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

Uncategorized

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,

Uncategorized

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,

Uncategorized

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,

Tag: life

My Friday Faves|September 8

HAPPY FRIDAY FRIENDS!

HURRICANE RELIEF DONATIONS

TEXAS FOREVER | #ASHIRTWITHAPURPOSE

HOU DAT | #NEWORLEANSHELPSHOUSTON

MY ERIN CONDREN PLANNER

XOXO

Ortiz’s Lately | Gus Macker Edition

A DAY IN THE LIFE

GUS MACKER EDITION

Back To School | Shopping Haul

BACK TO SCHOOL | PREP LIST

#Nordstrom Sale| Round II