggle family and work life. I’m learning how to handle two kids. I’m learning how to find balance in my life and keep myself from caving in. This past year has been a little rough with a new baby– not easy! She requires a lot more attention than my first. I recently started using my Moby wrap while I cleaned the house. Not too bad. She starts to squirm out of it after 20 minutes so I have to work fast.
But I love being a mother. Wouldn’t trade it for the world. I love watching my kids grow and learn new things. A is starting to balance on her own. She’ll be walking before we know it. O just finished her first year in preschool. You should watch her recite the pledge of allegiance. TOO CUTE!
So I raise a glass (yes! a wine glass!!) to all those mothers out there. The ones staying up at all hours of the night to comfort a sick child. To the ones who will stop at nothing to provide for their families. To the ones who work multiple jobs to make ends meet. The ones who will do anything to make sure their kids are happy, healthy and safe. To all those men and women who have assumed the role of mother to care for a child that is not their own. And to the ones who love unconditionally so that their kids know love. I salute you.
Today is your day! Enjoy it.
My Precious Little Girl
Here I am, on the eve of my little girl’s 4th birthday and a rush of emotions has taken over me. She’s fast asleep and I’m scrambling to get her backpack in order for preschool tomorrow. Of course, I forget to wash her bedding so I’m up waiting on the washer so I can put them to dry. I also have to find some way to haul 15 birthday cupcakes to her class tomorrow.
I’m so excited for her– her special day! She doesn’t know what awaits. Singing at school, a special video call from grandma and grandpa and, after school, pedis!! She is going to freak. She has always been infatuated with my makeup and, as she calls them, my color nails. She’s never had her fingernails or toenails painted. I was so against it! Somehow I felt that if I exposed her to makeup and nail polish, she would want to grow up too fast. I just didn’t want that for her. I wanted her to care less about beauty products and care more about having fun and being a kid. Running around, learning new things, going outside and getting sweaty.
I’ve thought long and hard –when is the right time? And you know, I don’t have that answer. But I also know that the more you refuse, the more they push back. It can’t be no, no, no all the time. So instead I decided to use this time to treat her (just the toes, no fingernails). And with all the attention her little sister requires, this will be a nice time with just us two.
5 Must Have Accessories for Spring
Some of my best outfits are usually topped off with some accessory. A must-have when you are trying to diversify any outfit. And when you’re on a budget, it helps to make the same LBD look 10 different ways. This Spring, I am trying to collect some new pieces to extend my wardrobe. Here are some items I am currently after.
- The Straw Tote. Found this beach-ready tote at Nordstrom and love the pom-pom detail. So fun and I love that you can fit your arm through the handles to keep your hands free for all the other stuff moms have to carry.
2. Silk hair scarves. One of the easiest ways to disguise a bad hair day is with a scarf wrapped around a ponytail. Sure the scunchie is making its comeback, but I prefer this look. The versatility of a head scarf also gives you many options to change up your everyday look. Wrap it around your head like a bandana, or tie it around your head like a headband. There are numerous options. Take a look at this one from Free People.
3. Wide-brim hat. It wasn’t until recently that I took precaution to avoid sun exposure on my face. As soon as I spotted my first brown spot under my left eye, I took cover. I’ve been using makeup and tinted moisturizer with SPF but the added protection of a wide-brimmed hat just can’t be beat. This hat is a steal at just under $13 at Forever 21.
4. Cat-Eye Sunglasses. Protect your peepers and hide your bags (you know, from those frequent wake-up calls thanks to baby) with some trendy cat-eye sunnies. I love the gold detail on these from Rose Gal.
5. Statement Earrings. How fun are these? Such a great way to dress up a casual ponytail when you’re out and about. I love how big and chunky these are and the color is just lovely. These are a steal from Nasty Gal at under $8!!
There you have it! My top 5 accessory must haves for this Spring. What else am I missing? Please let me know any suggestions.
Shoe Obsession: Espadrilles
Just in time for the summer. The warm-weather staple, The Espadrille, is back! From platform sandals to classic flats, everyone from Gucci to Steve Madden is playing with the trend. I love the unique look of the rope-like soles. You know this shoe style is ancient, but its timeless look never goes out of style. Here are some of my favorite variations all under $100 that I found at Nordstrom.
Soludos
Bella Vita
Sam Edelman
Sole Society
Michael Kors
Caslon
Munoz, Party of Four.
Oh the joys of parenting. Sleep deprivation, selflessness, cluttered home, the death of quiet time, endless need for caffeine (see 1st example) — it can be overwhelming. So at what time did I decide to have another? Funny how mother nature tricks you into thinking that its “not that bad” and then the second one comes along and you remember, “Why did I have another? What was I thinking?”
That’s right, it was because you wanted to grow your family. Although I keep telling myself that two is the right number for my family, I can’t help but to think about a third. I know it wouldn’t be easy for our family situation. Thankfully I have my mother-in-law living with us so she is an at home daycare provider for us. But if she was to move out, I couldn’t imagine how I would be able to afford daycare for two, much less three! It’s bittersweet when I think about my current situation. I love my girls, but am I done? It sounds so permanent when I think that THIS is it. It makes it feel like it’s the end of one part of my life. Like when you graduate high school or college, or when you move out on your own. Well for the past 4 years, I’ve been growing my family and to think that we are done with that it makes me kind of sad. I’ve had such a hard time getting rid of my maternity clothes– you know, just in case.
So when do you decided that you are done? I’m not sure, but I know that I can’t dwell on this thought for too long because I have two amazing little girls that need me to show them how to be strong, independent little ladies. I have two amazing little girls who need to be taught how to ride bikes, play sports, dance, cook and be kind, compassionate human beings.
Tough life decisions. What are yours?
Practicing Self-Love
My little one is almost 8 months and, to my surprise, I am back to my pre-pregnancy weight. Definitely not the case with my first babe. Kid #1 weighed in at almost 10 pounds and momma at nearly 200 on due day! I remember going to my last doctor’s appointment before delivery and cringing at the scale that read 1-9-6. Of course weight gain is expected during pregnancy, but 60 pounds? I struggled losing the baby weight for nearly 2 years. I kind of just accepted this new mom bod. I eventually slimmed down, but still carried around “the pooch” and just figured it was something I had to live with.
My second is a different story. The weight seemed to melt off. Not because I was eating super great, maybe OK, but not great. I still indulged in my fair share of ice cream and chocolate. I chalked it up to my breastfeeding – burn 500 calories a day, right? So what could be to blame (or praise) for this weight loss? That’s when it hit me! I’m damn near starving myself! Having two kids along with work, keeping a tidy home, laundry, making time for friends, making time to work out, cooking dinner, making time for the hubby, taking kid #1 to school, taking care of kid #2’s every need, it can be exhausting! When do I make time to eat?
I fell into the mom-zone. Taking care of everything and everybody else regardless of my well being. But that’s our job, right? Making sure everyone else is happy. But what about our happiness? Yes, my family means the world to me, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like to be alone sometimes. Sometimes we just want to be able to do what we like. Go shopping without having a toddler to look after. Go to the gym without having to be called down to change your babies diaper. Book a spa day and not feel guilty for leaving your family at home.
So this year will be different. This year I will make an effort to practice self-love. I’m a firm believer that if momma is happy then your family will be happy. If momma is happy, she is present in the moments that most affect her family. She is attentive to her family’s needs. She is available to be there for her kids and her significant other. Being happy is about fulfilling your needs along with your family’s, not suppressing them. So do something that makes you happy today.
What do you like to do to unwind?
Luna & Isabella 