You really should... Visit Oak Glen!

So, about 2 almost 3 weeks ago my family and I went up the mountain in Yucaipa, CA and visited Oak Glen! OH MY GOSH! I fell in LOVE! If you don't know what Oak Glen is, It's a mountain area (I'm not sure how many miles it runs) that has various cute little farms! During the fall, it's Harvest season so you can pick your own raspberries, apples, pumpkins, makes your own apple cider, do some shopping, of course eating and enjoying the weather! Because, if you're a desert girl like me, you do not get to experience much of any climate besides HOT! and I WAS MADE FOR THE FALL! haha! I love everything about it! The food, the ambiance, the fashion, the aroma, thanksgiving, the weather, i just love the fall! 

Anywho, we got up there pretty late in the day and they do close at 5pm so I recommend getting there at least by 12-1pm so you aren't pressed for time! The farm we visited was Los Rios Rancho. It was so cute and quaint and had all the activities listed above! We grubbed on some bbq, homemade apple crumble crisp pie, apple slaw and of course fresh cider! I had to have iced cider with my bbq then a hot one once it got chilly! haha! We also just enjoyed the ambiance of the trees and weather and took a punch of pics! 

If you're ever looking for a fun fall activity or family day, head to Oak Glen! You won't be disappointed! If you don't have plans Thanksgiving weekend after stuffing your face and going black friday crazy, head to Oak Glen! They're having an apple butter festival! Scroll down to see pics from our day there! 

 The family! Kaleia (my daughter), Keith (ny husband), Yours truly, Keileb (my son), 

My mom and in the back my sister Taylor! 

 Apple Slaw! It was so good! 

 It's so hard to get babies to cooperate with a family selfie! lol 

 Daddy and Kaleia! 

 My little mommas boy! His favorite place is in my arms :) 

 Had to get our selfie in while in line for our bbq!

 Apple crumb crisp pie! I know it looks like a pile of crisp but it was good! lol

My pulled pork sandwich! yummy! 

Last Minute Costume Idea!

Helllooooooo guys!! Long time, no see!! or write... you know what I mean! 

I have been super busy with school, the babies, and just life in general! 

But not to worry! I'm going to make more of an effort here! 

Anywho! The reason why I'm here today is because it's officially October 30th! Like seriously, where has this year went! Only two months left of 2015! sheesh! but back to why we're here, now, today. It's the day before Halloween! and you know what that means! 

Last minute costumes are in FULL EFFECT!

I'm such a fan of Pinterest! I really love that site. It's probably the greatest online invention EVER! I seriously pinterest something before googling it! 

So, this year I took to Pinterest for costume ideas yet again! And I LOVED my costume!

And can I say, it cost me about 7 bucks and took ten minutes to make! 

I was a "Cereal Killer" haha! Get it?

Interested in how and what it takes to make this costume? Keep reading!

What you need:

A simple/comfy outfit (I chose leggings, a white tee and an older chambray shirt.)

I owned all these items so no expense there!

Combat boots (or something similar) 

Mini cereal boxes (8-pack at my local target for $3.19)

Spray Blood (my local costume shop for $2.98)

Plastic knives (had those on hand too)

safety pins (already had) 

red lipstick (already had)

What you do:

1. Get your outfit together. 

It took me about 4 outfit changes before deciding on this. I wanted to be comfy and cute but I also wanted it to look like a costume without being "skanky"

2. Using your red lipstick, write "cereal killer" on the back 

3. Take all the cereal out of the boxes

you can eat them right away if you want but I chose to wait haha!

4. Safety pin the boxes to the shirt wherever you'd like 

5. Hang the shirt or have someone hold it for you and spray paint the blood everywhere!

I'd do this outside just in case your spray is messy. Mine wasn't too bad.

And Wahlah! You're done! Quick, cheap, last minute Halloween Costume! 

You're welcome!

Comment below if you loved this idea and would like to see posts like this! 

Ciao! 

Fall Favorites: My top 10 fall necessities for 2015!

The fall transition has arrived! yay! the only bummer, SoCal Fall is like a notch below summer. It's still freakin' warm all the time! ugh! Luckily, this fall's trends are wearable no matter where you live! yay!

So, for this post I've rounded up my top 10 fall favorites! As I collect them, I will do outfit of the day posts! So, stay tuned for that!  

1. Bomber Jackets 

 This is a super trendy and stylish layering piece that can bring some edge to your look!

2. Carli Bybel/ bh cosmetics eyeshadow and highlight pallete

I have been dabbling more and more with make up and beauty and I fell in LOVE with this pallate! 

AND it's super affordable! only 12.50! Here's the bummer, because Carli Bybel is so loved and well followed, (over a million followers on IG!) this pallete sold out in hours and is now on back order! 

3. Draped Open-front Cardigans

I am IN LOVE with these! I want one in every neutral color! So simple and chic! Can be easily worn with a bodycon dress, skirt and tank, or jeans and a tee! So versatile!

4. Sleeveless Vests 

I love the color of the one pictured! These are another amazing layering piece! This will quickly add style to your look! 

5. Graphic Tees

Graphic tees have always been a favorite of mine. So easy. Dress it up with a statement necklace and some pumps and you have a quick, stylish outfit!

6. Parklane Jewelry Velocity Ring

The ring speaks for itself! Stylish rings are IN right now! Don't forget the mani!

7. Over the Knee boots

Boots are a fall stable. It's officially fall when you're breaking the boots out! And who doesn't love a good over the knee boot? come on. 

8. Parklane Jewelry Turn it Up Necklace

Layering necklaces is so in! I'm loving this trend! So young and hip! 

9. Parklane Jewelry Velocity Bracelet

Because what's a great ring without the matching bracelet? 

10. Parklane Jewelry Virtue Ring

This ring is one of my favorites! You can wear it as one or you can split it into 3 different rings to add more style to your fingers!

Hope you enjoyed my fall favorites list! I can't wait to style looks for you all to see!

ciao!

*images pictured are google images not my own

*Parklane jewelry items can be purchased directly through me. contact me for info

Why I've been MIA... Newborn Hazing!

Whew! It has definitely been awhile since my last blog post and here's why! :) 

I gave birth to my beautiful baby boy on August 15, 2015 at 9:47 pm by way of VBAC! 

(insert jaw drop face here)

SO! As we know from my last post, I was prepared (call me crazy but I was excited too) to have another c-section! Well, the Doctor (not my primary) talked me into trying Vaginal Birth After C-section and I did it! whhhaaaaaattt?! So crazy! 

I was in labor beginning the 14th of August around noon and what was I doing? looking for a new house! AND my hospital bag wasn't even packed! I was house hunting, visiting a family member in the hospital and running errands while having contractions! I know, I'm pretty much insane but I'm so last minute and beyond impatient and the last thing I wanted was to be in a hospital waiting for them to check me in or send me home (which the 1st hospital did do - annoying). 

So, after doing all that, packing my bag, going to the hospital I had my daughter at just to get turned away, I went to another hospital and checked in around 11:00 am on Saturday the 15th. The doctor in triage talked me into trying for VBAC and 10 1/2 hours later, my baby boy was born! 

Recovery has been a breeze! I have to remember I'm still recovering from child birth and force myself to rest and relax. My son is healthy and getting chunkier by the day thanks to mommas milk! (i love breastfeeding)  We found and moved in to a new home over labor day weekend, so it's been a pretty hectic time for me but I am so happy and blessed overall! I do occasionally get the baby blues and have my emotional/overwhelming days because dealing with a newborn and a toddler is A HOT MESS! But hey! I'm a mom! I'm sure EVERY mom has those days regardless of the children's ages!

So, if any of you have been wondering where me and my blog posts have been, this is why we've been MIA! :) 

My experience with a c-section...

As I'm quickly approaching that time again, (38 weeks today hence my lack of blog posts) I wanted to share a bit of my birthing experience because I've noticed a trend in the way people view Cesarean deliveries!

Now let me first say this, PEOPLE! A CESAREAN ISN'T ALWAYS A BAD THING! STOP MAKING A PREGNANT WOMAN FEEL BAD IF SHE TELLS YOU THAT'S HER METHOD OF DELIVERY! 

I know in some cultures they believe you aren't a "real woman" if you do not have a baby natural and without any medication. That's old school and a crock of you know what. Cesarean deliveries are JUST as common as natural deliveries and they aren't always because of a "problem." Every woman is different. Every woman's body can endure different things. Every pregnancy is different! What was easy for one, may have been almost impossible to another. Which is why i say STOP! Stop trying to force natural birth on a woman, Stop gasping and shrieking when a woman tells you her method of delivery, Stop turning your nose up, Stop thinking a cesarean somehow equates to a problem or an inferior way to deliver. 

With that out the way, here's my story:

With my pregnancy with my daughter, I had been told since about 36-37 weeks that I would delivery by way of a cesarean. Reason being? My birth canal was small and I wasn't dilating, although she was in position and ready! (I know, a lot of people say "doctor's just want more money so they tell you that" if that's the way you think about your doctor, you already have a problem. Call me naive but I've haven't encountered a doctor who was not worried about my well being) 

So, about 2 days before my due date, I started having contractions and went into labor and was admitted to the hospital on my due date. Now, I CHOSE to deliver at a hospital that did not have my records and that my doctor did not deliver at and of course it was a Saturday. So, because I was in active labor, this hospital asked if I wanted to try natural and since I had been made to feel that having a c-section was a problem, I said "yes, i will try BUT DO NOT HESITATE to give me a c-section as my doctor has already made a c-section appointment for this Monday." So, i got my epidural and i felt great! I was talking and laughing through labor like there wasn't an earthquake striking my body every 3 minutes! By 8-9 centimeters dilated, my cervix had swollen up and my daughter's heart rate dropped and mine shot up, which resulted in an "emergency c-section." 

Fast forward to this pregnancy:

Being that all this took place a little  over a year ago (16 months to be exact), I am scheduled for another c-section because my pregnancies are so close together and if i try and go natural, I run the risk of bursting my incision. Am i worried? No! I actually prefer to deliver by way of a c-section because I've healed great from my last one and I'd hate to ruin a good thing trying to go natural just because "it's the norm."

I write this as a post of possible inspiration. I hope to inspire women to not be scared of a cesarean. Like I said, every woman's body is different and that includes during pregnancy. You and your doctor know what you can handle and do not do anything YOU aren't comfortable with! I also hopes this inspires people to drop the idea of c-sections being abnormal or only because of a problem. If you have an acquaintance, friend, or loved one who is going to deliver by way of c-section, be supportive! It's not  always a bad thing! It's child birth! It's not meant to be pretty! Natural deliveries sure aren't pretty! And just because you may have had children natural, doesn't mean that's another woman's path. 

Life throws us all curve balls and in my experience, going natural was actually detrimental to my child and I, so my doctor was right and wasn't just trying to get more money. And come on, with as many women that get pregnant daily, do you really think a doctor is hurting for c-section money? It's not like pregnancy is going extinct any time soon lol 

Images found on google

My Baby Registry Picks!!

Baby Registries... For some women, they're fun! (Like me lol I use any excuse to go to a store) for some women, it's dreadful. But nonetheless, it's necessary if you plan on having a baby shower! 

These days, registries are on line and in almost every store that sells baby stuff but I personally rate my favorites based on the gifts (newborn freebies and samples!) and the ease of the process!! 

So, this post is dedicated to the 3 places I chose to do my registries at. Yes, I did 3 lol all because of the freebies! Lol don't judge me! I love free stuff! But also so that my friends and family have a variety of stores to choose from! I'll go in order of favorites staring with number 1:

Number 1 favorite: TARGET 

Target gets the top spot mainly because of the variety of samples (that I will actually put to use) and the ease of the process this time around! Target has implemented some improvements on the registry process in the last year. You literally walk in to customer service, tell them you want to create a registry, and they give you an iPhone where you create the registry and scan items! Then, when you're finished, you can email/text yourself the DIRECT link to your registry!! I found this to be super useful and handy! People will ask you until the day of the shower "where did you register/what do you want for the baby" (even if they received an invitation so clearly some people don't pay attention but we love them nonetheless lol) that's where you reply with your registry link! They have it right on their phone! No need to waste paper or any more time! I love that genius addition! Then look at what you get! Wipes, a full sized bottle, pacifier, etc. plus tons of coupons! Target has my top vote! 

Runner up: BUY BUY BABY

I read great reviews about Buy Buy Baby's registry gift pack so I decided to give them a try. I wasn't super impressed but I wasn't super disappointed either. I do like the full can of enfamil (I plan on breastfeeding but you never know if you might need formula) and the Bio-Oil stretch mark gel! The staff made this experience pleasant! They were so cheerful and happy to help! (Getting an ice cold water was nice too. Especially since registry scanning is quite time consuming) I think what makes this number 2 is it's literally the "Bed Bath & Beyond" for baby stuff! They are owned by the same people and you can even use "Bed Bath & Beyond" coupons there! NICE! 

Honorable Mention: BABIES R US

This gift pack had to be the least of my favorites because look at it lol it's scarce compared to the other 2. What I thought was coupons, was actually pamphlets to easily scan items. That is nice and efficient I guess but where are the discounts?! I was a little disappointed in this one. I love Babies R Us but this gift pack could've been better. However, I LOVE that Babies R Us has a program where after the baby is born, they will send you a gift card with 10% back of what was spent on your registry! So, if your family and friends combined spend $1,000, you get a gift card worth $100! I think that's amazing! That really came in handy for us when we had our daughter! 

So, there you have it! My registry picks, why and my reviews of them! I know this is a longer post but I hope it helps a mommy to be out there! ;) 

My challenge to mommies!!

Hey lovelies! 

So I posted this picture on Instagram and Facebook, and the inspiration I got for a blog post was a little deeper than "style." 

Being that this blog is super new, I'm sure you all don't know that I am 33 weeks along in my second pregnancy. That's about 8 months! So I'm pretty close to meeting our next little addition to our growing family! Super exciting! 

But this also means, I get very little "me time." 

Anywho, back to the inspiration. When I took this picture I was on my way to my best friend's birthday dinner and it made me stop and think how important it is to get dolled up and have some girl time! I have been so wrapped up in my growing family, building my businesses, launching my blog and everything baby and toddler related that I often forget to have ME time! NO BUENO! 

We can't forget about ourselves ladies!

The importance in taking some "me time" is crucial! Especially when you have a family depending on you to hold everything together. Taking some time to yourself can refresh you, de-stress you, rejuvenate you and give you some time to miss your loved ones so that life isn't just going through the motions and being taken for granted. You are the lifeline of your family! Take care of you so that you can take care of them with energy and even more love! 

So, once a week, take some time to yourself! Get your nails done, get a massage, enjoy happy hour, have a girls night, visit Barnes and Noble and enjoy a good read and a coffee, host/attend a jewelry party (wink wink). Whatever you love and you haven't done in awhile or before, DO IT! 

Get out! Get Dressed! Get that "me time" you deserve!