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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,

nordstrom, Uncategorized

#Nordstrom Sale| Round II

July 23, 2017July 24, 2017 StephanieRaeOrtiz

Good Day Ladies,

The Nordstrom Sale opened up to the public officially and I of course had another round of purchases so I thought I’d share my latest purchases from the Nordstrom Sale with you today!

Below are my latest purchased picks!! You may just click the link or the picture and it will take you right to that item and the sale! #HappyShopping

Bp. Essential Leggings I know I mentioned these in my last post but they are only $11.90 and the quality of these are so great, I picked up one more pair!

Women’s Bp. Plaid Cotton Blend Shirt This is so comfortable and the colors are perfect and I just know this will be a favorite GO-TO of mine this Fall & Winter! One of my favorite purchases from the sale! Sale Price $31.90

Small Red Leather Card Case I love Red and pops of Red all year long and this little Gem is perfectly – simply – practically – cute! Sale Price $22.90. So yes ladies that’s real crosshatch-textured leather for only $22.90. #greatbuy

Zella Live In High Waist Leggings These are my 3rd pair of Zella Leggings I think in 3 or 4 Months and I can’t get over the quality and feel of Zella! I mean it’s another level of comfort. My other two are a little more trendy and edgy with design so I thought a good basic go to would be nice to have as well as I’m sure I could pull of wearing these with a tunic and booties and be oh so comfortable not to mention great for my early morning fall/winter workouts! Sale Price $35.90

Basic Black Boyfriend Watch another one that is basic and a great go to for only $15.90

Basic Black White Stripe Longsleeve Tee this isn’t apart of the ‘anniversary sale’ but it’s only $19 and these are a favorite go-to of mine every year! I picked up the Black and White Stripe like what’s pictured here.

Cathy’s Concepts Monogram Glasses We ordered these with “O” for Ortiz obviously! Such a cute little affordable find for the home! Sale Price $23.90

Ugg Meilani Dots Boot Mackenzie was so excited about the cuteness of the bows on the back of these. She calls polk-a-dots ‘coconuts’ and it’s just the cutest thing! She did since she was very little and we laughed so hard the first time and it’s just stuck ever since!

Boy’s Under Armour Logo Graphic Sweatpants Sale Price $19.90 & Under Armour Dual Logo Long-Sleeve T-Shirt to match Sale Price $15.90 a great deal for my boy who would legit live in sweats if I let him! Will be a great go to for him on ‘comfy’ days at school and warm clothes on his way to the gym.

Men’s The North Face ‘Tka 100 Glacier’ Quarter Zip Fleece The hubs originally picked grey but I just love him in black and can see him wearing it more in the black version so we agreed on black! Sale Price $39.90 #greatbuy

This is Not Related to Nordstrom but I love a good Vitamin C Serum and this specific product is all natural + this version has AHA Facial Serum so can we say that’s a double dose of goodness.

Just click this link here for the Vitamin C + AHA Serum. If this is your first purchase with them they may also offer you 20% off not to mention FREE Shipping! I can’t say how much I appreciate companies who offer free shipping. I have been using it for 5 days now and the vibrance and hydration in my skin has been so evident! Love it and highly recommend!

Well Happy Day Ladies!

XOXO,

Uncategorized

What’s Up Wednesday |May 17

May 31, 2017July 11, 2017 StephanieRaeOrtiz

Hello Gorgeous,

Today is What’s Up Wednesday!

Once a month I’ll be linking up with a great community of bloggers sharing these random and fun topic highlights! I’m excited to be sharing my very first What’s Up Wednesday with you!

Here is the list of questions I’ll be sharing with you just below…

So here is What’s Up with me this Wednesday,

I. What We’re Eating this Week

Wednesday Flank Steak Salad with Kale and Mixed Greens topped with Balsamic Vinegar (Ranch for Junior – as I’m sure he considers ranch to be one of the major food groups. I mean he has it with everything – it’s so crazy!)

Thursday Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs served on a bed of spinach

Friday The kids will dine out with our sitter while Will and I will be dining at Miller Park

Saturday Lettuce Tacos’ served with my fav topping as of late which is diced fine red and green bell peppers along with corn kernels seasoned with a few dashes of sea salt, garlic and 1 packet of truvia. I don’t know what it is about that combo but it’s pretty scrumptious and would compliment any taco in our opinions!

Sunday Rotisserie Chicken & Corn on the Cobb along with Pineapple Wedges

II. What I’ve Been Reminiscing About

Our Spring Break to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We are thankful to have had the opportunity to mark this off of our list. I heard a few years back that this was a great place for families so we thought it was worth checking out. I can’t say that I will be sitting down anytime soon to schedule a trip back however, there were some parts of the trip that undeniably made for a great experience. It’s more of a been there done that kind of thing as we gathered some great memories along the way. Truly there are probably very few places away from home that I would eagerly look forward to going right back to, like Cali Sands are my jam! #caligirlatheart #californialove

Okay so the things that just warm my heart and give me glad thoughts are the endless days on the Ocean front of Myrtle Beach, our resort was placed right on the Ocean, literally just steps away and our Pent House overlooked the Ocean every morning accompanied with a glorious sunrise. The family time was priceless and, our trip to T.I.G.E.R.S. was an experience of a lifetime.

Here are a few captures from our personal encounter, We had the opportunity to have an encounter with a baby Ape, a Gibbon and, we also held a 3 month White Bengal Tiger that my husband bottle fed. Unfortunately I don’t have a digital copy (only an 8 X 10 print) of that to share but let’s just say, was that ever so amazing! Although the kids may say feeding the 15 month (yes only 15 months) White Bengal Tiger was their favorite part!

(my jean jacket is here)

So if you do ever manage to make your way to South Carolina, I’d highly recommend a trip to T.I.G.E.R.S. for absolutely sure!

III. What I’m Loving

My Lumee Lighted Iphone Case in Gold Matte! Like I love, love, love this case! It not only serves for brighter selfies in dim light but it also serves well as a flashlight.

My URPower Diffuser which I have brought to work so that I can diffuse my Young Living Essential Oils there with me and I love this little diffuser, it’s small, it’s powerful enough and it has an option for me to have it diffuse for 30 seconds on and 30 seconds off continuously throughout the day so it not only prolongs the time of diffusing my oils but it allows for it to not be so overwhelming for those around me in the office. It has a feature that allows the colors to change and that is a nice touch as well. The kids now want one in their rooms and for the small price of $15.99 you kind of can’t beat it!

This Essie Nail Polish in Haute to Trot as well as Cascade Cool by Essie which is pictured just below here have been favs! I picked this one up from Kohl’s Department store I believe. Kind of been crushing on Essie I guess.

Yogi Green Tea, Blueberry Slim Life pictured below is stocked at work and at home! It has been my go-to drink next to water and my black iced coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts! I originally came across this tea at Whole Foods but have also found it at the Neighborhood Walmart as well so it’s very accessible. The Blueberry flavor is smooth and not overbearing which is what I like! It’s just so tasty and satisfying! If you are a tea drinker, go do yourself a favor and give this one a try!

My Erin Condren Planner is my last what i’ve been loving mention. I love a good planner and great stationary stock, always have and always will. I am a note taker and a planner and with this planner I happen to plug every single thing in it! I have the deluxe monthly planner. I heard so much about Erin Condren and wasn’t sure if I wanted to take the plunge but I’m so glad I did! I started with the deluxe version in leopard print that is personalized with my name, it’s so me! I mean I just love it so much, it’s my personal Master Go-To and I do legitimately Go-To it every single day! I have been noting everything into it these last five months and in a way it also serves as a memory book! Like I can look back at all that we did the last five months and smile at all the good reminders of good memories! I am able to write all the happs of the month as well as my ‘to-do’ lists and things I’d like to accomplish prior to month’s end. So if you are looking into a planner for 2018, definitely consider what Erin Condren has to offer!

IV. What We’ve Been Up To

Bring your Child to Work Day was so much Fun! The kids had a blast and now when we are in the office I have sweet little memories with them in our workplace. Below were captures from Dad that morning!

(Clearly Dad couldn’t get our young man to take a serious picture but they are seriously cute!)

The kids have been enjoying Soccer! I am not sure if this is going to be their last season or not playing together (co-ed), we shall see what the future holds! We have the best crew of Soccer Moms so if it were up to me, we’d just keep team Tennessee together forever! #GoTennessee!

Junior is a Yankee again so we are super excited about that and he has enjoyed training with Dad as well as practice with his team and his first game is actually scheduled for tonight! #GoYankees!

And our Sweet girl will be returning to Dance this summer, she is really looking forward to that. I considered signing her up for gymnastics as well, but I didn’t really want to overload our schedules with sports this summer so I chose to extend the sessions of dance rather than combining so she could focus and truly apply the effort rather than being stretched thin!

V. What I’m Dreading

Preparing for our Annual Yard Sale. We have loads every year and I actually donate quite a bit to those that I may know have a need yet, it kind of blows my mind how much our family goes through each year, but it’s a sign of growth right! So thankful for it at the same time.

VI. What I’m Working On

My overall Health & Wellness! Although it’s been a slower process than I imagined I’m thankful for the small steps in the right direction!

I had a new years goal, I don’t call them resolutions however I’m not opposed to doing so but I would say that I shed a lot of weight emotionally, mentally and, spiritually last year and I was pretty clear on my goal to now have that reflect more true to my physical. So it’s 1/2 way through the year now so I’m really looking forward to challenging myself even more and defining myself in more discipline!

VII. What I’m Excited About

Summer, Summer and, Summer!

I mean who isn’t ready for summer! Only 7 more days of school until Summer Break is officially here! I don’t know where this school year has gone but it was a great year indeed and I believe it’s going to be an amazing summer! I have lots of simple and fun things planned for us to enjoy, so definitely looking forward to summer!

I will share our Summer Fun List in next weeks Blog! Really looking forward to soaking up all the Fun in the Sun!

VIII. What I’m Watching & Reading

Reading

Over spring break I was able to complete Uninvited by Lysa T and I just love the way she writes, she has such a sound mind and a great gift and bringing it all back together! So since then I have just started Raising Boys and it’s not fully what I anticipated so far however I am looking forward to the next chapters as I kind of peeked ahead as I am hoping that the sneak peek is more of what I was looking for. I love reading lately and I’m so thankful for the precious time that I get to read! I’m looking forward to my next book already Unstuffed: Decluttering Your Home, Mind & Soul as the Raising Boys I’ll be done with that rather soon!

Watching

Okay, so Shades of Blue with Jennifer Lopez we started watching it one weekend and have watched every single episode since! We’ve also been watching Season 2 of Underground, Designated Survivor, The Bachelorette and, of course Grey’s Anatomy!

IX. What I’m Listening To

During our Road trip to Myrtle Beach South Carolina and along the way I purchased a ton of oldies but goodies and a few new but we automatically fell in love with the beats and feel of Social Club’s Newest Album and that was on repeat for the majority if not the entire way home with maybe a few interludes.

I’ve also been listening to Lost Boy from Ruth B. A brother sister duet performed it at our schools Talent Show this year in the beginning of April and I instantly had to find it and download this song and have been totally loving this one and I happen to like Golden by her as well. I discovered that as it’s on the same album as Lost Boy.

And I have been listening to the Bible App as I fall asleep, talk about sweet sleep!

X. What I’m Wearing

Tanks like this Choker Tank and Ruffle Bottom Tank and Cami’s like this Taupe one have been great go to’s under my fav Open Cardigans! I have to say this year I really had to invest in some light weight and spring themed sweaters and cardigans more than ever before because the weather has been so back and forth.

I have always loved throwing a nice Cami, on with a Pair of Skinnies or Crops and a Long Cardigan like that one in Blue Poseidon! And speaking of Blue… I just adore this Royal Ruffle Top and I think I may get it in Lake Green as well!

With that cold weather My North Face has been such a luxury go-to!

Articles of Society are my new favorite brand of jeans, I am loving the Carly Crops as well as the Sarah Bay Skinnies and the Mya Skinny Blue are all of what I have so far and I really love the fit on me!

My Spring Leopard Scarf accompanied with my anorak or jean jacket have been another key go to with this weather

Crossbody Central Love is what I’ve been all about for like the last year when it comes to my handbags! I love the Cognac Crossbody, and I really wanted to get this one Crossbody with Circle but haven’t done so just quite yet! (sign up and you’ll get 15% off your 1st order!)

Oh and I have been loving my “Rae” Black Gladiator Sandal as well, I mean this shoe reps my middle name! Love, love!

I just purchased this handbag from Nordstrom’s Half Yearly Sale and I can’t wait for it to arrive! I guess I am just a true lover of all Jewel Tones!

XI. What I’m Doing this Weekend

Heading to Miller Park to enjoy the Brewers Game, they are playing the Los Angeles Dodgers so that should be fun!

We are currently renovating our kitchen! Yes, call us crazy. What an undertaking and investment this has and will be but it seems we dedicate one big project around the house each year since we’ve moved into our 1943 build and I actually enjoy my Chip & Jo moments that I get to share with the hubbs! So this weekend I’m going to take some time to finalize more details on the final layout of how I envision this all coming together.

We also have three soccer games for the kids so, busy-busy!

XII. What I’m Looking Forward to Next Month

Just the Kick Off of our all our Summer Adventures with my precious ones excites me!

XIII. What Else is New

I am now officially the proud owner of www.stephanieraeortiz.com I believe that investment was just what I needed to further inspire me to really start actioning my inspirations. So I’ve been pretty excited about dedicating more time to that, getting it all up and running effectively. There is so much to learn so shout out to the late nights!

Uncategorized

The Ortiz’s 2016 at Glance

May 6, 2017July 12, 2017 StephanieRaeOrtiz

Hello My Beautiful Friends,

Thanks for visiting my blog! You are truly appreciated. Here is a look over our last year. I wasn’t able to capture the best parts as I really focused on enjoying the year by being more present however get ready to see lots of me and the family in this coming year! I have a lot of fun and exciting things planned to share with you all!

So I hope you enjoy this little highlight reel of what I was able to capture!

Enjoy!

chicago a

(The Kids at the Chicago Children’s Museum while Mommy auditioned for The Voice)

(Me with my Audition Pass, just outside of the auditions in Chicago! This is not the best of quality in pictures, but a memory that will last for a very long time!)

100daysofschool16

(The kids dressed up in honor of 100 days of school, aren’t they just the cutest! I mean I can just so see them this old, still the best of friends and super stylish! Haha! Probably my favorite picture of the year! They totally got into character here, love their faces.)

littlemannbabigcourt

(This young man truly excels academically and so he received a free Milwaukee Bucks ticket for his Academic excellence. We bought three additional tickets and enjoyed the game, that night they happened to host a few leads from Nickelodeon, so we were sure the head up to Milwaukee early to enjoy all the festivities. We made an entire night of it and it was so fun for Will because he had the privilege of shooting a few hoops on an official NBA Basketball Court! The kids soccer coach Mike actual is security for the Milwaukee Bucks games so he is seen here in the picture to the right, so that was fun!)

willandbucky

(My handsome with ‘Bucky’ who is not actually Bucky, but I was calling him that all night and was kind of cracking myself up while the hubs was a little less enthused about it! However, every time I would say it, I would crack up inside! So, to be proper here is My Handsome with Bango, the Bucks’ mascot.)

bucky

(The kids with Bucky aka Bango, 😉 to funny!)

rednoseday

(Here is a pic of the kids with their IB Coordinator, they love her and were super excited to share the awareness of Red Nose Day! As soon as we seen these little red noses hit the shelf we grabbed two of them right away as they sold out the year prior and we were bummed. They sell for only $1 at Walgreens and the proceeds contributed to tons of projects for children. To name a few over 860,000 children in Africa have been given life-saving vaccines, eye exams and glasses for children in need here in the USA, it’s just a fun way to have a fun day fundraising to help fight for kids’ poverty in America and around the world.)

brewcrew

(Take me out to the ball game, the kids with “Hank” the Milwaukee Brewers Dog Mascot)

porlagente16

(Every year I seem to capture a shot of this guy going up for a jump shot in the Por La Gente Tourney)

colorrununicorn

(My girl and I along with some of her besties, did the color run this year. This was our 1^st of many!)

july416

(My little Loves on the Fourth of July)

julylove

(My Husband and I down by the Fireworks! Such a grand old time!)

(At Lambeau, on our way out of their Practice! Go Pack Go.)

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(The family on our way into Lambeau)

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(Our little man gave football a go this year, he’s the first one in line there!)

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(Little Man at his first football game)

(Will & Landon celebrating Will’s Birthday Party at Jo-Don Farms!)

beautycutiemgo

(My Beautiful Girl showing off her braces)

(Quality Time Date Nights, are Divine)

pumpkinfarm

(Pumpkin Patches & Petting Farms, I love Fall!)

(My love and I on an Autumn Walk)

birthdaygirlteapartyfancy

(The birthday girl, got fancy like Nancy this year and hosted a Tea Party)

(I turned 32 this year!!!)

(My Love and I after our Towns Holiday Parade & Community Tree lighting)

(The kids annual pic with the Turkey who is always lurking at Racine’s Rendering Thanks! 😊 We serve every year at our Community Thanksgiving and it is a true blessing and real treat to give of ourselves in this fashion. This was our fourth year of the Ortiz Thanksgiving Tradition and we just love it!)

(After Serving we head home to cook our entire Traditional Thanksgiving Feast!)

besties

(Mackenzie & Brooke, love being twinsies – love those girl & all those curls!)

decglam

(YouTube’s Holiday Glam Makeup Tutorial Cover Pic – this was a fun one to record.)

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(Our 2016 Christmas Card)

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Have a great rest of your day Gorgeous!

Love,

Stephanie Rae