Category Archives: Misc Maya

The power of Social Media…

Jeans that feel like pajamas? Count me IN!

I’m a little embarrassed by how many days in a row I’ve worn these jeans :} They are not the most flattering jeans, but you cannot beat them for comfort! Not only are they super baggy, but the cotton is this super soft thin fabric. Even better? I got them off eBay for $15!I recently scored this sweater from StyleMint when they had their get 3 for $20 sale. Yes, this sweater was less than $7 (regularly $69.98)!! The road to having this sweet little nugget was not an easy one. Looking back now, I’m glad for every road bump, every hope dashed, and every tear shed, because they’ve been blown away by all the laughter and love she has brought into our lives. For those that have struggled to have a child, it’s SO hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Believe that it is there…

I vascilated between leaving it at that and telling the whole drawn out story (I actually did, but ended up deleting it because it was literally a novel that maybe 2 people would read…)

My story really isn’t any different from many. We started trying to have Maya a little before I was 35, aka “advanced maternal age”-UGH, can they not think of a better phrase now a days??!! So…I was somewhat prepared for complications and not so easy road. What I wasn’t that prepared for was exactly how much of an emotional roller coaster it would be. Every month, getting your hopes up, and then having them crushed. A process that is supposed to be joyful, ended up just being frustrating and depressing.

BUT…after two years, almost as soon as I became pregnant, I knew! Before any kind of testing, I just knew, and I WAS!! I’m tearing up just typing this. I took a test early, and it came back positive. Yes, I still have the test (gross to some, but there is no way I’ll ever throw it away!!)

And then…I got to go get the official word. The only real bonus to going to a fertility specialist is ALL the extra/early tests you get! I remember the crappy parking on a downward hill to get to the clinic. I remember getting in the elevator to get to the office. I remember it ALL. And I have the worst memory ever!!

The minute I heard the heartbeat…it became a reality. Maya became a reality.

A reality, I could never have imagined… A love I could never have imagined. A joy I could never have imagined, and yet it was mine.

I know so many people that have stories way more complicated and heart wrenching than mine. The ability to have a child is such a gift. A gift many can’t have.

I will never stop being thankful for this gift.

On me…

Hat- Nordstrom (thrifted, similar here)

Sweater- StyleMint “Nicholas”

Belt- Vintage (thrifted)

Jeans- Rag & Bone (ebay, similar here)

Shoes- Target

On Maya…

Top- Old Navy (thrifted, but similar here)

Jeans- DL1961 “Harper” (C/O)

Boots- Cherokee (thrifted, but similar here)

Keeping it Real…

I wear these jeans around the house unrolled, but they look even more unflattering that way. SOOOO comfy though. The fabric is so soft that they don’t really hold a roll though. SO…about every picture I took I had to roll them again… 😦 All in the name of vanity, because I couldn’t show you just how slubby I really look every day-HA! Oh, and while I’m at it. Yeah, not only was I NOT showered, we had just gotten back from the gym. It was such a nice day though, and I knew I wouldn’t have time to take pics after we took our shower/bath. Maya was already dressed, so I just grabbed what was laying in a heap on my dresser from the day before hahaha. Thank GOODNESS there’s no smell cam on computers 😉 And double thank goodness for the hat trend!

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

How to keep warm with 3 levels of layering…

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This day was deceptively cold. It was clear and sunny, but in the 30’s. Not so cold that we needed our ginormous coats and hats, but cold enough for layers… hahaha, I love that she just busts a move out of nowhere 🙂Can you tell it was WINDY?On me…

Leather Jacket- Bought in Italy 20+ years ago

Denim Shirt- Gap (thrifted, similar here)

Striped Top- StyleMint

Jeans- DL1961 “Emma” in Riker (ebay score!)

Boots- Cafe Noire (thrifted, but similar here)

On Maya…

Vest- Koala Kids (thrifted, but similar here)

Sweater- (thrifted, but similar here)

Denim Shirt- Gap (thrifted, but similar here)

Jeans- DL1961 “Chloe” in Whiteley C/O

Boots- Cherokee (thrifted, but similar here)

Keeping it Real…

This was a very quick outting! I didn’t think it was that cold, but then the sun went down very quickly and we were in the shade. As long as I was hugging Maya or she was jumping/dancing all was well.

This is Maya’s face right before she said “Mom, it’s cold. I want to go home…” And so we did! Seriously…those fingers?! I love them!

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

Classics never go out of style… Leather Jackets + Converse

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Ok, so I did it again. I dressed us alike. I honestly didn’t mean to, but then it just happened. Oh well.

Just wait for it…. 🙂 You know, because who needs a jacket it the winter??? Obviously, not Maya…And then I managed to wrestle it back on her! On me…

Jacket- Doma (old, but similar here and less expensive here)

Top- StyleMint (similar here)

Jeans- DL1961 “Emma” in Denver (C/O)

Shoes- Converse (thrifted)

On Maya…

Jacket- H&M (last year, but similar here)

Top- Hanna Andersson (thrifted)

Jeans- DL1961 “Harper” (C/O)

Shoes- Converse (thrifted)

Keeping it Real…

This was cut a little short because I didn’t realize HOW MUDDY it was going to be at the park. Maya had said she wanted to try and fly her little butterfly kite, but once we got there all she saw was MUD!!! And…have you ever tried to distract a toddler from mud?? Thankfully I had a full package of wet wipes with me 😉

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

One of my favorite posts…Because I can’t think of a title…and it is :)

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I envy anyone who has a way with words. Someone that pulls you in with their story. One that can make you feel as if you were there by the way they describe what happened to them. Witty titles. Heart wrenching stories that pull you in, and make you ache from what you read or make you laugh out loud. Or…just a recounting of their day (good or bad) that makes you think of a day you similarly had that makes you connect to them.

I follow people’s blogs or on Instagram that have this gift, because they inspire me and leave me in awe, but I will never be that person. I’ve never had that special way with words. I’ve always used another medium to express myself. Right now…it’s pictures. And, honestly, I feel blessed to be able to do that for other people, and honestly…for myself.

I’ve never been good at story telling. I always forget 75% of what I’m trying to tell. I’d never be able to accurately recount to Maya all the fun we had in her childhood, but through this blog…I can. And I am forever grateful for that. Zero followers or a bunch of followers. It doesn’t really matter. The end result is that I can show her this later and show her how much fun we had and how much I love her. Because by the time she actually reads this, she will “hate me” for telling her she can’t wear this or that I’m sure haha :{

I’m sure it isn’t a secret that I don’t really feel comfortable in dresses. I love them, buy them, but never wear them. One of the pages I follow on Instagram is CoastToCoastCentral. Not only do they have great fashion posts and challenges, but they are very involved in raising awareness around sex trafficking. It literally makes my shudder to think about this being a reality, but is sadly it very much is. They recently partnered with Dressember in order to raise awareness of human trafficking. Honestly, I can’t wear a dress for the entire month (ugh, maybe I could, but…this year, I will try to commit to wearing them MORE! Baby steps).

Sooo, day 1 (or, in reality Day 8 by the time I post this)! Honestly, this dress would be indecent on a 40 year old mom (who’s 5′ 8″!), so I paired it with some skinny jeans and boots and I was happy as a clam! Extra bonus? Totally hides all the holiday indulging-WIN!!

And then the sun went away… In case you were wondering 😉OMG, loooove that I captured this!! Usually, I only capture the after math (ginormous hug), but this is what leads up to it, which…is almost just as good 😉 Ok, this is better 🙂 “Maya, can you stand like a flamingo?” haha. Because she’s obsessed with flamingos, and there’s no way she would follow “Can you do what I’m doing?” Hey…whatever works, because…how cute, right?? 😉 I cannot tell you how much I love it when she just busts a move!! 🙂OH MY GOSH, I have no words. She is so freaking cute I can hardly stand it. And no, I’m not biased (haha ;)) SHE IS!!!Looove this one too.Does anyone remember Geoffrey? Yeah, he disappeared, and no other stick has lasted past the walk we are on. This stick stayed on the path. For those that don’t remember Geoffrey, he came with us everywhere for…a month? Broke twice, had bandaides all over, and kept on going until…he was lost. 😦On me…

Jacket- Levi’s (thrifted)

Sweater- Inhabit (ebay, LOVING this one here)

Dress- Free People “Sunbeam Mini Dress” (Nordstrom Rack, love this here)

Jeans- DL1961 “Emma” in Bloom (C/O)

Boots- Frye 12″ Harness Boots

On Maya…

Hat- (thrifted, but similar here)

Sweater- (thrifted, but similar here)

Vest- Old Navy (thrifted, but similar here)

Top- Little Boogaweezin (sold out, but the SS15 is preview is AMAZING!)

Jeans- DL1961 “Chloe” in Rafaeli C/O

Shoes- Vans (thrifted, but similar here)

Keeping it Real…

Ok, this first one…hahaha. I was trying to show the movement of the dress and in my mind I wanted a graceful twirl. What I got instead! HA-NOT GRACEFUL! Hey…you try twirling for 10 seconds and have it time it just right 😉 Totally cracked me up when I saw it though!! I look like a tween line dancing (no offense to line dancers!!)

And, this next one wouldn’t be an outtake if there wasn’t a guy walking his dog (I probably could have removed him in photoshop), and the voluminous dress didn’t look soooo unflattering when I bent over :{ But…it happens, and I still love it, so it’s an outtake! 🙂

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

Leather + Coated Denim…again :)

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So, in my quest to wear things that I love but that I wasn’t wearing, I’m now on repeat haha. Hey, there are worse things. Plus, these coated denim are basically like spanx, so you’re lucky you don’t see these on me every single day. Although, these pictures were taken a few weeks ago before the holiday binging, so they might not even fit me right now ;} “C’mon Mom, this way!!” Love, love love these next three. I couldn’t decide which one to post, so I’m posting them all…because I can 🙂 On me…

Jacket- Doma (old, similar here)

Sweater- Inhabit (ebay, LOVING this one here)

Top- StyleMint

Jeans- J Brand

Shoes- Vans (thrifted for $5!, similar here)

On Maya…

Jacket- Gap (thrifted, but similar here although, hers is a boys jacket :))

Dress- Old Navy (thrifted, but similar here)

Tights- H&M (similar here)

Boots- Zulily $9.99! (search Link)

Keeping it Real…

Maya had gotten up earlier than normal on this day. She’s actually been pretty good about sleeping in until 7:00-7:30. She goes to bed at 9:00. Has since she was a baby. I’ve tried to put her down earlier, because I always just assumed kids slept from 7-7 (like my brothers kids and friends kids did). Hey, I would have been excited about 8-8 or 9-9. BUT…I really l can’t complain, because she’s always been (and still is) and amazing napper. That’s when I get all my work done, so I really wouldn’t trade that for anything! Plus, it’s nice that she gets to stay up and see and hang out with all of us vs going to bed right after dinner.

ANYWHO…she got up around 6ish on this day (if I remember correctly), and we had time to kill before preschool. So…we took pics. Disregard the bags under both of our eyes, and the fact that I didn’t shower. At this point, the fact that I haven’t showered isn’t really “keeping it real” anymore :}

Here she is eating an after breakfast/before preschool snack.

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

Layering up on a windy day…

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Truth be told, I wasn’t planning on taking pictures on this day. It was super cold, raining, and windy, so I was all comfy and bundled up. Honestly, I don’t even know if I took a shower, because the days all melted together last week… :} But then…it cleared up for about an hour, so I thought…why not? However…THIS picture, made this little impromptu shoot all worth while. I’d much rather be given a beautiful leaf than a flower 🙂 Maya had gotten her shirt all dirty at preschool, so I threw this dress on her that was in her “if she gets dirty” preschool bag haha. Again…not planned, but real life, no? 🙂 Um, but these boots??? DYING!! I didn’t even know they were rain boots when I bought them on Zulily during their close out sale! When they came and I realized she could actually wear them over the next few months hahaha, IN LOVE!! 🙂Oh, and can we talk about toddler girls that don’t want you to do their hair?? I have to do Maya’s hair while she’s on the potty watching the iPad hahaha. Even then, more than half the time she rips out whatever I’ve done singing “Let it GOOOOO!”

Thanks Elsa :{ Messy hair, and oddball outfit and all. She’s still pretty fricking cute, if you ask me 🙂On me…

Sweater- Theory “Tootsie in Tweed” (similar here)

Tank- H&M

Jeans- 7FAM “Josefina Cropped” (similar here)

Boots- Frye (old, similar here)

On Maya…

Jacket- Zulily search Shampoo

Dress- Old Navy (thrifted)

Jeans- Gap (thrifted, but similar here)

Shoes- Zulily search Link Boots

Keeping it Real…

I actually took these a few weeks ago. I still wasn’t sure I’d post them, but it has been SO freaking cold, and I’ve been so freaking busy with work, that…I’m digging back into the archives of unposted posts 😉 So…this is what Maya and I wear when we don’t plan on taking pics haha.

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

Vintage Leather + Skinny Jeans + Booties…never fails.

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DL1961 was incredibly generous and sent Maya and me a few more pairs of jeans to try. I thought all my other pairs were comfy, but these Florence jeans take it to another level! The name is deceiving. I assumed “Instasculpt” would be more rigid and binding, but they are sooo soft, yet flattering! And if you’re thinking I don’t look any more sculpted, that’s all the overindulging I’ve been doing lately haha-whoops 😉 The funniest thing about these next two images? I was actually trying to get a shot of just me, and she kept wanting to run to me. I even gave her a snack, which usually helps buy me a few minutes to get some detail shots of just me. NOT complaining, because let’s be honest…who wants to see shots of just me?? haha 🙂 This could totally be seen as an out take, but I love it! She was just running around me, laughing, and wanting to dance. 🙂And…the only images I got of Maya by herself not covered in water and mud…Here she is spotting all the mud puddles. You can see the excitement in her fingers! 🙂Racing towards them tongue out and all. hahahaI actually attempted to plead with her NOT to jump just yet. “Please, can we just run around and play a little bit before you jump??”Yeah, that didn’t happen… But if you can’t beat them, join them no? Or at least capture the fun… So pleased with herself. There really are few things she loves more than jumping in mud puddles! And, who am I to deny that joy? The boots were $1.50 from the thrift store, and I am totally putting the Activex Denim technology to the test in these DL1961 Jeans 😉 OMG, this look KILLS ME!!! I am telling you. Maya is just as happy as she looks on this blog, but the moments when she’s not-almost even cuter!! ALMOST 🙂 At this point, she realized she was all wet and she’s like “Mommy, it’s time to go home!” Oh…really?? So…maybe we should have run and played a little more before jumping in the puddles right away? And for those of you that know me, you know that is EXACTLY what I said to her 🙂But then of course, I gave her a little hug and a kiss! 🙂Love her…On me…

Jacket- Vintage (similar here, and less expensive here)

Sweater- H&M (old, similar here)

Belt- Forever 21 (similar here)

Jeans- DL1961 “Florence” in Monroe (C/O)

Boots- Frye “Lisa Short Stitch” (eBay, sold out but similar here and here and less expensive here)

On Maya…

Jacket- Levis (thrifted, but similar here)

Sweater-H&M (similar here)

Jeans- DL1961 “Chloe” in Macpherson (C/O)

Shoes- Baby Quiz (thrifted, similar here)

Keeping it Real…

I’ll be honest. As we drove away, I thought “This entire shoot is just going to be scrapped and will never see the light of day on the blog. Yes, Maya is eating in half of them. Yes, she jumped into mud puddles about 5 minutes into our outting soaking herself, and getting us both muddy. But, that’s our real life. That’s what really happens. So, things may not have gone as I had envisioned them, but they rarely do haha.

And…while I’m “keeping it real”. This is what really happens sometimes too. I can’t figure out where I’m supposed to stand to be in focus (I put a flower down that we had long since trampled), and Maya has a snack in her hand, yet still wanted to be holding my hand… And there we go 🙂 Such is life.

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

Leather Jacket + Sequins + Coated Denim….Holidays are coming!

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I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving surrounded by ones you love! I’m listing some of the things I’m most thankful for in the “Keeping it Real” at the bottom 🙂

The holidays are coming, and that means parties! Well, for some of us. It used to mean a few parties for me, but now…not as much haha. That said, there are still times when we do go out, and I want to make sure I’m ready! So….I thought for the next month, I’d do a post a week that wasn’t really as much “mom friendly” as it was “get me out of the house and party” friendly 😉

I wish it meant a fun dress (I have a ridiculous amount of them waiting to be worn!), but I really just don’t feel comfortable in dresses. I LOVE them, buy them, and then 30 minutes before we are about to leave…rip them off and change in a panic!!

For me, that means black or coated denim, something a little fun/sparkly on top, and a leather jacket. Oh…and HEELS!! Becuase…those really only come out for special occasions and they make me feel like I’m stepping it up (HA, literally and figuratively) 🙂I don’t know about you, but I’m thinking that if you are reading this blog that you are either my family (haha) or that you like fashion, food, or ridiculously cute little girls (ha!) Anyway, for those of you that are fashion minded, you will appreciate this. I coveted these jeans for soooooo long, as I talked about here and when I finally scored them from Nordstrom Racks “Clear the Rack” here,. And yet…I’ve only worn them ONCE! What the heck??!!! They are comfy, repel toddler gook, I LOVE THEM, yet…I save them/never wear them? I need to get over it!! I really have been trying to work things into my wardrobe that I’ve been “saving” aka…most of my clothes, but this blog is actually making me stick to it a little more…little by little. I still tend to wear the same jeans 3 days in a row when we are not taking pictues (for whatever reason) In the beginning, I was all about taking pictures every day to show what a day in the REAL life of a mom was, but…A) who wants to see that?? and B) I just don’t have time for that! So…now, it’s a mix of boring reality and fun 🙂 By the way…I’m TOTALLY open to suggestions of what you might want to see if anyone has any!!!All that said. Leather + Fun Top + Coated Denim = My Happy Place/Comfort Zone And THIS…is our happy place 🙂 Um, yes. She is the cutest thing in the world. Just in case anyone was wondering! 🙂 On me…

Jacket- Doma (old, similar here)

Top- Velvet “Vonnie Sequin Top” (similar here)

Jeans- Paige Edgemont coated (Nordstrom Rack)

Boots- Paul & Joe (Old, similar here and less expensive option here)

On Maya…

Jacket- Amy Coe (thrifted, but similar here)

Dress- Hanna Andersson (thrifted, but similar here)

Leggings- Zulily

Shoes- (thrifted, and DIY glitter toe shown here)

Keeping it Real…

I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving!! Things have been a bit crazy in our life lately, so it was even more special and nice to just relax, overindulge, and be thankful. It’s so easy to focus on the daily grind and get overwhelmed with what’s not going the way you want. That’s the best thing about Thanksgiving. Hopefully, you have the day off from work, are surrounded by loved ones, eat way more amazing food than you every should, and…reflect on what you are thankful for.

This is what I’m most thankful for…

1- Family– I am so incredibly blessed the have an amazing family. They say you can’t choose your family, but if I had to pick mine out of a ginormous book, I’d choose mine in a heart beat! Which…is kind of my 2, 3, and 4 🙂

2- The Huz- I not only married my best friend, but I married the yin to my yang. We have enough in common to understand each other and have fun, but also have completely different strengths, that allow us to navigate through this crazy life in a way I never even dreamed was possible.

3- My Parents- Before the Huz, they were my best friends. Still are… I’m so lucky that they now live only a few blocks away and that both Maya and I get to see them almost every day.

4- Our kids– Two teenage sons and a toddler… It can be tough at times, but we are so lucky to have 3 genuinely good, caring, NICE, kids that truly all love each other. What more could you want?

4- Life– It can be crazy at times, but I am soooo lucky to be able to do something that I love to do while getting to spend the majority of my day with my favorite partner in crime (and play!).

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

Chunky Knits + Comfy Destroyed Boyfriend Jeans + Lace Up Boots

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The good news? I think I found the perfect destroyed boyfriend jeans. The bad news? They don’t make them anymore. 😦

I scored these new on eBay for $27, originally $231(I sometimes wonder how the sellers get their stock, but then…I figure I don’t really care haha-whoops)

Most destroyed boyfriend jeans are 100% cotton (that fabric tends to fray the best) The downside is that they either stretch out and give you saggy butt, or they don’t stretch at all-which isn’t all that comfy! These are stretchy but don’t stretch out, aka what I totally look for in a jean! I’m a little embarrassed about how many times I’ve worn these since I got them a few weeks ago… :} I made the mistake of giving her my phone in the car while I snapped a few pics of me. She found her way to the Disney Collector and there was NO taking that phone out of her hands haha. If you don’t know who she is (you’re lucky!) If you have a toddler, my guess is that you do. They all seem to find her somehow!!?? It kind of cracks me up to see her looking so serious 🙂 The only way to get the phone out of her hands was to go to the playground. I took these after we got home. She’s walking her yoyo 😉 On me…

Sweater- Zara (last year, similar here)

Jeans- Genetic Denim Masen Ex Boyfriend (ebay, sold out but I bet these are just as comfy!)

Boots- 20+ years old (similar here and less expensive here)

On Maya…

Top- Ahoy Amigo

Jeans- Levi’s (thrifted, but similar here)

Shoes- Converse (thrifted, but similar here)

Keeping it Real…

I actually took these right after Halloween. I was stock piling pics/posts on days that weren’t raining in anticipation of the inevitable monsoon season, then…we got super lucky with great weather for the last few weeks! So, I’ve got extras thank goodness, because I’m so flipping overwhelmed outside of this blog I could cry (and admittedly have a few times…). Again…this blog is the thing I look forward to working on, during breaks, when things are going to %&$#, so…thank you to all of you that are following along. 🙂

THIS is Maya finding a piece of candy on the sidewalk and balancing it on her head haha.

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

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