Happy Friday Friends,

I hope you all had a great day!

Today I’m sharing Favorites in Five different Categories. I love all of these items! All the products that I’m sharing with you I own and were definite go-to staples for me in 2017.

I hope you all can find one or two of these products to try this year and add to your adore list!

All three of these are fresh in the game as of 2017 they all smell & work amazingly!

Living Proof No Frizz Humidity Shield >> (here)

This has a grounding scent and holds my style well all year long but is a lifesaver in the humidity. I apply before heat styling and it just does a great job of locking in the moisture.

Tigi Catwalk Haute Iron Spray >> (here)

I was recently running low on this and thought I’d try CHI again – as it’s been years but I ended up returning the CHI and grabbing another Tigi Catwalk Haute Iron Spray in exchange as it really did not compare at all in scent or in value.

Chi made me feel as though I was just going thru the motion of protecting my hair but it wasn’t really where as TIGI not only feels as though it’s protecting but it’s also nourishing and adding shine after the style so it’s only a bonus that it smells so – so good!

Batiste Dry Shampoo – Wild >> (here)

I bought this about 3 months ago for the first time and it smells delectable. I have black hair so I notice when I spray closely you see a lot of white residue so I truly have to uphold to the directions of spraying so many inches away. But it not only refreshes my hair and allows me to prolong washes but it adds volume and feels refreshing! Love this.

HAIRCAREILOVE

Tom Ford Noir Pour Femme >> (here)

This is my newest favorite! Got it as a sample actually with one of my Nordstrom beauty purchases and fell in LOVE with the Orange Oil, Gingery, Rose, Indian Kulfi, Madagascar Vanilla & Amber hues! It’s legit perfection to me and I’m in love!

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle >> (here)

Staple since 2003

Alien By Mugler Parfum >> (here)

Discovered this scent about three years ago, My husband Will keeps this stocked for me as the bottles of perfume are refillable. He also has bought me the travel size bottles as stocking stuffers the last two years and I keep them in my purse. This smells so alluring and scrumptious! Will be a forever favorite and staple in my scents 😉

Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream Moisturizer >> (here)

Worth it – every bit of it in the colder months. I have yet to indulge in all of Charlotte Tilbury’s goodness but I’ve only heard rave reviews about all of her products – truly!

This moisturizer is rich in goodness and does not leave your skin feeling oily but rather deeply moisturized and nourished. It’s almost as if you can feel your skin soaking up the rejuvenational awesomeness – it just leaves your skin feeling – oh so good about it! 😉

Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel >> (here)

This is worth every single penny. I have never used anything that has made my skin feel and appear cleaner and more pure. This is a WOW item. It did take some time for my skin to adjust so this is another product that just a dab will do. I apply a dime size to the palm of my hand rub and apply. Hands down the best facial cleanser that I have ever used!

Retin-A >> (prescription – not sold in stores)

This is subscribed by my doctor but is definitely the most powerful product I use for my face. It comes in multiple doses however I use a smaller percentage as it’s rather drying and just a dab will do! Ask your dermatologist about this. (not sold in stores)

Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum >> (here)

I typically use this in the winter as the benefits are pretty amazing and it seems to really nourish and revitalize my skin when applied. I also have Mario’s facial sprays & masks. Great Brand!

Sacred Mountain >> (here)

I love this one as I love deeper scents. It’s known for promoting feelings of strength, empowerment, grounding & protection and I truly feel all of that with this oil. It’s typically found on my nightstand. I apply it most often at night prior to bed on to my temples as well as to the back line of my neck and perhaps the tip of my nose. It’s a beautiful oil to use as a fragrance also as it’s just so grounding and calming.

Peppermint >> (here)

I use this most to relieve sinus pressure. I apply a small amount to my upper gum-line and sinus pressure is instantly released. I also use it to clear a stuffy nose by just applying a small dab in the center of my palm rubbing my hands together – cupping and inhaling for about 30 seconds.

It’s also great in our diffuser paired with eucalyptus!

Lavender >> (here)

I use this to apply to any minor cuts/scrapes for myself and the family. My favorite personal use however is to help relieve dry eyes. I work in an office so I’m on the computer many hours of my day and I tend to get really dry eyes at times. When I tap a touch of the Lavender around the under part of my eye, they are instantly relieved.

I also use this to calm the kids and our puppy baby Sofia prior to bed at times as well as before we go to the vet. This is my son’s numbero uno oil!

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.

MAC Flat Out Fabulous Lippie >> (here)

This is my all time favorite lippie. If I had to choose one lippie in the world, this is it!

Estee Lauder The Smoother Universal Perfecting Primer >> (here)

I bought this last year for the 1st time, it’s a game changer in my makeup routine!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow Pomade >> (here)

Staple

Tarte Double Duty Shape Tape Concealer >> (here)

Also bought this for the first time last year (2017) and loved it.

I used Maybelline FIT concealer for my under eye area prior to this but honestly Maybelline no longer compared as the quality of Tarte just blew Maybelline out of the water!

The other awesome fact is that although the shape tape is perhaps double the price it lasts four times as long. So it’s financially also a no brainer as you end up spending less annually

Urban Decay Eyeshadow – Thunderbird >> (here)

This color is beautiful for brown eyes – just absolutely strikingly beautiful.

I’m obsessed. 😉

Well that’s all for now My Beautiful Friends!

I hope you enjoyed this post all about my favorite products from 2017.

Have a great weekend.

XOXO

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MOROCCANOIL® BEAUTY

January 15, 2018January 16, 2018 StephanieRaeOrtiz

Hello My Beautiful Loves,

Happy Winter! It’s snowing here today and it’s so beautiful outside. So today’s post I’m featuring one of my Favorite Brands I use for Healthy Hair Treatments!

I have rather Coarse Hair naturally and with the Wonders of Winter Weather well it can really play havoc on my Hair and make it slightly unmanageable if I don’t stay on top of keeping it Moisturized. The winter air is so drying which can make my hair a bit brittle so moisture is a must!

I’ve learned over the years the importance of keeping a healthy hair regimen throughout the year rather than simply reacting to Winter. It’s all about consistency with Beauty in general Ladies and preventative treatment trumps reactive repair!

I notice also that when we are merely ‘reactive’ we have a higher expectation of the products we buy. We want them to work ‘immediately’ rather than giving them the right amount of time to do what they were designed to do.

So today I’m featuring MOROCCANOIL® as it’s been a tried and true product go-to of mine since 2008. A gal at church came up to me and commented on how beautiful and thick my hair was and asked what I used. I shared and she said oh I am going to bring you this Oil, Moroccan Oil – have you heard of it? I was like no I haven’t and she brought me a little bottle the next Sunday. It was heavenly! Like the best smelling liquid gold -ever made for hair, ha! It smells amazing and I think that’s what made me a fan initially as I am totally a ‘smells’ person. But as I consistently used it, I could see the benefits it provided. My hair seemed more manageable, sleeker, smoother and, felt healthier. I used it to condition my hair before bed and prior to styling.

Here are My Four Favorites,

SHOPPING LINKS >> MoroccanOil Hydrating Styling Cream (here) | MoroccanOil Glimmer Shine Spray (here) | MoroccanOil Intense Hydrating Mask (here) | MoroccanOil Treatment (here)

TO FINISH

I use the Glimmer Shine Spray (here) for final touches as it, literally has gold shimmer in it! I spray it on my legs for an extra glow in the spring/summer also – so random, I know! 😉

(Tip: Sign up (here) for free to become a Beauty Circle Member and you’ll get free shipping You know I love my free shipping!)

TO TREAT

I use the Intense Hydrating Mask (here). I typically purchase travel size products when it comes to my masks as I find that I waste less product this way.

TO NOURISH & FOR BRAID DAYS

I use the Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream (here) It conditions, hydrates and fights frizz, especially for coarser hair like mine. It’s like a nourishing soft-hold cream if I had to put it into my own words. It also is great with taming flyaways!

TO MOISTURIZE

I use the Moroccanoil Treatment (here). This was the first MoroccanOil product that I ever used, tried and true since 2008 as I previously mentioned and I love it! It’s the best, also a stylist favorite. It comes in three sizes I believe. I prefer the Pump but I’ve had them all. I use this to moisturize as well as to shine. I use it before bed and I use it prior to styling. It’s every bit of amazing and perhaps also my favorite product mentioned today!

Thankful for products like this that are made from goodness and you reap great results!

XOXO,

Fun Fact: Moroccanoil Pure Argan Oil is 100% Pure Argan Oil, which is known for its nourishing and conditioning properties for the skin, nails and hair. It may be applied as a moisturizer over areas that need pampering, and/or as a richly hydrating hand, nail and cuticle treatment.

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FRIDAY FAVES | JAN 12

January 12, 2018January 15, 2018 StephanieRaeOrtiz

Hello Gorgeous!

Happy Friday! I don’t know where this week went, truly flew by. I woke up on Thursday thinking it was Tuesday, all good things! 😉

So here we are, already here on the 12th day of 2018. Almost putting half of the 1st month behind us. As the years pass it’s clear the days pass so fast. All the sequences of moments that we call ‘now’ are to be seized and made extraordinary. Making the Most of even the Littlest Things and finding new ways to celebrate life, inspire me. Which brings me to my first favorite of the week! My first favorite this week is a phrase believe it or not! It goes along with the vibe of my 2018 in so many ways.

CARPE DIEM

Carpe Diem (defined): Used to urge someone to make the most of the present time and give little thought to the future.

Now I am a avid planner so I’ve had a good amount of time devoted to planning for this year however I guess I’m so into the Carpe Diem Vibes because I’m loving taking each day as it comes and enjoying every moment! I feel so present in the ‘now’ and so aware and it feels so good to be so mindful and present for all the ‘now’s’.

Erin Condren Planner

I know I’ve mentioned my love for Erin Condren Planners before on my blog and I still love them. The cover I picked this year is a beautiful watercolor print of THE WORLD and it’s so inspiring to me. Every time I look at it, I am inspired to pray for the world and my desire to travel only increases!

As a Wife, Mother of Two, Blogger and, Full Time Analyst for one of the world’s largest capital goods companies, my days FLY by!

So I find that I rely heavily on pens & paper and yes I totally understand that I would be considered old-school in this aspect but it is what works for me. And I don’t know about you but there is just something amazing and inspiring when I am able to check items off as accomplishments on my to-do lists.

By doing what you love you inspire and awaken the hearts of those around you and this planner really is a great tool that keeps me on track and helps me keep my priorities in perspective so I stay on track of doing what I love day by day!

So with all that said, if you are looking for a great planner, I can personally & highly recommend the Erin Condren Planners (here). This is my third year with them. I love the quality and I save them as they serve as a journal in a great way, recording all of what we’ve done.

adventure

WILL ORTIZ JR.

WEO

This guy here, my first born, my smart guy, my little handsome man is such an amazing person! If there was one thing I could say about him… it would be that his heart is so sweet. He such a kind hearted kid and every moment I have with him is truly a gift. I cherish our talks the most. A lot of people don’t get to enjoy this part of Will as he doesn’t freely share his thoughts with everyone until & if he’s comfortable but oh how I love how he shares his heart with his Momma! I consider it a privilege & an honor and for it I am blessed. When he talks, I am listening! I love him so much and I love loving him. He is growing up on me a little bit! I’m just such a proud Momma Bear. He’s one of my favorites every week but this week, he let me capture these photos so I’m sharing them with you as they are a highlight of my week indeed!

DANCE MOMS

I am only 5 seasons late, haha! But I have been watching season 5 of Dance Moms on Hulu and I enjoy how it inspires my Mackenzie to dance and create dances of her own when it’s on. It inspires her to be more creative and tap into those talents she has and I just love seeing that come alive in her when we watch this show together!

RANDOM FAVES

FAVES

A few random faves from this past week! A lot of great go to’s!

SHOPPING LINKS >> Lush Bath Bombs (here) Vintage Pink & Gray Wool Rug (here) Snow Cat Ankle Bootie Slippers (here) Lanolips (here) Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer (here) MoraccanOil comes in three different sizes (here) Urban Decay Vice Lippie in Obsessed on SALE for $8.50 + free shipping (here) New Balance Running Shoe (here) Zella Live In Leggings that I live in on the weekends (here)

XOXO

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MY MAKE-UP LATELY | FALL 2017

October 18, 2017October 18, 2017 StephanieRaeOrtiz

Hey You!

Today’s blog post is going to be all about My Make-Up Lately.

makeupbysteph

So if you know me at all, you probably know that I love Make-Up! I always have and I’m sure I always will. Every fall I just get so inspired to shop for a few new favorite finds in the beauty department and today I’m going to share with you a some of my favorite picks I’ve found this fall. I hope you can find a few new suggestions for yourself that you’d like to give a try as well! Enjoy.

SHOP BY NUMBER

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5a) (5b) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12a) (12b)

Below is some of my personal feedback on each of the items, how I use them and what my thoughts are of them.

1 | Estee Lauder The Smoother Universal Perfecting Primer I have mentioned this product now a few times and I really do love it! In short it seems to minimize the appearance of pores and bring a real perfecting foundation prior to me applying my foundation + it literally helps to keep all my make-up in place all the day long! You can purchase (here) to try for yourself. What I love about this most is that I am so picky when it comes to products that I apply to my skin and this has a real satin smooth finish and is not sticky in any shape or form nor has it proven to clog any of my pores! I’m in love with it.

2 | MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation Spf 15 – I wear NC42 True Medium Golden This foundation is great for me. I feel that it provides a natural matte finish and it’s not full coverage (which I like) but it’s buildable without looking like cake face in the event you did need to build for more coverage. You can purchase (here) however I suggest going into the store and/or calling their Beauty department so they can assist in matching you. (always remember that Nordstrom has free shipping & free returns)

3 |Anastasia ‘Dipbrow Pomade’ in Ebony along with a duo eyebrow brush like (this) $3 one for application has been what I use for my brows for years now. Love these products! To purchase the Dipbrown click (here). This past year I’ve added this Volumizer by Maybelline to keep all my hairs in place and I love the volume & dimension it adds, you can purchase that (here).

4 | Stila Written In The Stars Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow Set I have this in the Kitten Karma and just apply a little to my ‘lid only’. I highly recommend this set because I love the one I have and paid that much for just the one. This way you will get to try them all and with the Holidays coming up I think I will pick up this set also because ,well it’s going to be just the perfect amount of glitz & sparkle for the holidays. You can purchase the set (here)

5 | I recently was trying out a few primers and tried the benefit primer on my eyelids for some odd reason and LOVE it! So random – I know, but it works great for keeping my shadow on and in place without creasing throughout the day. You can purchase the benefit primer (here) My recent go to eyeshadow has been this basic brown by Urban Decay in the color Secret Service you can purchase that (here)

6 | L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Macara in Blackest Black is every bit of AMAZING and uber affordable! You can purchase (here)

I see they have this in a ‘duo set’ that couples this amazing mascara with their primer. I have used the Volumious Primer before in past and it is well known to add so much length prior to your mascara application. Just need to give it time to dry prior to applying your mascara. To check out the set for just a few bucks more click (here)

7 | Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder is used to set under my eyes and any place that may typically be known to be more oily or more prone to crease my foundation/concealer. You can purchase the Setting Powder (here) I set my under eyes with this tapered brush from Sigma – truly love this brush. It’s pretty much perfection.

8 | Speaking of Concealer, Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer is a good go to of mine for M-F. I guess my faves so far in this category are by MAC, Maybelline, IT Cosmetics and, Tarte. Love the concealers that I’ve tried so far from those brands. You can pick up the Maybelline Age Rewind (here)

9 | Benefit Dandelion Shy Beam Matte Liquid Highlighter for highlighting, just a drop will do ya! I apply highlighter at the tip of my nose and at the peak at my cheekbones.

10 | Stila ‘Stay All Day’ Bronzer For Face & Body in Medium is what I use to add warmth and definition to my face.

11 | Nars Blush – Deep Throat on the apples of my cheeks is just bliss. I also love their Orgasm & Super Orgasm blush as well. I believe it’s MAC has a Peachy Keen blush that is much like Nars Orgasm also. It’s a pinky coral with Gold Specks in it, just makes you glow!

12 | Lippies to finish the Look, I’ve been combining both MAC’s Velvet Teddy which is a Matte formula topping that with Saint Germain Lipstick which is an amplified lippie so it adds a little shine and smoothness. It’s my perfect combo at the moment for my lips. You can purchase the Saint Germain (here) and the Velvet Teddy (here)

Well those are my recent faves for Fall. I hope you all enjoyed this blog post and I’ll see you back here soon!

XOXO,

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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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What’s Up Wednesday | July 2017

July 26, 2017August 21, 2017 StephanieRaeOrtiz

Today is What’s Up Wednesday!

What a great summer it’s turned out to be so far – right, and we still have a little over a month left of the goodness! #excited #ilovesummer

I hope you all are enjoying every bit of it and making the most of every day as it goes so, so fast. Today I will be sharing the following fun and random little bits of our life with you so, Enjoy!

Wednesday: Bacon Apricot & Roasted Red Pepper Panini’s

Thursday: Italian Sausage Kale Soup & Chef Salad

Friday: We are heading to the County Fair so we will grab some Fair Food Finds out there! #funnelcakes #creampuffs

Saturday: Lettuce Burgers & Corn on the Cobb

Sunday: BBQ Chicken Taco’s

The kids have enjoyed dessert like every single night this week. Say What!!! 🙂 Just a few spoonfuls of their picks below gives their little tummies a sweet delight! Will was talking about why Sorbet is obviously the better choice over Ice-cream so he started to read the ingredients to back up his opinion and Mackenzie said ‘okay you can stop Will, there is no way my ice-cream is healthy it’s just delicious’ It cracks me up but hey isn’t that what summer is all about! We also made homemade Strawberry Icecream earlier this month and it was actually pretty scrumptious!

And I just have to share the fact that this deliciousness launched at Starbucks this week. It’s a Teavana pineapple fruit botanical black tea blend with coconut milk – however I had my barista shake it with some heavy cream as well to make it just a little ‘richer’ tasting per her suggestion! It was super refreshing and enjoyable and it’s joining the permanent menu so if you like piña coladas and refreshing splashes of deliciousness you may want to try this but no rush because you can get this all year long!

Our trip to California, I wanted to go back so bad and spoke to Will about going back yet still this year and he was thinking of taking us out there this year for My Birthday in October but it would be such a short trip that I thought it will be better to wait and make the most of it later!

We have tossed it back and forth over the last two years about moving out there and making California our HOME Sweet HOME and I do believe it will come to be as the whole family is on board so yes, Sweet Cali has been what I’ve been reminiscing about.

Sunrises are divine. The resort we stayed at was amazing!

The Oceanfront is so beautiful and powerful, Washed this little baby Dolphin ashore.

We couldn’t keep this guy out of the Ocean – literally! He LOVES California!!!

And Sweet Mackenzie feeling so Free on the Beach

This pose though & missing her two front teeth. My baby forever she’ll be!

So needless to say I can’t wait to book our next trip!

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! Seriously I legit have been shopping the Sale e-v-e-r-y single day! They are adding new items daily and re-stocking items that I am keeping my eye on and I actually have loved every single item purchased! Heaven help me I really should stop after this. You can see my 1st post here and my 2nd round here.

Click this picture if you want to shop some of my favorite picks from the sale so far!

And these pajamas are so comfortable and cute! And this Sigma Beauty Brush Set #Score!

Our Weeks have been so busy, I would have to say this entire year has been the busiest and best year yet! Thankful for God’s presence in our lives today, forever and always and His amazing grace, guidance and, unmerited favor. He leads and we follow and I’m grateful every day that He guides us through so graciously.

Will has enjoyed this season of baseball and I’m so glad! He is playing in the Semi-Final Championship for his baseball league tonight so we are all super excited about that!! This league has been a little intense with machine pitch and to say that he was so excited after winning his playoff game on Monday this week is an understatement, he was Stoked! He smiled so big and said ‘Momma this is the most excited I’ve ever been about playing in a baseball game’ I told him I am so proud of him and glad he is loving it! On the way home that night, I ‘interviewed‘ him and it was the cutest thing! #lovehim #myboy #chillwill

Some of the parents on the sidelines though have had me much like “what is going on in the world!?!” #itsnotthatserious #3rdbasecoachproblems (pic from Milwaukee Zoo) lol

Here is a picture of the 2017 Yankees!

(My little guy is the only guy not smiling but at least my Mr. is! )

Mackenzie has been a busy bee with cheer and tumbling classes twice a week and she is totally loving it. It’s like her thing and it’s so exciting to see her in her element. She is excited to add a Hip-Hop class into the mix starting in August. These are the times of our lives and we have to enjoy every single moment of it! #loveher #mygirl

Currently nothing, thankfully! #alliswell

I am working on figuring out the best way to manage it all. Aren’t we all!? Ha,ha! Seriously this year has been one of the busiest and best years of our lives yet and I’m so thankful for each opportunity the Lord has afforded to us and I just want to do the best I can in regards to setting us all up for success in all aspects of our priorities and that has proven to be a little more demanding and challenging than it has in years past. That scripture, Luke 12:48 comes to mind when I think of this year where it talks about To whom much is given, much is required and to who much has been entrusted, more will be asked! Can I get an #Amen!

We just have a few new focuses added to all of our lives so I have been trying to find the new normal in our scheduling so we can manage and manage well, thrive not just survive. So getting that in order has thingbeen a main focus for me this month. I have used this planner here to get me through this year and I have depended on this amazing little thing for our scheduling needs this entire last year. I am looking forward to ordering my next one already actually for 2018!! I know – to even think that we are closer now to 2018 than 2016 is crazy indeed, time really does fly doesn’t it! #makethemostofit

My Favorite Planner, here

WATCHING

I watched the movie love and basketball the weekend before last. It’s been so long since I’ve sat down and watched this one and it’s official I still love it.

We are still watching The Good Wife, I think we are on Season 3 finally, I like love it!

And last but not least we are watching The Bachelorette, I wonder who she is going to pick! I have no favorites actually so wishing Rachel the best!

READING

I’ve been reading the BIBLE, that’s the book for me, I stand upon the word of God the B-I-B-L-E. Ha, don’t you love those Sunday School Songs we grew up with! I haven’t been reading as much as I’d like lately! Just the Bible along with my daily devotional. I have the Jesus Always by Sarah Young. I don’t love it as much as I loved Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. I can’t tell you how much I loved this devotional and how timely it was. So I think I’d still highly recommend Jesus Calling if you are looking for a devotional but I wouldn’t jump to recommend her Jesus Always.

I have also been reading bits of the Unstuffed: Decluttering Your Home, Mind, and Soul book for the last month or so.

I want to be your man by Zapp & Roger. I think it’s because I watched love and basketball and…. I just had to go add this to my itunes library! #iloveoldschooljams seriously!

I’ve also been listening to some older Alicia Keys and Beyonce faves and this song by Lecrae & Tori Kelly, I like the light and catchy melody.

shark week

Ha,ha! I literally did get excited about #SharkWeek I love how they come up with all this stuff! It really is the making the most out of the littlest things that makes life so great and grand! So what was exciting about Shark Week this year? Well if you haven’t checked this out already and I’m sure you have but in case you haven’t click here on this link to watch what happens when Michael Phelps Races Great White Shark (technically and technically not live but still)

What is Shark Week? Shark Week is an annual week of honoring Sharks on the Discovery Channel. So in essence, it is educational, informative and, entertaining. Shark Week has been going on since July of 1988 so I thought that was pretty neat!

Personalized Bracelets with My Babies Names | Ani & Alex Bangle | Gorjana Gold Hoops

These Asics Gel’s are so amazing! They were a gift from my hubbs and well worth it! They are so breathable durable comfortable and oh so lively! Similar Asics Gel here. And aren’t Mackenzie’s little feet just so cute. I have been wearing these every M-F for my morning walk with my love!

I have been loving this lip duo Too Faced Melted Long Wear Lip Stick | NYX Lip Liner

Carly Crops | Lush Cross Top I purchased in three colors, I love the feel & fit so adorbs!

Heading to the County Fair to watch the Demo Derby! The kids were intrigued when Dad was telling them all about it so that’s going to be fun along with seeing the horses and enjoying funnel cakes! #yum

Saturday I signed Mackenzie up for a special Dance Class Workshop so we may wake up early, workout on the beach then head over to that and then later that day I think I’ll get some painting done.

Other than that, we are going to add some final touches to our kitchen and hopefully Go for a Bike Ride since the kids got new bikes this week! (They decided to sell their old bikes at the rummage this year so they could upgrade and they are both so excited about their new bikes!)

Enjoying the last month of Summer, Every single day of it + Back to School Shopping!!!

I am super duper excited about our kitchen remodel coming to a close! #thankyouJesus It’s almost done and it’s sooooo exciting. My husband is SUCH a handy man, I’m in awe! I have very few words that can do Will justice all around, he is legitimately beyond an amazing man and I’m eternally grateful for every bit of him. He’s been working so hard to get this done and done well and yeah, he’s really just a stellar person all around and I am so appreciative for him and all he does and for who he is and without him I don’t think this kitchen remodel would have gone so swell.

We have just a few more things to finalize and it will be DONE! I would not sign up for a kitchen remodel like ever again in my life while living in the home with smaller children. It’s just a lot more than I personally anticipated however I should have listened to Will. He certainly told me that it was a HUGE undertaking and indeed it has been.

Is it worth it you ask? Absolutely! So if I were to ever do this again which I don’t foresee ever happening but if I did, I’d have to set up a mock kitchen in another one of our living spaces because we just need our kitchen, it really is the heart of our home.

Well that’s what’s up with our Wednesday! Have a great rest of your day & night!