What’s Up Wednesday!

It seems like it’s been so long since I’ve done a What’s Up Wednesday Post but in all actuality it’s only been a month since my last WUW So,

It’s been such an amazingly beautiful and fun month! I just can’t believe it’s just about over yet I’m so excited for October because. .

lovefall

ilfmoa

So let’s get on with What’s Up with me this Wednesday!

WHAT WERE EATING

Wednesday: Personalized Pizza’s on Naan Bread

Thursday: Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup

Friday: Mom’s Chili & Cornbread

Saturday: Hot Chicken Salad

Sunday: Chicken Enchilada’s with Puerto-Rican Rice

Our annual Trip to Lambeau, with Football Season here, we just love football in our home and this trip kind of kicks off the season for us each year! I get so excited every trip, honestly time after time it never disappoints. I would have to say that Lambeau Field is definitely one of our Happy Places! #GOPACKGO

I am a lover of all things leopard, red, teal, black &, magenta so I’m loving anything relative.

This Leopard Ruffle Blouse is Perfect for fall, to be layered with a basic cami beneath and styled with black jeans or a dark wash skinny jean! So cute.

In case you don’t know – but I guess you do since I just mentioned it above but I must confess! I kind of have a slight obsession with leopard and these booties are everything!

I honestly don’t know what’s not to love about them! They are on my Birthday Wishlist and I’m kind of secretly hoping that I really get these beauties that can be pretty much worn with anything because to me Leopard is a Basic in Fall & Winter and perhaps all year long! You can purchase here.

I also love this Puff Sleeve Turtleneck Sweater in Red the color is so lively and I just love dramatic sleeves on a sweater!

Well I guess an easier question may be what haven’t we been up to!

This month has been jam packed and literally flown by.

UPDATING OUR FALL DINNER GO-TO MENU

This past year we’ve really balanced our meals and cut quite a bit of processed food out of our day to day so inevitably their are a few Fall Menu items that perhaps I considered delicious just a year ago that I no longer have the desire for. So focusing on preparing a more nutritious and balanced Fall Menu is a little something I’ve been working on.

WATCHING . . .

Homeland, We have been watching Homeland once the kids are in bed as it’s not kid appropriate.

READING . . .

‘NONE LIKE HIM‘ by Jen Wilkin seems to be a great simple yet sweet read that I think I’ll complete rather quickly.

Hip-Hop Rap like Andy Mineo’s SAY LESS, love the beat on this track. . . and a few of Lecrae’s new ones also. I didn’t purchase their full albums yet. I say yet because I just may it’s just at this time that I didn’t love-love all the tracks on each album but I’ll give them a few more runs soon to see. . .

SWEATER WEATHER!

Well we have been enjoying a true Indian Summer here in Racine, WI. I’m talking about high 80’s low 90’s! So I haven’t had the chance to get into all the fall feels and sweater weather just yet. I haven’t even officially had my 1st PSL aka Pumpkin Spice Latte because the weather has just not allowed me to be in the mood for it quite yet however I did enjoy a Chai Tea Latte with Pumpkin Spice (no water added) from Starbucks with Will and it was so delish ya’ll. If you are looking for a Pumpkin Spice option with no caffeine! That is it!!!

So with that said I have been wearing my Spring & Summer attire lately. The closest I’ve gotten to my Fall Wardrobe is my Lightweight Cami from Gap in a Mustard Color atop of a Cami and a MAC Diva lip!

MAC Diva Lipstick

Pink Cardi & Cami Combo

LUSH Knit Maxi

I wore the blue on Friday and the Black on Saturday! Love this Maxi Dress & just the Lush brand period, it’s like made for me!

LUSH Crepe Dress in Winetasting

I love this dress because to me pieces like these are transitional from summer to fall and winter to spring and can even be worn in Winter also with leggings and a long cardigan.

LUSH Olivia Wrap Dress

This is perfect for Indian Summer Vibes also as it’s lightweight and still holds the beauty of Summer. (also comes in black, which could be paired with tights, booties and a scarf for more of a fall vibe. – Currently on Sale so I picked it up in Black also!)

I haven’t officially worn MAC’s Velvet Teddy but I got this in the mail yesterday and tried it on and I think it likes me! 😉 I also picked up another tube of MAC’s Russian Red as I kind of accidently fell in love with this also last year!

We are going to PUPPY SIT Maple this weekend! We are so excited. We have collectively agreed upon what type of dog we would like for our family . . . a Black Labradoodle and Maple is a Golden Labradoodle so it’s kind of perfect that we get a chance to watch Abby & Bryce’s baby girl! Originally I had my heart set on a Goldendoodle but our neighbor actually may have officially talked me out of that. Anyhow we shall see what ends up happening but this is a great opportunity for our family to watch this sweet girl and will be insightful as to whether a puppy would be a good fit for our family or not.

(Miss Maple – isn’t she the sweetest!)

Will is working this Saturday so it will be a true test for us all as Momma will be in charge with the kids help of course! They are already so excited!!! 🙂 I hope they don’t overwhelm her with their excitement and frighten her because when I say excited I mean they are E-X-C-I-T-E-D-!!! and ready to give her SO Much LOVE!

Other than that we plan to head to one of our local Petting Farms this Sunday and enjoy Family & Puppy Time along with some cooler fall like temps. Will be in the mid 60’s this weekend! 🙂 #happy

CELEBRATING OUR BIRTHDAY’S

Mackenzie will be 8 years old & I will be 33 years old! Two OCTOBER Girls in one house, crazy amazing if you ask me! October Birthdays are the BEST! (totally bias) 🙂

So I’m looking forward to all that goodness along with all the other awesomeness that comes along with. . . . FALL in OCTOBER!

Not that much actually! Life is good and I’m enjoying every moment, Thank you JESUS!

Well that’s all for now friends! I’ll see you back here soon!

XOXO,

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FRIDAY FAVES | SEPT 22

September 22, 2017September 23, 2017 StephanieRaeOrtiz

Hello My Beautiful Friends,

IT’S OFFICIALLY F–A–L–L YA’LL!

I love fall most of all. I love how we get the chance to slow down and collect beautiful moments like the leaves of the trees revealing their true colors then falling free and the crisp morning air.

It’s time for most of my favorite past times to be cherished together with the ones I love so dear. Sharing Warm Tea’s, Hot Cocoa’s & Coffee, Football Games, Apple Picking, Pumpkin Patches, Petting Farms, Bonfires with S’mores, Fuzzy Socks, Fur Throws and, Movie Nights with, Pumpkin Pies. Tis’ the Season ya’ll, it’s fall!

Today I’ll be sharing my Five Friday Faves from this week. What a busy week we have had, Today Will and I have off so we are going to take the kids to school, do a special little desk drop in each of their classes for them and all of their classmates and then head to enjoy breakfast together at the Blue Bear. It’s a sweet little farm to table restaurant in our small town here and they produce everything from scratch and it’s rather delish. After that we will be heading home and I will be decorating the home for fall and Will is going to get some pruning of the yard done. Will be nice to be home with him and just be around before another kick off to yet another fun filled and very busy weekending! 🙂 So here are my five faves this week!

Last week I shared about how our Will turned 9 years old! I kind of still can’t believe that our first born is Nine! What in the world. He’s growing so much mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually – he’s just growing, growing &, growing! On his actual birthday we celebrated with just family and this past weekend him and a few friends as well as his little sister, Mackenzie enjoyed back to back games of laser tag and trampoline dodgeball – which was a total workout as you can see the sweat shining on the boys below. They loved it! Will plans to take few of the boys & their dad’s back over the winter for another laser tag adventure.

Post Trampoline Dodgeball

This was funny, the Birthday boy got out and then all of his buds, attacked to get him back in the game! I have to say Will has a great group of friends. They are all so bright, respectful, talkative, athletic, super competitive & funny!

Will’s Back in the Game!

Double Fisted & Ready to Go!

I truly don’t know who had more fun Will or his Dad!

They all had so much fun blasting these dodgeballs!

Mackenzie won the game for Team Ortiz! #girlpower

Speaking of Girl Power, Mackenzie and I enjoyed our 2nd 5K COLOR RUN along with Chrissy & Brooke again this year and ran into plenty of other good friends along the route! Such a fun – fun, time.

Pre-Race with My Girl

Silly Faces / or duckish lips in my case 😉

These Cuties! So Precious. . .

Mackenzie wanted to put some Dab on it before her favorite color!

These Girls ROCK!

The Bubbles at the end were a bit dreamy!

After the Bubbles we headed over to the after party to collect metals and jump around in more color of course while dancing with the crowd. After all this is the funnest 5K on the planet! So COLOR RUN 2017 is officially in the books!

While the Ladies were away at the 5K these two were biking around town, playing Basketball on Will’s old stomping ground & just hanging around… 😉

A few beauty faves to share with you from my week. Products I have been loving so much this week.

This Estee Lauder Smoothing Perfecting Primer is the best. I have been trial testing a few primers back and forth, this week I tried this one with smashbox and Estee Lauder is the winner! The verdict is still out for Benefits Porefessionals as I used that also now twice this week and I’m not sure I like it better than Estee Lauder but it may be a good back up, so we shall see what next week brings.

I will say about the Estee Lauder that it is hands down a make-up saver, feels really fresh soft and light on the skin and just makes for the perfect foundation prior to your foundation 😉 you can click here to pick it up for yourself. I believe it helps with the keeping power of my makeup throughout the day and slightly has been helpful with oil-control also as it has been so humid here this week.

This cleanser by Peter Thomas Roth is everything, It is what makes me look forward to my showers at night this week! I may have reached for it once or twice in the morning also. So why do I love it? Because it’s so cleansing and purifying and does an AMAZING job at tightening my pores as well. Just simply marvelous darling – hands down my favorite item of the week! Click here, to buy now and you can thank me later, it’s a Winner for me with my oily combination skin type however if you tend to be more dry you may want to steer clear from this as it may be rather drying for dryer more sensitive skin types.

This Beauty Blender Makeup Sponge is all that people say it is, great for concealer application. But others use it for much, much more. It’s currently on sale for only $17 so 15% off if you would like one for yourself click here.

This is completely random but I have been loving this wallpaper for my iPhone. I’ve really been into all things leopard and it legit matches my Kate Spade Leopard phone case perfectly!

Wallpaper

Kate Spade Leopard Ikat Phone Case

Last up it was picture day yesterday and the kids in their flannels were a fave of mine this week! It was so warm here in Wisconsin yesterday but…. they were troopers and sacrificed for picture day cuteness! #momprobs #theyareawesome #lovethem

First Up, Will & He is All Smiles!

Next Up, Mackenzie . . . But First a Good Photo Bomb.

So Silly & Lively this morning!

Finally Mackenzie’s turn but I couldn’t get her to stop laughing so hard after her silly brother kept photo bombing & commenting with sillies on her side!

She wanted to take one with Mommy before drop off!

Well that wraps up my Five Friday Faves this week! We are going to enjoy another family fun packed weekend. Hope you all do as well!

XOXO,

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FRIDAY FAVES | Sept 14

September 15, 2017January 26, 2018 StephanieRaeOrtiz

Happy Fri-yay My Beautiful Friends,

What a busy weekend we have ahead of us here in Wisconsin but with all good things so I’m really looking forward to it. Today I’m sharing Five Faves with you all from my week so, enjoy!

Friday Favorites

My numbero Uno is this guy right here! My handsome, sweet, smart, kind-hearted boy turned 9 years old on Sunday! We celebrated his birthday this past weekend with just family and believe it or not all he wanted to do was ‘chill – with his family’.

It could be because he is having a few friends join him this weekend for a laser tag adventure but I thought ‘Hey – bud you are speaking my weekend language’ Family time & Relaxation, sign me up!!! So we enjoyed the day in complete honor of him from sun-up to sun-down, I just can’t believe that my firstborn is 9 years old already, time is really flying by. It’s such a blessing sharing our lives with this young man, truly a privilege. I’m sure all parents feel that way about their children but this guy is such a special person and means so much to us. It was nice that it was a slower paced day to enjoy him, it allowed me to see how grateful he was for the gifts he received. It’s hard at times in America there is so much spoil, expectancy and, entitlement but I didn’t see that in him and that made my heart glad to see him appreciate what he received – that was a gift!

HAPPY ‘9TH’ BIRTHDAY WILL JR.

junior9

He has become a Packer Fan as of late. After a long journey of finding his way home – ha,ha! He has been a Packer Fan, a Denver Bronco Fan, a Carolina Panther’s Fan, a Dever Bronco Fan, and now here we are again a Greenbay Packer Fan!

He made this official declaration during the Family Night kick-off at Lambeau Field this year. Although he would whisper to me last year during the games (without dad hearing) that he was really a Packer fan just didn’t want dad to know because he liked to banter with dad during the season! (oh he cracks me up!)

It’s been so nice now though with us all cheering for the same team it’s been so fun already! So we got him a personalized GB jersey and he was all smiles and thought it was super cool to have his name on the back! #happyheart

junior

(My Husband, captured these awesome pics & this pose – oh my! haha, All dad’s doing!)

So Happiest of Birthday to this young man that makes his momma & daddy so proud of him every single day. I just love him so so so much! My sweet sugar pie. 🙂

I have been so eager to embrace all of Fall in my day to day wardrobe yet recently we have had some gorgeous weather, totally Indian Summer Vibes and I am loving that but it’s kind of put a halt to the Sweater Weather but I have still been focusing on transitioning my wardrobe from summer to fall so I’m sharing a few good finds with ya.

This LUSH top is Perfection

Seriously, I love LUSH the brand actually, their tops are just my style completely they are trendy enough – not to much, lightweight & classy. I have this top in a few colors actually and love each of them. They can be worn with jeans like the pic below or with leggings.

I often pair them with my favorite pair of leather leggings a fur vest and booties once the temps drop! I love this top with leggings because it’s totally the perfect Tunic.

This top is currently on sale so click (here) to pick one up for yourself.

Cardigans & Cami’s

Cardigan’s & Cami’s is my Spring & Fall transitional Jam, man! It just makes sense to me because you can layer so easily over a nice cami. You can dress up the look with a fancy cami or you can dress it down. Just really simple and a great and easy way to style a look.

You can pair it with leggings or jeans, sandals or booties it’s just my thing and I really like this red Cardi listed below. #greatfind You can click (here) to pick this one up!

Pink Sweaters

Okay, I would more than likely say that Pink Sweaters are a Spring thing – typically that’s what I would have said. But this year I am all about the Pink and Red for Fall.

I love this Simple Pink V-Neck Sweater. I have another one with Open shoulders as well and another chunky knit V-neck pink sweater so I guess I’m kind of loving the Pink.

So I like to buy transitional pieces. Items you can wear for the multiple seasons we have here in good ol’ Wisconsin. So if you are up to a change of pace in your fall wardrobe, you can grab this one (here).

Cold Shoulder Sweater

Basic Grey, Cold Shoulder Sweater. Who doesn’t love a good grey sweater. You can pair gray with everything. I think I like items with an edge – stuff that not everyone is wearing and so the cold shoulders on this sweater are a nice way to add (or take away 😉 in this case) and the ruffles surrounding the cold shoulder details are just adorable click (here).

Bell Sleeve Sweater

I went back and forth as to what color to get with this one because they are both beautiful. I looked in my wardrobe and almost decided against the Purple Mist because well I loved the Rustic Brown color but I already have quite a few Rust colored tops/sweaters in my wardrobe so opted for ‘new’ and a fresh pick so I chose the Purple Mist. I love how it’s paired here with grey jeans and I plan to wear it with Black Booties! You can find it (here) if you’d like to pick one up for yourself.

Mackenzie has been having a blast at her Tumble & Cheer classes. She loves the staff, teachers and, girls in her class! She is learning so much and really growing. I’m looking forward to seeing what becomes of this as she is always tumbling around and doing cartwheels whenever and wherever she can. So excuse us if we are somewhere and my daughter randomly starts doing cartwheels and round-offs in front of us in the middle of the conversation! So funny & happens all the time. #ROCKSTARCHEER&TUMBLE

She was so excited and nervous all at the same time to go up in the air! She loved it.

I think one of my favorite parts of parenting is encouraging them to step outside of their comfort zone. As much as I strive to make Home Sweet Home our haven, our safe place, our refuge. I like to take opportunities like these to encourage them to LIVE while Trusting in GOD. Take chances and don’t let fear stifle you or hold you back from living life to the fullest for we know fear is only a shadow of something very, very small!

These Quay Highkey Sunglasses have been on a constant rotation this week. Definite fave with the Indian Summer Vibes. . . (here)

And last but not least, family time! I love family time always but I have been seeming to soak it up even more this week. We seem to have the best times in life when together!

MY FAMILY IS MY HAPPY PLACE

divino

(Spending time at Divino Gelato Café in our Downtown is one of the kids Faves! I guess it’s kind of a Family Fave actually! They love Gelato and ask to head down there weekly and we can’t always so when we do it’s a special treat and they love it!)

divinomd

(Will & I love Divino’s Café as well! We both got a coffee drink & shared some of their homemade French Macarons! They are our fave and this guy is also my fave – love him!)

Well those are my Five Faves this week! As mentioned earlier we are looking forward to a very busy yet fun weekend spent with friends and precious ones that surround us! Have a great weekend if you are here in Wisconsin – take the time to ENJOY the warm weather!

XOXO,

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My Friday Faves|September 8

September 8, 2017September 14, 2017 StephanieRaeOrtiz

HAPPY FRIDAY FRIENDS!

Today I’m sharing Five of My Faves from this week.

Really looking forward to this weekend! I hope you all enjoy your weekend as well!

HURRICANE RELIEF DONATIONS

My heart – Oh my heart for the victims of these natural disasters. Hurricane Harvey left multitudes in devastation, and Hurricane Irma has also already effected many victims on the Islands and is now fiercely headed for the state-lines.

The weight of these natural disasters is just an outright tragedy.

Praying for each and every single person that has been abruptly uprooted from their day to day lives, their neighborhoods and everything that made Home, HOME! Also praying for those evacuating the sunshine state praying for safety on all the roadways and extended stays somewhere safe!

Below are a few ways to contribute to the relief if you were looking for a way to donate!

TEXAS FOREVER | #ASHIRTWITHAPURPOSE

For $30 bucks you’ll be making a $26 donation to Hurricane Harvey disaster relief efforts not to mention you will get this shirt from Chip & Jo’s Magnolia Market!

$26 t-shirt + $4 shipping = $30 paid in full

HOU DAT | #NEWORLEANSHELPSHOUSTON

Another Shirt, this one is from Fleurty Girl. Houston helped New Orleans during the relief of Hurricane Katrina and now New Orleans is able to help Houston by donating 100% of the proceeds to Feeding Texas – an organization that serves food banks in and throughout the affected areas you may also go directly to the Feeding Texas site to donate as well if you’d prefer, linked (here).

For $24.16 you’ll be making a $20 donation + $4.16 for the USPS First Shipping Option (scroll down a little for this shipping option once to that point as it’s not right on top) for this spunky t-shirt.

And finally I have a few ways that you may just simply donate.

I would like to first suggest the Samaritan’s Purse you can simply click here, or go to www.samaritanspurse.org. The Samaritan’s Purse is noted to have accomplished a great and many things to contribute to the relief of Harvey and are well known for their help in International Crisis Response.

To donate to Hurricane IRMA relief efforts click ( here )

To donate to Hurricane HARVEY relief efforts click ( here )

And last but not least the simplest way to contribute – would have to be via text. You will just text the word HARVEY to ‘90999‘ to donate $10 to the American Red Cross.

Praying that those who have had their day to day lives ripped right from their grip, are able to put and keep their minds on the things above rather than on the overwhelming circumstances. Trusting that God will make everything beautiful in it’s time. #trust #hope #faithinJesus #wearebettertogether #unitedwestand #america

(it is more blessed to give than receive)

MY ERIN CONDREN PLANNER

Now I truly feel as though Erin just get’s me and speaks my Organizational Language – is that a thing? I don’t know if it is but I appreciate it that she just get’s it because to me that was not an easy feat – I’d consider it pure genius actually!

When I open it, I may or my not hear the heaven’s rejoice! haha!

#sodramatic

I LOVE the International Watermarked Print that I selected for 2018, just inspires me in so many ways! The updated leopard print was tempting – however since I already have a leopard one and the covers are interchangeable, I can change them in and out throughout the year if I just so choose.

She is actually having a sale right now BOGO for the interchangeable covers! So head over to her site and order your 2018 deluxe planner so you can also get a head start on planning and preparing for the awesome year of 2018!

If you are like me, you already have some dates that you need to get down and planned out for 2018 so ordering now is just perfect timing. 🙂

I love how the life and inspo is alive inside the planners as well!

I am loving the gold spiral binding this year also!

I love this fall tote that I can carry all of my go-to items in, that are needed throughout the work week! I tend to carry a purse and a lunch pack or a tote quite often during the work week and I kind of sort of was ready to change out my taupe one for this black beauty so I’m excited that I found this one for 50% off!

(phase 3 tote 50% off)

This Humidity Shield by Living Proof has been a saving grace for my crazy lion mane. The humidity can really do a number on my hair. It’s a great lightweight formula that works for many different hair types. I love this stuff honestly & truly.

Humid days are days I always equated to bad hair days or days for braids until I found this stuff! I’m not kidding! So if you are looking for a real Humid Shield that is not only awesome but doesn’t leave your hair stiff or sticky, works great and, is lightweight then this is your new go-to! #thankmelater

I now want to try the Living Proof No Frizz Nourshing Oil since I know the Humid Shield worked so well! (currently in my cart).

It can also be found at Ulta.

ESSIE NAIL POLISH | BACHELORETTE BASH

Mackenzie and I like to agree on a new nail polish each season and to kick off fall we picked ‘Bachelorette Bash‘ by Essie. It’s a juicy fuchsia. We couldn’t fully agree on a color so we had to have the boys weigh in with a vote and this one won! We picked it up last week and have been loving it everyday since – sort of vivacious!

My morning routine has to be a favorite of this week as well!

I have been waking up earlier to assure I get that Mommy Me time and there is just something about a crisp fall morning, just speaks life to my soul!

I enjoy a nice warm cup of hot water with two teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar and two drops Young Living’s Lemon Essential Oil, (Referral Code: 3048455) during my devotional time.

Followed by a Workout and about 30 minutes of Mommy Me time.

All, before I wake up the crew for the start to their day!

It’s just been such a great way to start my day and I’m really enjoying it!

That wraps up my favorites this week! Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

XOXO

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2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR KICKS-OFF

September 5, 2017September 6, 2017 StephanieRaeOrtiz

Today was the Day My People!

It’s officially here, the 2017-2018 School Year has officially kicked off.

The kids had a very busy and fun first day of school, they were excited and ready to go!

After a healthy breakfast, lots of pictures, a full day of school, they had their semi-annual dental cleanings followed by, dessert before dinner so they could be sweetly distracted while giving all the juicy details about their first day to mom and dad!

(Brownies after a dental cleaning – Really Mom!?! Yes, Really – it’s the first day of school!)

Now time for Taco Tuesday!

(every bit of precious – I love them so much – they are my heart)

Our Will,

Is really growing up on us, he still plans to be a Doctor when he grows up. He has been saying that he will be a doctor since he was about 5 years old. I’ll never forget the first time he told me (#preciousmoments). I kind of sort of can’t believe that we have been sharing our lives with this guy for almost 9 years. I mean crazy-amazing! He is such a great kid really! He was stellar-stoked to have gotten the teacher he has this year. It was actually the teacher he was hoping for in second grade and she just so happened to transition to third grade this year and this guy ended up with her! So he is so happy and is really anticipating learning A-Lot this year and seems very excited about it. My Smart Guy. Hoping and praying that He a great year of growth!

My husband mentioned that 9 is half-way to 18 and if the 2nd round of 9 years go as fast as the last 9 years, I may just have to ask him to ‘freeze’ #bittersweet

(Sometimes I wish I could download all the awesomeness that I see in him, such a great person who is going to do great things in this world! He was born for such a time as this!)

He has picked a lot of cool graphic animal print tops for this year.

FIRSTDAYOFTHIRDGRADE

Our Mackenzie,

Still plans on being a Nurse as well as a Praise & Worship leader at her local church when she grows up who teaches Art classes on the side! It’s a lot to focus on but I know she can do it. It truly speaks of her love for life. She is also growing rather fast and perhaps attempting to mature a little sooner than she ought (#girls), so we have been praying how to best encourage and direct her as she has some amazing leadership skills and abilities that are going to benefit her in life when exercised and expressed properly. She is bold, fierce, confident, smart, bright, observant and, amazingly beautiful on the inside and out with the sweetest of hearts and we are just looking forward to watching her grow in God’s grace this year. She’s just going to blossom & bloom!

(As I pray for her, it actually shows me a lot about myself and inspires me to be better, to do better – so that I am modeling best for her and giving her the greatest platform!)

She loves these pants, calls them her ‘Selena’ pants!

Oddly, it was chilly here in Wisconsin this morning! So it actually felt like fall!

Will captured a pic of us in the car prior to the kids taking off!

(I am smiling inside I promise – I think I was still in the hustle & bustle of the morning but I love the pic of the rest of my sweet fam so had to share. #blessed #thankful)

(my flannel can be found here – it runs large so size down one size)

After drop-off and pictures with friends at school Will and I headed to enjoy our annual 1st day of school breakfast together with just the two of us. I love this because we take the time to support & encourage each other and briefly confirm and cast visions for the family over the coming school year. Ya’ll I can not tell you enough how much I love this man right here! He is ‘such‘ an amazing-amazing man. He is my blessing and I love him so muy-muy mucho much! #grateful

So that’s Day One in the Books!

Now, cheers to the rest of an Awesome & Exciting 2017-2018 School Year!

XOXO

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What’s Up Wednesday | August 2017

August 30, 2017September 14, 2017 StephanieRaeOrtiz

What’s Up Wednesday!

A lot! Haha, We are in our last week of Summer Break here in Wisconsin and then the kids are back to school!

I love What’s Up Wednesday, It’s my favorite way to look back at the Month and to look ahead! As I’m writing this post, My Will is in the kitchen finishing the install of our kitchen floor! I tell you, he has just done such an amazing job with our kitchen renovation! #proudwife #blownaway

Today I will be sharing the following fun and random little bits of our life with you so, Enjoy!

WUWednesdayBlog

WHAT WERE EATING

Wednesday: Chili & Side Salad

(Super easy as we have a very busy night ahead of us with Open House, Tumbling & Cheer Practice as well as Haircuts for the Boys)

Thursday: Grilled Chicken RedPepper Swiss-Mayo Avocado Panini’s & Sweet Hawaiian Onion Chips (the kids have been loving these Krunchers – Mackenzie was with me at the grocer and said Mom you better buy two bags of these because you know Will Jr. can tear up an entire bag by himself! haha)

Friday: BBQ Chicken Taco’s

Saturday: Burgers on the Grill along with Corn on the Cobb followed by S’mores

Sunday: Chicken Caesar Salad accompanied by ‘finger foods‘ per Mackenzie she would like to assist with the ‘finger food‘ aspect when I asked her ‘what’ she says ‘do you really need the specifics now’ haha! #mygirl

My days in Elementary School. They were filled with adventure and so much life, so many fun experiences. The elementary years are not only foundational but also what I’d call fun experimental years. You get the chance to try things out that you are interested in. Such a fun-filled time of life looking back and seeing that for my kids now.

I was thinking about the times when I was younger and I just wanted to be an Adult so I could be the boss. And now I have days where I’m just not up to being so Adultish but that’s not exactly a choice so I use it only to encourage my kids to be kids and to enjoy it because it goes oh so fast!

Today I’m sharing two pics of Will & I in our Elementary School Years! Sorry they aren’t the best quality but Ahem, you just got to love the Old School Pics!!! #nostalgic

Why was I not smiling? I don’t know, does smirking count as a smile!?! This is that look I give when I want to burst into laughter but know I should be more serious.

My Sweet Caramel Pie, The Love of my Life, always smiles more to the left than the right. He’s just so cute and I love that here and now I see so much purpose when I look into his eyes & can we have a moment of respect for these puff sleeves and the touch of pearls on my Velvet Dress! (haha) I love it and it’s so funny how Velvet & great Sleeve Details are still trending yet again here in 2017!

(Thinking about that I tend to smile more to my right than my left, I wonder if everyone has a preferred ‘smile’ side? Seriously wondering #random)

All of these items from my last BLOG Post, Fall staples to buy now!

Getting every thing in order, in Summer we seem to relax a bit because well you are just so busy enjoying summer. With the Back to School season, it’s like a new start to a new year and for me that just goes well with getting your life in order and things all extra organized. To go along with that we’ve also as of this week gotten back to our “school sleeping schedule”. So the kids are in bed at 830p. They actually have been loving it which was kind of surprising. My son is naturally a night owl like his dad so I thought he’d give me a little more push back but he hasn’t at all. I use our Young Living Cedarwood and apply just a bit to each side of their temples and then have them inhale for a few seconds before bed. It really seems to help with calming and getting them all ready for a Sweet Sleep.

Speaking of Young Living Essential Oils I have been using Young Living since July 2015 and I started using Essential Oils as a Hopeful Skeptic with a husband that was even more skeptical.

My son was really struggling with seasonal allergies and I just didn’t love the idea of him being on a daily medication aside from his daily vitamins so I thought this could be just what I’m looking for. So I did a little research, I found two friends that sold Essential Oils. One sold Doterra and the other Young Living. My friend who sold Young Living lives in Kansas so I took the time to call her and ask her every blunt and crazy question I could think of. She really didn’t have to sell me on them. She asked me what I was looking into them for and then sent me a sample of a few suggestive oils and the oils did all the work of selling me on it as I couldn’t deny the results or the love.

I spoke with my friend that sold Doterra and went to a Party that she was hosting with another distributor and I liked it but just felt more connected to Young Living (the original) after all my research so I invested and have been thankful and dedicated ever since.

There is one thing that I love from Doterra and that’s their Peppermint Beads. They work wonders when you are stuffed up and have a cold but you can get that same pay off with a touch of peppermint to the roof of your mouth, just nice to have them in a bead form.

So I am totally all in with Young Living as they do not by any means compare to the oils you can purchase over the counter and/or Amazon or even places like your local Health & Wellness store. I ordered this stack of oils listed below here for ‘Back To School’ it just makes ‘KidScents’.

If you are interested in Ordering it’s super easy simply add what You’d like to your cart, create an account enter Member ID Number 3048455 and proceed to check out.

Adults can use the KidScents too! I love TummyGize whenever I have a stomach ache I’ll add a few drops to my tummy and rub it counter-clockwise while inhaling and I don’t know how but it soothes and unbinds! Sniffleease is one of the kids favorite go-to’s when they have a runny nose and I have yet to try Sleepyize or Geneyus. I just ordered this month so I’ll have to keep you all posted on that one.

HOW TO REGISTER?

Simply Put . . .

Retail Customer can order at their leisure and discretion.

Member Customers obtain benefits of being a member like 24% off of retail prices however you will be signed up for monthly orders which can be altered each month for any of the Young Living products that you would like to purchase however it must be at minimum $50/month.

If you are local here in Racine, WI you can direct message me about ways to save!

Well that was a lot more than what I planned on sharing but hey it works and I 100,000% love Young Living Essential Oils and can confidently say you’d be making a great investment into your life and the life of your families by investing in Young Living Essential Oils.

Other than that we have just been up to getting this Back to School Checklist taken care of and getting back in the groove for a great new school year! And enjoying every last bit of summer as we should be! #thisisthelife

(My gosh – I just love them so much! My heart could burst! #thankyouJESUS)

S-N-O-W

Yes, I said the “S” word! hahaha! I crack myself up!

So I know it’s a whiles a way but it’s really not that far and I just want my favorite, FALL to last as long as it possibly may because well, it’s lovely! And, when I think of the slush of Snow. . . I’m just not really ready for it quite yet – although I did have the urge to watch Home Alone yesterday! But no Snow, yup totally dreading it and just not ready for it yet or anytime soon for that matter. Actually if it didn’t mind coming until December 24th or so that would so be A-OK with me!

Getting our home all prepped & purged for FALL and the FALL Decor that I will soon be putting up and on display! I have officially gone through each closet, nook and cranny on our main living level and purged all the old and irrelevant things to us and it feels so good. I’m kind of a dork when it comes to this.

We had our annual Yard Sale not that long ago and I kind of couldn’t believe all of the stuff we still had to purge! I kind of didn’t even want to keep it around for next years sale so I’ve found people to give it to along with a donation to the Goodwill so we are in the clear! #simplified

I know many folks love a good Spring Cleaning Day as do I but I feel like I prep and clean more so for Fall & Winter than I do for for Spring. Maybe because we are cooped up more inside during the Winter than we are in the other seasons? IDK, it just feels so good to have it all de-clutterized! (I kind of like to make up my own words!)

WATCHING

We have officially finished the Good Wife. As the seasons carried on I can’t say she always stood as the ‘good wife’ but I really actually enjoyed the legal aspects (I used to want to be a lawyer when I grew up – so I was kind of loving all of that) and the Chicago references in the show are close to home so I liked it. We really liked that show and we are kind of bummed that it’s like officially over and never coming back! #doneanddone

So I have been kind of surfing around and found American Housewife with Katy Mixon who plays Katie Otto and I found this to be hilarious! Will called it corny but I actually thought it was like the new-aged Rosanne. You know the woman who says things that leave you flabbergasted while bursting into laughter…it could be just me but I laughed lots and I am looking forward to Season Two since I’m already through Season One.

Lots of great shows come back on in the Fall, looking forward to a few like Grey’s Anatomy, Designated Survivor, black-ish, and I’m going to check out The Mayor. I guess I kind of like ABC a little -ay?

READING

I was out to dinner with the ladies this past Friday and we were talking about what books we have been reading or lack there of in my case because this summer has just been so busy and hasn’t fully afforded me the luxury of reading as much as I planned or would have liked so I don’t have any books to share that I am currently reading faithfully at this time But… Amy however brought her Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader that she recently got for her Birthday and when she mentioned it, I was like um, not sure that I would want to ‘give up’ my books and I purchased a Kindle last year in hopes to ‘read more’ on that but haven’t much as I really find that I LOVE the feel the smell and the whole part and process of just reading a book. . . but Ya’ll when she pulled this cute little white device out of her purse, I was like ‘Okay that’s cute. And then when I felt it and held it in my hand I was like this – I could do this!’ She mentioned also that you can rent books from your local library. I mean – how awesome is that? SUPER & AWESOME if you ask me. So I think I’m adding this Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader to my Christmas Wish List because it’s well Amazing. You can click here if you want to check it out yourself!

I do have about 7-8 books that are piled up and ready to go come fall and I am really looking forward to my reading time in these next two seasons. #ilovereading

I have been playing & listening to “Covenant Worship” a lot lately and it’s just sparked my spirit to sing so much and a lot of old school Sunday School Songs actually.

I booked our trip back to CALI and I am so múy múy excited about it!

This Lightweight BP V-Neck Pullover in Green Timber (sold out) but I see it’s currently 50% off in the Red Ochre (pictured above) so I just processed an order for one it! #score

I love this sweater because it’s lightweight yet gives you just enough coverage and warmth and the slits are kind of edgy not to mention you’ll be able to layer this when temps drop further since it is so lightweight! (here is a chunky knit that I’m considering at the moment as it’s also on sale!)

I’ve still been loving this Carly Crop from Articles of Society I love the fringe and the fit. These have been a Summer Favorite for certain!

I’ve been loving my LUSH Lightweight Tops, especially my criss-cross one (sold out) but this one is super cute and I love the open shoulders and ruffle details!

This Tartiest Liquid Matte Lippie is my every day lip lover right now! I picked up the color FESTIVAL. I have really loved Taupe, Pinky Nude Lips this year which is quite a change for me. I also love my pops of color every once and while still!

Speaking of Beauty Favorites, These Two Brush Purchases from Sigma, Total excite my make-up routine every morning now! Make the applications so wonderfully great!

We are unplugging and E-N-J-O-Y-I-N-G family time!

Soaking it all up before the kids head back to school on Tuesday!

Wishing everyone a beautiful Labor Day.

FUN FACT: What is Labor Day?

Labor Day in the United States is a public holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September. It honors the American labor movement and the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, laws and well-being of the country.

So to all my Hard Working American Friends, Happy Labor Day TO YOU!

Speaking of America, I know many of our hearts have been filled with sorrow and sadness when we have seen what has taken place in Texas this past week. My prayers are with the multitudes in Texas and all affected by this natural disaster.

graphic credit: August Joffe (c/o Sheaffer)

CELEBRATING OUR SON’S BIRTHDAY!!!

(A pic of Will & Landon at Will’s Birthday last year, HE IS GROWING SO FAST!)

I’m also so excited that the Regular Football Season for the Greenbay Packers is going to Kick off for the Packers on my son’s 9th Birthyay!!

P.S. Will Jr. is no longer a Panther’s Fan or a Bronco’s Fan – yes he has been both! He has officially declared himself to be a ‘true Packers fan’ #proudparents

I’ve done you a favor and linked the schedule for the Best Team in the NFL for you right here! #youareWelcome

Life is NEW, every morning, accompanied with GOD’S Mercy! #Lamentations3:22

Oh and I purchased some new towels – so I guess that’s new! Mackenzie came along and of course wanted to color coordinate for everyone So she picked Indigo Blue for her brother, Forest Green for Dad, Powder Pretty Pink for me and Bossy Ruby for her! I of course advised her that I could roll with her idea but the girls will share with girls and boys will share with boys and she was A-Ok with it! haha, not that she really had an option but it’s good to let them think it! 😉 And I actually like the vibrant color selections!

Well that’s all for me ya’ll, have a great rest of the week and wonderful weekend!

XOXO,

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THIS FALL,

FALL IN LOVE WITH THE FASHION!

Fall Fashions are my Fave, I tend to be more ‘simple’ in the summer and fall allows us all to layer the luxe! This fall I’m loving the Open Shoulders, Dramatic Sleeves, Moto Jackets and, definately crushing on Velvet so look forward to seeing more of that in counter with the layering of quality basics.

Today I’m sharing some of my favorite purchases that I have all set & ready for Fall 2017! Oddly enough the temps have dropped this week and it’s been a little tempting to reach for some of these pieces.

JEWEL TONES

Red Bell Sleeve Blouse

This Red Top is every bit of beautiful. It’s 97% cotton & 3% spandex so it’s uber comfortable with just enough stretch and the fabric feels so nice, kudo’s to cotton and the pop of color is perfect while the bell sleeve give it a flair of elegance.

Free People, Teal Sweater

When the temps drop this super soft, slouchy pullover in dark turquoise is going to be a favorite go-to absolutely and again in a rather boldly bright color.

BASICS

Socialite Basic V-Neck Tee’s

I purchased both in black & mustard during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and love them, they are basic with a slight edge and wash well. Can be worn with leggings or jeans and definitely plan on layering these trendier tops with Cardigans.

OUTERWEAR

Andrew Marc Faux Leather Jacket

I have been looking for this jacket for years now. I just couldn’t settle on a faux leather jacket until I found this beautiful one. I purchased the black yet it’s also sold in burgundy. I can not express how much I love this one, truly. It’s so posh with just enough edge and the soft faux fur trim is so delicately soft and warm, I mean it just makes me crave #PSL season – aka Pumpkin Spice Latte season, yes folks it’s almost here! #fallismyfavorite #octobergirl

So this jacket is the perfect length and is rather thick so will be plenty warm for the pumkin patches here in Wisconsin. It is extremely comfortable, moveable, soft and, lux. I truly love this jacket so, so, so much, like so so much and I am so glad that I found it! Perfect Match.

PLAIDS & STRIPES

BP Stripe Longsleeve

Basic layering piece, I have purchased at least one of BP’s basic long sleeve layering tops for the past 4 years and often purchase a stripe however the stripe is primarily white in past so when I seen this in primarily black, I was excited for the change and I’m glad I did. I will say this one runs big so you may want to size down one unless you would like it a little more slouchy. (similar peplum version, here)

BP Black & White Plaid

I purchased two of these during the anniversary sale as well, I really wanted to get my hands on the red one but quite honestly after looking in my closet, I made the better choice to go with the black and white. I feel as though these plaid tops also ran large so you may want to size down in these as well however the feel and comfort and weight are perfect for transitioning into fall. They aren’t super thick so can be worn by themselves or worn layered with a basic cami under and or a cardi upon top. Great fall/winter staple in my closet! My other BP plaid tops were more of a flannel style and feel and these are more of a lighter cotton feel.

PEEPTOE & TAUPE BOOTIES

Foxy Taupe Bootie

The feel, the comfort is like silky milk and so gorgeous! Love these ‘foxy taupe booties‘ and I believe they will be my main go to M-F for absolutely sure! They come in four different colors and I really needed a taupe bootie. I picked up these Treasure & Bond Booties last year in cognac which they no longer have, also love the feel and comfort of this one (crushing on these leopard booties from Treasure & Bond).

Cognac Peep-Toe Fringe Bootie

I purchased these last year and loved them from the moment I set my eyes on them. They are no longer in stock but DV by Dolce Vita at Target has some really great picks for shoes & handbags so click here to check them out!

BAUBLES

These trendy accessories are simple bauble pops & give me the fall trend vibes!

Gold Cross Ring

Gold, Black Faced Watch

Black Ball Drop Earring

FOR THE LOVE OF LEOPARD

If you know me, you know I love leopard. I just went through my seasonal gear and I am guilty of having 5 leopard scarves! Only 5 ay, but love each of them. This Sole Society Leopard Scarf has great spots. This BP Leopard Scarf has bigger spots and these are both lighter weight so great for transitioning into fall!

Great Faux Suede Leopard Flats by MIA are also a great transitional item for me and fall. These also come in a Black & White Dot that kind of remind me of an animal print also!

And love this simple Free People Chocolate Animal Print Top!

Black Jean Suggestion Request

I have been looking for the perfect black jeans for a little while now and I can’t settle on which pair to get. I guess I’m hoping for a miracle in the sense of the black jean never fading – so I’m looking for a black jean that doesn’t fade easily.

So, I need your suggestions on black jeans please. . .

Now all we need is the official launch date of the Real Pumpkin Spice Latte to kick off the most wonderful time of the year!!!

XOXO,

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Ortiz’s Lately | Gus Macker Edition

August 23, 2017September 14, 2017 StephanieRaeOrtiz

The Gus Macker 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament returned to our small town this year for all ages and skill levels and we were so excited about it. I ran it past Will and we decided to sponsor two teams so that our little ones could have a tournament experience as we really thought it would push them and grow them – indeed it did.

Will Junior is, has been and, always will be obsessed with Basketball. He lives for the game and has a real passion for it, he loves it! He decided that this coming year he was going to cut out distractions of just playing other sports as he really wanted to focus on training for Basketball getting stronger in his skill sets for this specific sport. He didn’t want to be a jack of all trades, master of none. I mean he’s only 8 years old and already has such a vision for his own future. Love him.

This past year my daughter expressed that she wanted to play basketball. I must admit I was a little surprised, as she is totally into dresses, manicures, make-up and all that comes with getting all dolled up. But she tells me “Mom I’m a Tomboy & a Girlie Girl” and I said, hey that works for me! I played basketball for quite a few years growing up and I also loved playing dress up and getting all glam from early on yet I was also in the middle of the street with the boys playing two hand touch football and near the hoop working hard to prove that girls could have game too! So I could totally relate so then again – I’m not sure why I was so surprised.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

GUS MACKER EDITION

It was time to rise and shine, today was the big day! We were up and at it so the kids could wake up, have a good breakfast & get their blood flowing. We both had our 1st games at 9am that morning and wanted to be there by 8am so we could utilize that extra hour for warm-ups.

So we had our breakfast, packed our lunches, got dressed in our game gear and were on our way to the big games.

(this guy just couldn’t wait to play)

(Will & Hogan warming up before the 1st game)

(The boys and girls had a chance to warm up together)

Our Boys were the “Young Warriors” and the Girls were the “Lady Warriors”. Can you tell that both of our kids love the Golden State Warriors? A few people call Will Jr, Young Steph – after Curry not me, haha! But we let the kids select the names of the team and that’s what they came up with. They also picked out the jerseys.

This was probably my favorite part of the entire tournament. I had a chance to give the girls a pep talk before our first game and then asked them if it was okay if we prayed together and they all agreed in unison – and it was so precious and the best way to start off the game!

The boys had their 1st game on the dream court and it was so awesome, they each were announced by name along with a fun nick-name and they ran through a tunnel of fans and players! The girls had a chance to play on the dream court for our second game! To be announced like big league players was so fun and quite the experience.

As you can see our boys were a little younger and shorter than the team they were up against but they didn’t give up and they gave it their all. They showed a lot of determination and hunger throughout this entire tournament.

I wouldn’t say the tournament was a huge success as far as numbers were concerned as they just didn’t seem to do a ton of marketing-publicity for it this year but it wasn’t a bad turn out either and it was a great weekend overall of basketball. I know they learned a lot and gained a greater understanding of the game at the end of the day.

I will say the games were challenging indeed and the experience was definitely a growth opportunity for each of our players. I remember shouting ‘rebound-rebound’ and then looked at the girls height difference and thought, I’m not sure that’s going to happen but I sure am going to keep cheering them on every step of the way.

Because there wasn’t a great turn out in registrations our teams were the youngest of the all. My Mackenzie was the youngest player in the entire tournament. So the teams our Warriors played against were composed of kids much greater in size, age and, experience.

The gal in the background was as tall as me, I legit walked up to her to assure I had it right and sure enough, our 2nd & 3rd graders played against tall 5th & 6th graders in these games and never gave up.

This entire experience pushed them to greater levels of endurance, confidence & strength.

I can’t tell you how proud I was of our girls for playing hard and not giving up they showed that they had heart, hustle &, ambition. I was so proud of them for that even though they took it hard.

One of the most rewarding aspects of coaching is taking the time to cheer on the champion in these little people.

(I love all the braids – happened by chance and was perfect!)

The lady official we had for the majority of our games was so kind to our girls! I’m sure she was nice to everyone but she was such an encourager to our little ones and I really appreciated that and I think it’s important for the kids to have others in our community also speak life into them! I have some of the best girls to coach in the world and I am so thankful for each of them.

We would have early morning practices leading up to this weekend and the girls learned so much, soaked it all up, ran plays and really bonded as teammates. I was so happy in my heart to see the growth and drive in each one of these girls develop this summer! I am really looking forward to this next basketball season!

(The Dunker pictured here, I believe his name was D-Money but I’m not 100% sure)

After the games that day they had a Dunk Contest and the gentleman that won, jumped over our two kids – my phone ran out of battery so I wasn’t able to take a pic of that specific dunk but he jumped over quite a few of the kids there and my two were in the huddle! They of course thought that was super awesome!

Other than the kids getting this amazing experience of how it is to compete in a tournament proved to be money & time well spent. Another positive aspect is that the proceeds from the event will benefit our local youth programs throughout the year so that’s a double bonus!

Ravenwould.com

(Both of our Teams received the Toilet Bowl Champ Trophy’s)

This made me laugh oh so hard!

Talk about memories to last a lifetime. Love that these are the days of our lives and the best is still yet to come. My girls also received sportsmanship metals that they should each be so very proud of. Each of our warriors worked so hard and I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to share this experience with each and every one of these little ones.

We didn’t leave the courts until about 630-7p that night and we were just so wiped! A full day of in the sun fun. Needless to say we slept really well that night and had to be up early the next morning for some more Basketball!

So that’s the day in the life – Gus Macker Edition. I am Already looking forward to next years tournament! Until next time…

Love & Basketball,

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Back To School | Shopping Haul

August 11, 2017August 21, 2017 StephanieRaeOrtiz

Hi there, Loves & Happy Friday!

We are just a few weeks away from the 1st day of school and that means we will officially have a 3rd grader and a 2nd grader on our hands!!! They have both grown so much over this past year that it actually blows my mind but with that said and with Christ front and center, it gives me no doubt that they are ready to conquer this next year of awesomeness!

Today I’m sharing Five Friday Fave’s via a Back To School edition and I must confess… I kind of love back to school shopping! It’s like a great reason to shop for the kids + there is just this fresh start and new outlook that comes along with the BTS (Back To School) season and I just love it.

Be sure to comment on any great finds or tips and tricks that help you in the BTS Season.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

This is the very 1st year that I purchased all of our school supplies on-line. I can’t say that my first effort was the smoothest operation with shopping on-line for all supplies yet I will say it did beat going from one store to another because you just couldn’t get your hands on one or two of the items, needed. Not to mention between our Amazon Prime Account and Target Red Card we scored free shipping on each of the orders. The only suggestion I had for myself for next year is that with multiple kids comes multiple lists so with that you may have duplicate items to purchase for each child.

So note to self: create a joint master list of all supplies for each child and go about adding the total items for each to my cart that way. I suppose that method would also work well in the store! 🙂 haha! The other positive of on-line shopping was the ease of checking price points between multiple merchants.

I know some stores allow you to price match select items in-store however with my on-line orders I just added it to the cart and simply checked out! I believe I may have found my new way of doing our BTS supply haul – for sure!

Here is a snippet of some of our school supplies.

I legit do love back to school shopping & being all organized!

AFTER SCHOOL ACADEMICS

Our school is great and has a lot of on-line resources for the kids to utilize throughout the year. Two of their favorite’s are First in Math, they love this one as they challenge themselves and are rewarded with points and acknowledged also in class for their work. The other favorite is Compass Learning which is a little more tailored directly to them and where they are in their overall academia. This year I decided to purchase these two workbooks for them to do 1-2 pages after school M-F. I know them and they will sure challenge & encourage one another with these little resources as well.

For our 2nd Grader

For our 3rd Grader

PERSONALIZED ITEMS

I love a good Monogram. I mean I don’t know what it is but I just love everything Monogram. I have always purchased the kids backpacks & matching lunch bags from PBK aka Pottery Barn Kids and I almost picked this one up for Mackenzie this year but quite honestly she didn’t need it as her set from Kindergarden & 1st grade is still in such great shape! And that my friends is what I love about the PBK gear, they are made so great and last for pretty much ever. I always have them personalized with our last name on them. They both have the mini’s that I purchased for them in Pre-K (so cute!) also and they are still in great shape! I know they may be a ‘splurge‘ to some for a child’s backpack but to me it’s worth it. I also purchased our Diaper Bag from PBK and still have that as a cute & classic keepsake which is also in good condition. This year, my son is really growing ‘up’ on me and he really didn’t love the selection at PBK prints so instead we headed over to Pottery Barn Teen and found a green Camo one that he absolutely loved so we got this set and he is feelin’ like a little man with his big man’s backpack. (they have sold out of this green camo but you can find a similar blue camo here.)

I also picked up these personalized Monogram decals for Mackenzie’s Notebooks and what not. I just know she is going to LOVE them, I had them printed in the teal color! You can find them (here) or by clicking on the image below.

I am also going to print these sweet prints off for their 1st day pictures! Easy, Peas-e! You can purchase digital prints of these super affordable from many – many places like etsy and what not.

HOMEBOUND

Making Home our Haven is something I have really enjoyed since becoming a wife and I think with the kick off of BTS Season we know that Fall is just around the corner and not only that but after a full day of school & work we owe it to ourselves to have our Home Sweet Homes be our cozy resting place, our happy place. Not to mention Football season has officially started and well yeah – totally random but whatev’.

So, I picked up this Faux Fur Throw from Potterybarn and it is legit amazing! I have heard many people brag about these throws in past and thought ‘oh it’s just a fur throw’ & would just pick up a fur throw from a TJMaxx or Target in previous but I am telling you. . . nothing can compare to the quality and the weight of this beauty – no joke. Let’s just say it’s summer and that hasn’t stopped any of us from reaching for this cozy comfort. Since day one of it’s arrival to la casa, the kids have been in love with it so I can only imagine how it will be come fall or winter. They will have snuggle to share or take shifts 🙂 haha! I’ll opt for the snuggle! They are a bit pricey but the weight of this product really makes it worth it! I may keep an eye out for a sale on the oversized ones. I purchased the one below in grey ombre.

I haven’t picked up my fall scents quite yet but I know these will be in the round-up as they are every single year along with a few new that sound amazing! I maybe wouldn’t call myself a candle connoisseur but I definitely love candles and I am totally all about quality over quantity and the pay off for the B&BW aka Bath & Body Works candles has not legit compared to any other in our home. They are amazing, they fill so many rooms with just one candle, they last quite a while and they burn evenly. We love them and lighting a candle is pretty much a necessity when ‘back to school & fall season’ kicks off!

MY PERSONAL BTS CHECKLIST

Here is my checklist that keeps Mommy-Me on task between the school years. When I calculated the years, my nino’s will not collectively finish high-school until 2028 – Say What! I mean that kind of sort of makes me feel so crazy inside – like lots of emotions of awesomeness. Well here is a glimpse of my ‘keeping it together list’ for operation BTS’.

I like to keep track of this in my Erin Condren Planner.

Now, the only things I have left to do is to get some more ‘clothing’ shopping done for BTS and then kind of go over the extra-curricular schedule with the family to finalize everything and then we will be off to a great start! Oh and deep clean la casa.

Well that’s all for now loves, enjoy this weekend the weather is expected to be great so planning to make the most of it!!! #BeachBum here I come.

XOXO,

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BACK TO SCHOOL | PREP LIST

August 9, 2017August 21, 2017 StephanieRaeOrtiz

Happy Back To School Season!

Each Year My Husband Will & I cherish the first day back to school. It’s the reminder that fall is near and summer is about to clear another year. But more importantly it’s the reminder that change can be beautiful and that growth is inevitable.

I remember the Pre-K days where we would ease into the school year so to speak. It has always been something I like to savor as our precious ones jump from the slower summer days into their busier school days. But this year we are geared up and ready to go, much like last year, Busy Bee’s are we working hard for the honey, honey 🙂

Today I’m sharing a few of my Sanity Savers if you will, for the hustle and bustle of the Back To School Season. Tiny checkpoints I review before the start of each school year and I thought, I’d share them with you all!

START FRESH

Start Fresh! Make a conscious effort to leave any negative residue behind that may have presented itself last year in your child’s classrooms, friendships, leaderships, whatever it may be. Make the decision to start a fresh and a new with a fresh perspective. Don’t be the Duke of Doubt or allow last year’s challenges determine this years successes!

SCHEDULE DOWN-TIME

Schedule down-time! Schedule? Yes – trust me on this. Schedule at least one weekend day a month where you just chill! Not only for you but also for your little ones! And do not feel bad for saying ‘no’ this ‘no’ is an important ‘no’!

Ease your way into Commitments, Do not over-commit yourself or your children in the beginning of the year. I love to write things down as I know I’ve mentioned before in my Erin Condren Planner it is a true life-saver as it just helps me to write it down and then to schedule it in our joint e-calendar. Quite honestly, I’ve learned one to many times that what may look good on paper is not actually a good fit for our family life and those are the harder no’s! (So if you can make sure those first few months have at least one free day.)

GET A YEAR AT GLANCE

I don’t know about you but I am a P-L-A-N-N-E-R, yes folks! I’m a planner. I love that our school district releases the entire year at glance so I can properly plan the kids time off. So go to your school districts home page and look for their calendar to see what your school year at glance looks like. If you attend RUSD then the calendar can be found linked (here). But this really seems to help me get into the planning mode.

COMMUNICATION STATION

Communication is key I believe. I like to remind our children of our expectations in the coming year. I like to give them a reminder talk about not just their now but their future. I use this time to check in on the hopes and aspirations they have shared with me the previous years. Are we still on the same trek, do you still want to be a doctor, teacher, musician, ect. when you grow up? Who’s responsibility is it to do this or that? We take some time each year to discuss our hopes and goals for the coming year with our children and then we allow for them to share their hopes and goals for themselves for the coming year with us. It’s kind of one of my favorite talks of the year.

I then take that conversation to analyze what I need to do as their Momma to assure that they are set up for success. I like to ask them what they think they may need or what may help them accomplish those goals and then I come up with a little plan as needed.

I’ve learned over the years that it does no one any good to just assume that either of them would just know and understand what our expectations of them are without us communicating them and vice-a-versa. I don’t structure this as a formalized meeting or anything, I just make the time to do it. Actually most of the time this happens when we go grab a sweet treat to eat and then sit at a park so after our talk they can run and have some fun!

PLAN FOR GROWTH

Consider what ways your little ones have grown in responsibility over the last year and figure out what new responsibilities they are ready to grow in this year. This is apart of life in our home (preparing them for growth and then giving them the opportunity to exercise it). Each year for example we add a new chore to their chore chart and we give them a fresh perspective on their role in society, being a living light and testimony to themselves and to all of those around them. Just taking the time to see what areas we can allow them to grow in whether in understanding and or responsibility has been a great service to us.

I can’t remember where we got this but this is such a simple little something to share. Hold up 3 fingers and share this with your kids. (builds accountability & so much more)

I : TALK LESS
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. | James 1:19

II: LISTEN MORE
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. | John 14:26

III: DON’T BE A FOLLOWER, LEAD
Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong . . . | Exodus 23:2

PRAY

Lastly & Most Importantly, Pray! We know there is power in prayer – turning our worries into prayers and activating our faith as we are confident in God’s plan for the lives of our children and those who surround them in their day to day is essential! Our family prays our way into the ‘new year’ and this serves no different as it’s a ‘new school year’. Some things that we Pray for is for Protection, Friendships, Leadership & Growth Opportunities, Wisdom &, Insight.

Well that’s all for now loves.

Love,