Meet Valerie - A Little About Me

Grab a snack and enjoy my ramblings. 

I started this blog to document my daughter growing up and to revel in my creative side. I let my creativity drop in middle school after I got caught up in a totally different crowd and replaced writing short stories and freehand drawings for JNCO's. 

I'm a native Texan. I will likely live here my entire life. Unless my husband lets us move to Colorado. That would be awesome (coming from the woman who has experienced snow a handful of times).

I'm of Mexican and American Indian decent. I don't speak Spanish. I know, I'm a trader to my kind. An HEB employee once told me so.

I was raised Catholic, but I now follow the Lutheran faith. I don't proclaim anything other than being a Christian. I've switched my radio from hardcore rap and hip hop for Christian music. It's helped me become more optimistic and positive in my daily life. Hey KSBJ!

I've followed food blogs for years. This has led to my secret obsession hobby of taking food pictures. I've scaled back a lot, and replaced those with spamming pictures of my daughter. You're welcome.

I used to want to be a body builder. It's true. I was pretty into it and spent hours (yes you read that right) at the gym trying to bulk up. I eventually made myself sick, got kidney stones and had to scale it way back. I never really got back into it, because I realized how obsessed I was. It was an unhealthy relationship, so we broke up.

My husband and I dated in middle school. Parted ways in 9th grade, and met back up in our early-twenties off MySpace. We were such babies then. This picture says so.

We didn't have a "normal" wedding ceremony. We got married on Superbowl Sunday after the late church service, rocking my best maternity dress, my husband in jeans, and our pastor in his Dallas Cowboy's jersey. It was one of the best moments of my life. And the best wedding I've ever been to. 

I have a case of plain bitch face. I often get asked by strangers if I'm okay. Yes, I'm okay, this is just the way my face looks when I don't smile. I've also been told I should smile more. I'm working on that. I've even practiced my "let's not look so angry in public" face in the mirror. I obviously need to practice more. 

I love make-up. Like, a lot. Apparently, I have hoarding issue with it. I'm thisclose to becoming a Sephora VIB member and I'm thrilled. It feels like I've been nominated for an award. 

I essentially taught myself to cook and it's a true passion of mine. I grew up watching my mother cook, but she always believed cooking was a chore that had to be done to feed the family. I learned a few basic things from her, but once I started to replace fast food with real food, I had to practice over and over to get it down. My sweet husband would put on his show face and give it to me straight. Living and learning over here, folks. 

I make a mean pan of enchiladas From scratch. Minus the tortillas. Ain't nobody got time for that. 

I never wanted children and was adamant about it. *gasp* Crazy pants, I know. I started to get this deep desire to have children when I was 28. I finally gave in, went off my birth control and got pregnant within a couple of months. It was the best decision I ever made, because this gorgeous creature was born. 

Motherhood has changed me in a way I never thought possible. To be able to experience what real love is something I'm grateful for everyday. I believe that God was like, "Giiiiiiiiirl, you need a change. You're going to have a baby." She's the best first baby bear I could have ever wished for. 

Currently [Vol. I]

s

Thinking about // Goals and aspirations as I truck along in my 30's. I've finally decided to make some much needed changes in my life and do what I want instead of what everyone else wants me to do. The more I think about it, the more excited and motivated I allow myself to become. I have some many other ideas, that I often find myself running to my planner to write them down before I forget. The future is bright and inviting!

Reading // Aside from reading my ACSM textbook, I've been reading the new book in the Rose Gardner series, Thirty-Two and Complications. Oh my gosh, you guys, this book is just as thrilling as the previous four. I really love this author. 

Watching // Pretty Little Liars. I know, I'm secretly a teenager on the inside, but this show is so dang good! I just can't help it. Every time I think I know who A is, they flip the script on me. 

Thankful for // My husband. He has been so supportive in my recent decisions to change my career path. He listens to me ramble on and on about my ideas and random thoughts. He's been my rock for nearly 7 years, and I think he gets better with age like a wine :) I love him so. 

Enjoying // My daughter (duh). She knows so many animals sounds, it's hilarious! This past weekend, she brought me several books by name, slid down the water slide at the pool and went underwater on her own. She is definitely not a little baby anymore.

Loving // All things summer! And this swimsuit. I la-la-love it! Our upcoming family vacation has allowed me to flood my Pinterest board too many things that look so delicious to buy. Last year, Anabelle was only 4 months and teething during our vacation, so it she wasn't too happy to be out of her element. I think this year is going to be a blast, since she's so much older and mobile. Three more weeks to go! 

end of summer sale!

Printed Jean Jumpsuit \\ Gray Skirted Dress \\ Awesome Gnarly Radical Onesie \\ Fedora \\ Be a Little Wild Tee \\ Blue Chino Shorts \\ Birkenstock Sandals \\ Put Your Feet in the Sand Tee \\ Pink Bermuda Shorts \\ Gray Muscle Tee \\ Tie Dye Shorts \\ Wow Tee 

Our family is getting ready to take our summer vacation in a few weeks! I'm so excited, I could faint with joy. We usually take our vacation in late August/early September, which is the perfect time since there are so many sales going on. I've included a few of my favorite pieces I spotted. What's even better is there are loads of extra discounts on top of what's already on sale, since retailers are trying to move out there summer inventory! The Birkenstocks aren't on sale, but they are just to die for!

Of course, I had to look around for myself. I really adore this Peace Sign Bodysuit, Butterfly Romper and Ecote Button-Front Duster Cami. I'm a hippie at heart :)

xo,
Valerie

Flashback Friday - Anabelle's 1st Birthday Party

I wanted Anabelle's first birthday party to be classic, girly with a twist of fairy-tale thrown in. Since the husband didn't have a traditional wedding ceremony and reception (we got married on Superbowl Sunday after church with our pastor wearing his Dallas Cowboys jersey), this was my first time planning an event.

I stayed up every night for a week (who am I kidding, a month, really) prepping and assembling all the decor. I was so stressed out trying to complete everything. I didn't realize how overwhelmed I let myself become. I barely finished decorating and setting it up with about 30 minutes before the party began. It was just enough time to have a mimosa or two. I hope you enjoy a glimpse into her birthday. The links to all the decorations are below!

One banner \\ You are my greatest adventure print \\ Paper crowns - DIY \\ Flower crowns - DIY \\ Heart balloons \\ Dishes and cups via Homegoods \\ Tablecloth via Homegoods \\ Carafes \\ Ice bucket \\ Faux Polariod Prints \\ Mommy's dress - similar here \\ Anabelle's dress - similar here

You can find a lot of my inspiration for the party on my Pinterest board  here and here. Have a great weekend everyone!

Around here lately

We've been spending lots of time outside (lathered in sunscreen), tending to our garden, learning shapes with sidewalk chalk, playing in the sprinkler and eating organic lollipops. Whatever that means. When we're outside, she's in her non-expensive Carter's or Target clothes. Don't get me wrong, I love Target (my bank statement proves it), but I find it hard to thrown on her beautiful dresses just to get them full of grime. It gives me the heeby-jeebies just thinking about it. Am I the only one? I would let her run around outside in just her diapers, but I'm afraid she'll get a sunburn. I have a lot of phobias, I know this. 

Gray tee - similar here \\ Poplin print shorts

Snorkeling dog tee \\ Shorts sold out - similar here

Gray dress \\ Organic lollipops \\ Chair via Homegoods

We've been having some serious issues with tantrums. I don't even know how to handle it. We've tried time out, ignoring her, getting on her level and talking to her. Nothing is really working. Last night, I put Anabelle down for bed, and immediately went to fill up her humidifier, since she has some pesty congestion we're trying to clear. I come back in, and she's standing up in her crib and tells me, "hi." I pick her up and give her several more hugs and kisses and tell her that it's night-night time. She starts whining, and asks to get down to go play. I put her down, she runs out into her playroom and acts like it's no big deal. I try putting her back to sleep about half an hour later, and she screams at the top of her lungs for a good 90 seconds (as I wait outside her door). I go into her room to get her with tears streaming down her blotchy red face, and again, she tells me, "hi," like she just wasn't screaming bloody murder a mere three seconds ago. She shimmies down my legs and runs away from me back into the playroom. I let her watch cartoons and lay down on the couch for another 45 minutes  By this time, I've completed my workout with the extra fun of toddler weight and ate dinner. She comes up to me, looks at me with bloodshot eyes, and I take her back to her room. We read to more stories and she immediately passes out once her head hits the crib. 

I feel like I'm giving in to what she wants, but I'm not sure what the alternative is. Anyone else have any tips on how to handle these monstrosities?

I hope you guys have a great day. In case you weren't aware, tomorrow is Friday! Any big plans?

DIY Garland Tassel/Playroom Sneak Peek

I made this tassel garland for the playroom to give it that pop of color it needs. When Anabelle saw it hanging on the wall, she immediately responded, "Wow!" It made the three hour effort I put into making this happen completely worth it. No, it will not take you that long. I had a minor mishap before I started making this garland. It's kind of funny actually. If you do not wish to read about my battle with an entire gallon of paint that I dropped on the playroom carpet, please feel free to scroll down directly to the tutorial. 

Anabelle went down for her nap so that meant the husband and I had to get ALL THE THINGS done. The husband was touching up some paint in the playroom, decided he was finished and left the can of paint in the middle of the room. Naturally, I had to move it and put it away immediately. I wrapped the can of paint in the towel it was sitting on and attempted to move it over to the end of the room. The next thing I know my lower body is covered in paint, along with my beloved leopard-print office chair, the desk I just spray painted a couple of weeks ago, and a 5x6 area of the playroom. My clothes, however, were untouched. It must be because I was rocking my first bodysuit ever ;-)

I stood there in shock, afraid to move in fear of tracking paint anywhere else. So, what did I do? Here's the scenario:

Me: "Chriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis! Chriiiiiiiiiiiis. I need help!"

Husband: "What?"

Me: "Help!!!"

Husband: "What? What happened?"

Me: "Come help me!"

Husband: Walks into the playroom clearly disturbed from being interrupted. 

Me: "I don't even know what happened. What do we do?"

Husband: Stunned silence.

Me: "I don't... I mean... what do we do?"

Husband: "We have to get as much paint up as we can before we completely ruin the carpet."

Me: "I can't move. I need you to pick me up and put me in the tub."

Husband: Picks me up under the arm pits and carries me to the tub. 

He starts cleaning up with all the pile of dirty towels I planned on washing later that day. (I guess it's a good thing I procrastinated doing laundry.) We continue to sop up the majority of the carpet, desk and ruined office chair. The husband brings the chair outside and I hose it down in a vain attempt to salvage it. It's completely ruined. If I had time to sit down and cry I would, but I had a tutorial to get to! The husband runs to the nearest store and picks up a steam cleaner. While he's gone, I stand at the top of the stairs and survey the damage. I drag my desk near the window, take a deep breathe and divulge into my crafty side.

Supplies needed: Crepe paper streamers, twine/whatever ribbon you fancy, gold tissue paper (optional), scissors, tape (optional), ice coffee with soy milk (also optional, but super helpful and tasty). 

Step 1: Cut streamers into desired length. My streamers were roughly 37 inches in length (I'm an odd number lover). Divide that number in half, and that's the length the streamers will hang from the wall. Mine were roughly 17-18 inches long. As you can see, my streamers were a little uneven. You can cut the streamers to be perfectly even, or be a craft rebel. You really can't tell either way. If you are using gold tissue paper, cut the tissue paper roughly the same width as the crepe paper. 

Step 2: Tape the edges of 2 pieces of gold tissue paper with tape. Again, as you can see, the gold tissue paper is not even. I promise you can hardly tell. The gold paper was flimsy, to say the least, and it was nearly impossible to cut it into a straight line. After we exchanged several not-so-friendly words, I gave in and let it run wild.

Step 3: Drown out the whir of the steam cleaner while the husband cleans the gigantic mess you made (again, optional). Fold the streamers in half and mark a shallow hole 2 inches from the top of the fold. 

Step 4: Cut 2-3 strips in each of the streamers (depending on your desired thickness) roughly one finger-width apart. Stop cutting at the mark made from step 3. Ponder how disturbingly similar these streamers look like Mr. Snuffleupagus (not optional).

Step 5: Unfold the streamers and lay them flat. 

Step 6: Roll the uncut portion of the streamer from front to back.

Step 7: Twist the middle portion like you would wrap a piece of freshly melted caramel during Christmas [insert drool noises here]. Insert your finger into the middle of the twist and wrap it around your finger until you have a head portion on the top. If you are using gold tissue paper, I would recommend using tape or superglue at this stage to hold it's shape. Embrace it's independence. 

Step 8: Thread the garland into the twine or ribbon and hang!

Step 9: Step back, admire the beauty of your garland and enjoy the view.

You can always add or decrease the amount of tassels you like. When I get another chance, I'm going to add 5 or 6 more strands to the garland to give it a fuller effect. 

I hope you all enjoyed the tutorial! My original plan was to give you a sneak peek of the playroom, but since we had a wee bit of a disaster, I had to rearrange the playroom for the 15th time. I will leave you on the edge of your seat in suspense until the reveal! Like oh em gee, can you hardly wait?! ;)

Have a great day everyone! 

xo,

Valerie

Weekend recap

We had lots of fun over here this weekend. We finally made it to the zoo. It was really incredible to see Anabelle's face. She was so amazed by all these magnificent creatures we are blessed to share Earth with. Thankfully it was overcast, so the weather wasn't unbearable. Anabelle did exceptionally well for being outside pretty much all day with a super short nap. She did manage to eat some chips off the ground when I looked away for a millisecond to wipe her hand prints from my jeans. 

We shot a lot of pictures, but unfortunately the husband who took the majority of them only used the camera to close the shutter, instead of using actual film. All those pictures he was taking were only for pretend. I mean, who doesn't pretend to take pictures all day long? What a disappointment, but at least the memories are still there. 

We also did some more gardening, planted succulents (oh yeah), made a fortress, had a dance party (I'm kind of obsessed with Ariana Grande right now. I know; I'm secretly 17 at the moment), had donuts at a lovely local joint (more pictures lost), met old friends at Target, went swimming, did some arts and crafts. 

After swimming, Anabelle had her first Gatorade which boosted her energy level up 100% for about 3 hours. I thought her head my spin off, but grandparents thought it was hilarious. I was nervous she may crash really hard, which meant clingy spider monkey hands around my neck. I worried for nothing, as usual.

I'm posting a tutorial soon on how to make tassel garlands for the playroom, a party, or any occasion your heart desires. Here's a sneak peek I posted yesterday on instagram. I have a lot of plans for this little blog of mine and I hope you guys stay to join me. I'm looking forward to it. 

Have a great Monday! 

Friday Favorites - Mommy Edition

Finally it's Friday! I feel like this week has been dragging on. I almost can't wait until Fall gets here, so the weather can be bearable again. I said almost, folks. I'm not ready for the summer to end.  

Let's get right to it. This is a mommy edition of Friday Favorites! All things mommy. 

Favorite nursery. This room is the sweetest. I love that the colors are neutral and it feels so serene. The classic embellishments give it that special touch of chic. 

Favorite activity with the kiddos.  Isn't this the coolest idea ever?

Favorite sibling love. Precious. There are no other words. 

Favorite indulgence for the chocoholics. Face-plant central right here. 

Favorite wall decals. Kitties on the wall? So cute. 

Favorite candy-related treat. I would make these just to take pictures of them. 

Favorite inspiration. After meltdown number 37 of the day, I bet this saying would come in handy. 

Favorite newborn photography. Totally unique and darling. 

Favorite mommy fashion. Colorful and comfortable with wedges. That's what I'm talking about.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! I hope y'all are doing something worthwhile :)