what’s up wednesday – WWW.STEPHANIERAEORTIZ.COM

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!

XOXO

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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!

Tag: what’s up wednesday

What’s Up Wednesday | July 2017

XOXO

What’s Up Wednesday |May 17

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