Motherhood Mottos – Mommy & Me Giveaway

I can’t believe I’m approaching my 3rd Mothers Day. I remember March 26th 2015 so vividly…..as if it was yesterday. The day my life changed, and I became a mother.

No one prepares you for motherhood. You think you now what you’re getting yourself into…but until you experience it first hand you really have no idea. I knew I was going to love my daughter, but I didn’t expect this kind of overwhelming love. I knew days would be tough and tantrums would happen; but I didn’t realize how much guilt I would feel if I got upset or frustrated because of it. I knew I wouldn’t have as much time for myself, but I didn’t foresee that it would take me an extra hour to leave the house everyday.

Motherhood is a rollercoaster of emotions. Some days you have your ups, and others your downs. As much as I’m teaching Carlota about the world she’s inspiring me to be the best person I can be. Motherhood has made me re-evaluate my priorities and how I view life. That there is no such thing as perfection, we are all human.

I have met some wonderful mamas along this journey. Since Mother’s day is just around the corner, we thought it would be fun to share our Motherhood Mottos along with a Mommy & Me Giveaway. What a great way to come back to the blog from my little hiatus. What are some of your Motherhood Mottos?

With Love,

Andrea

“Your greatest contribution to this world may not be necessarily what you do, but someone you raise. Changing the world starts with within your household.” – Hannah of Brave Blonde

“Motherhood isn’t about having a picture perfect home with spotless floors & perfect little ones running around… Motherhood is about loving on your crying baby at 3am, changing the millionth dirty diaper, & enjoying the sweet and very real moments that come along with being a mama… I’m just enjoying the journey of motherhood because these babies of ours sure won’t be little like this for long.” – Kasey of Thee Girl in Yellow

“For me, being a mama is all about doing whatever it takes. Whether it’s figuring out how to survive with a baby who doesn’t sleep, or balancing work and motherhood, we all have to do what works best for our babies and our families. We are all doing the best we can, and no one is ever going to agree with everything you do (and that’s ok!). You do you mama!” – Lindsay of Middle of Somewhere

“Motherhood for me is complete selflessness. I’m not the focus, my children are. Motherhood is all about never giving up the struggle. It’s a struggle everyday but a beautiful and fulfilling one. When you tell yourself never to give up that’s when the real beauty of a mom is shown. We fight the good fight of surviving the hard days and the good days. It’s the only job in the world I never want to quit!” – Alia of Little Mrs. Priss

“Motherhood is a personal journey that looks different for everyone. It’s important for women to learn what their core beliefs are so they can incorporate them into their parenting style + daily routine. My motherhood motto is find who you are as a mom and be that, everyone else is already taken. Find your top 5 parenting values, thrive on those and don’t fret too much about the rest.” – Lindsey of Lindsey Lee & Co

“My motherhood motto is support and patience. It’s about allowing your tiny human to find their own way, while guiding them down the right path. Then to not lose your “you know what” when they don’t make the right choice.” – Megan of The Fashionista Momma

“Motherhood is a marathon not a sprint. I’ve learned to just do the best I can and to not be so hard on myself. There is no such thing as a perfect mom.” – Andrea of With Love… Andrea

“For me, motherhood is about balance, grace, and love. Raising tiny humans is so hard and not at all glamorous, but it is also beautiful, amazing, and so rewarding. At the end of the day you just have to see the beauty in it all, give yourself grace, and embrace it. Amidst all the chaos, motherhood is a joyous journey.” Jessica of Mama Essentials

“Motherhood in the last two years has taught me strengths I didn’t know I had, fears I didn’t know I could have, but most of all a love that I didn’t know existed!! Motherhood is a wild and crazy ride that I feel so blessed to experience.” – Kayla from A Darling Dream

“Motherhood is so many things, but the one word that encompasses it all for me is selfless. A mothers life is dedicated to loving and raising her children, often with little concern for herself. It is a crazy, fun, busy journey and there is nothing that has brought me more happiness in my life than my children.” – Kaycee from Cordially, Kaycee

“I’ve only been a mom now for two years, but it has been the best two years of my life so far. Everyone always tells you when you’re pregnant that your life is going to change once a baby comes, and it does, but for the better. You see this little person that you created growing each day and experiencing things for the first time and it brings you an indescribable joy to your life. Being a parent is the hardest thing I’ve done so far, but it is the most rewarding job I’ve ever had. I’ve had moments in my life where I wasn’t sure if I wanted a child, and now that I have one I can’t imagine not being able to experience such a crazy type of love for someone. Does becoming a parent change your life? Absolutely, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world!” – Sarah from Sew Sarah R

“Motherhood to me is trying to be present in the wonderful moments + the chaotic moments. Whether you’re present or not, time will slip right through your fingers. #YouHaveMyWholeHeartForMyWholeLife” – Stefanie from What’s Up Buttarcup

Giveaway

These lovely ladies and I are excited to be teaming up to give away the ultimate mommy and me giveaway prize pack. Be sure to enter via the Rafflecopter below. Also, remember that the more entries, the better your chance of winning is! The giveaway is open to US residents only. It will run from 12am MST on 05/10 until 05/17. One lucky winner will receive the following:

A $150 gift card to Target

A $50 gift card to Incredibundles.com

A set of 6 supersized bath bombs from Sky Organics

A Mother’s Day gift set from All in the Cards

A $50 gift card to Miss Match

A 5mL bottle of Lavender essential oil from Young Living

A diaper caddy from b.box for kids

A pair of boy or girl shoes from Pediped

A ergoPouch ergoCocoon swaddle to sleep bag

A $40 gift bag of assorted products from MAM

A $30 gift package of assorted GoSili products

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Merry Christmas my friends

This holiday season flew by. I can’t believe it’s already over. This Christmas we decided to celebrate in Los Angeles. In the past I’ve always gone home to Canada or to Spain to visit our family. This year we finally ended up having Christmas at our home in LA. My parents flew in and we celebrated with my Brother and Sister in Law and niece. Celebrating with children really brings back the magic of the holidays.

Carlota was so excited opening her presents, listening to christmas carols, and eating all the delicious food. I’m so lucky to have a husband who loves to cook…and is really good at it. He made such a feast of Classic Catalan Christmas dishes , after lunch, we watched Home Alone and most of us passed out. Later in the evening we did the Caga tio (a Catalan tradition of hitting a log and then finding little gifts if you’ve been nice). Carlota got really excited as we each took our turns and somehow ended up helping each of us. We ended the night sitting around the kitchen table having coffee and slovak cookies and just enjoying eachothers company. What more can you ask for?

As I sit here thinking about the momentous day, I can’t help but get excited about some new traditions we will incorporate to our future Christmases.

My heart is so full as I’m able to share these holidays with my loved ones. This really is the meaning of the holidays and that was on full effect for me this year. What did you do yesterday? What is one of your family’s traditions?

With Love,

Andrea

Dress: Maje old (Very Similar here) //

Heels: Schutz (Similar here and here) //

On Carlota

Dress: Little people rocx (Love this, this and this) //

Pom: June & January (get $10 off your first purchase with this link) //

Boots: Zara (Love these and these) //

Jord Watches

Who else struggles with getting that perfect, unique gift for their significant others? This year is even more challenging for me. Most of my time is spent chasing a toddler around, and trying to make her holidays special. I’m really looking forward to Christmas. This will be our first year celebrating in Los Angeles and hosting our family Christmas Day. I can’t wait to wake up Christmas morning at home, see the joy in Carlota’s eyes as the tree is filled with presents and the day is filled with family and love.

My husband has always had a thing for watches. It’s been so hard to get one for him since he’s also very particular. When I came across JORD, I knew this would be a perfect gift for the man that is so hard to shop for. He definitely didn’t have a watch that was remotely similar. I went with the Conway series in Walnut and Jet Black. This watch has a classic design with modern detailing…the perfect mix for my hubs. What’s your perfect combo??

If you follow this Giveaway link you can get $25 off your purchase. The contest will close December 25th at 11:59pm. The $25 code will expire on February 28th, 2017. If you order in the next few hours you can get free express shipping and receive your watch before Christmas!!

With Love,

Andrea

Watch: Conway Series JORD

The slouchy tunic for the win!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

I can’t believe Holiday season is already upon us!! It’s that time of year where I’m typing this blog post sitting with Carlota in our matching Christmas PJs. I wish it was Holiday season all year round. I’m so excited it’s Thanksgiving and can’t wait for Carlota to have her first Turkey dinner. This time around Carlota is so much more aware and engaged I can’t wait to show her all our traditions and make some new family memories with her.

While everyone is getting ready for Black Friday and Holiday shopping I wanted to share a great tunic from Mint Julep boutique. It’s a comfy staple item that every girl needs in their closet. It’s perfect to dress up and wear out and about or keep casual lounging around at home. They come in many different colors and are solid or baseball jersey style like the one I’m wearing. Using the links provided you can get them for 50% off and under $25. Perfect for your Black Friday shopping list!!

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I’m so thankful for all of your support.

With Love,

Andrea

Shirt: Mint Julep Boutique (On sale with this link) //

Pants: J Brand //

Sandals: Madewell (Similar here and here) //

Hat: (Similar here and here) //

Sunglasses: Karen Walker //

My Instagram looks!

When I started my blog 3 months pregnant, I received many comments stating this will be difficult to keep up once baby gets here. In my head I thought to myself….I’ve survived many sleepless nights studying for dental school exams, I’ve got this. Here I am almost 2 years later struggling to find time to get weekly posts in. Not to mention we only have one child!! Motherhood is tough. It’s time consuming, exhausting, but also the best thing thats ever happened to me. Carlota is changing and growing daily and I don’t want to miss a second of it. If that means sporadic blog posts….so be it.

We are currently in Spain and just got back to Barcelona from the the Costa Brava. With no wifi where we were staying I had to take a mandatory break from this post. I can’t wait to write all about our vacation. So far Carlota has been having a blast and enjoying the beach, water and being completely spoiled by her grandparents.

There have been a few looks on Instagram that didn’t make the blog. I wanted to link some of those items for you here!

Necklace: SheIn (also here and similar here) //

Top: Here (On sale but different shades here and here) //

Purse: Here (More affordable here and on major sale here) //

Necklace: SheIn (also here and similar here) //

Tank: On sale Here //

Shorts: Here (These are also similar) //

Tank: Here (on sale) //

Skirt: Here (on sale) //

On Carlota:

Tee: Gap (New version here) //

Tutu: Etsy shop (Similar here and here) //

Blouse: Equipment (Similar and on sale here and here) //

Jeans: Zara (Similar here and here) //

Wedges: Here (More affordable version here) //

On Trend

I definitely wouldn’t consider my style as “trendy”. As you can see from my posts, I tend to stick with items that are classic and casual. I have emphasized this even more since becoming a mother. It must be something in those pregnancy hormones that changes you. I just can’t justify spending a lot of money on something I will only wear a handful of times. Finding the online retailer SheIn has been a game changer. I’ve found many trendy and classic pieces for a fraction of the cost.

This off the shoulder blouse was one of my recent finds. I love the knot detailing on the sleeves. It will look perfect when the weather decides to cool down and I can pair it with some distressed skinny jeans. The best part is that its currently on sale and under $20. I’ve linked a few of my favorite pieces from their site below.

Carlota on the other hand is always on trend with the latest baby fashion….at least I like to think she is. Finding cute outfits for her has become one of my obsessions. I wish they made half the things I find for her in my size…..mind you it probably wouldn’t look quite as good on me. This romper was a recent find and on major sale. Everything I find for her is always on sale!! (At least thats what I tell my husband).

With love,

ANDREA

Blouse: SheIn (Similar here and here) //

Shorts: Club Monaco old (Similar here, here and here) //

Hat: Gap (Also here and here) //

Sandals: Celine (Exact duplicates here and here) //

Carlota:

Hat: Gap (in stores) (Similar here) //

Romper: Little minis //

Sandals: Salt Water ( Also here) //

4th of July Inspo

One of America’s biggest holidays is coming up and Carlota and I were in the festive mood with this fun shoot. I’m not sure what we are going to do for 4th of July but I do hope it involves a pool, BBQ and some cocktails! Our weekend will be one big celebration because Canada’s day is on July 1st. Unfortunately we didn’t have a Canadian flag to take pictures with or you know we would have a Canada’s day themed post as well. Ohhh well something to plan for next year.

I definitely have a love affair with jumpsuits and rompers. I think they are super flattering and chic. I love that you can dress them down or up depending on the occasion. I usually veer towards black jumpsuits but decided to get out of my comfort zone when finding this red number. I was a little nervous with the cut out back, but as soon as I put it on I fell in love. It’s high waisted so it exposes all the right places. (Post-baby love handles are no joke!!) I have a few birthday’s and showers coming up and this outfit will most likely make an appearance.

What are your plans for 4th of July??

Laura Goutcher Photography

Jumpsuit: BCBG (I also loved this one on Sale here) //

Clutch: Clare Vivier last season (Similar and both festive here and here) //

Wedges: Here (Less expensive and look identical here, also love these) //

On Carlota:

Denim Jacket: Here on sale (Also on sale here) //

Top: Here on sale (Similar here) //

Leggings: Here (In love with these and these) //

Moccs: Here //

Twins for life

These photos were taken when Carlota turned 1. She’s already almost 15 months…..I think time is on fast forward. Carlota is advancing and changing daily, I feel like I can barely keep up. She is signing when she’s hungry, talking up a storm, and running all over the place. I totally get it now when moms would say it gets harder when they start walking. When she was first born I didn’t believe it for a second. How can it be harder than this?? My time is already 100% consumed. Well it does!! You will look back at that first year and think boy if only I was more relaxed. Don’t get me wrong though we totally have so much fun together now. We get to interact in different ways and I love the way she looks at me and runs around the house calling for her Mami!!

If I could match Carlota every day…I think I would. I love twinning with her. Why don’t they make adult versions of all toddler clothes? hehe. I know most things would probably not look as cute on me as they do her, but hey its worth a shot. When I found this little shop on Instagram and I saw they made an adult version of this sweatsuit I knew it was my chance to match my babe. I’m taking advantage of this now, while I’m still her most favorite person and she lets me dress her however I want. Let’s hope she will love matching her mama for years to come. I’m keeping my fingers crossed even though I know its a long shot.

What are some of your favorite mommy and me matching outfits or brands? I would love to find some more!!

With Love,

Andrea

Sweatsuits: Lulu and Roo //

Shoes: Here (Great first walking shoes…and on sale) //

Freshly picked on Sale

I have been obsessed with these moccs even before Carlota was born. For 24 hours only Freshly Picked is having a 25% off sale. They rarely go on sale and this is always the time I stock up on my mocc stash…or shall I say Carlota’s mocc stash.

My favorites are the metallic and blush colors but really you can’t go wrong with any options. Get yours quick before the ones you want are Sold out!!

Which is your favorite??

xox

Andrea

Floral Crown: Target //

Romper: Old Navy (Similar here and on sale) //

Moccs: Freshly Picked //

Romper: Tea Collection (Other styles here and here) //

Jacket: Here //

Moccs: Freshly picked //

Dress: Gap (New version here) //

Moccs: Freshly Picked //

Shirt: On sale here //

Leggings: On sale here //

Moccs: Freshly Picked //

Sweater: Childhoods (Similar and on sale here) //

Pants: Similar here //

Moccs: Freshly Picked //

Pants: On sale here //

Moccs: Freshly Picked //

Mom uniform

My colors of choice are always white, black and grey. Are they even considered colors? As much as I try to incorporate color into my wardrobe I always go back to the basics. I guess you just have to stick with what you feel comfortable wearing. With that being said…here I am in a T-shirt and jeans. This has been my staple “mom uniform”.

Before Carlota, I envisioned myself as a mom prancing around in my heels, crop tops and whatever else was in season. A year later, I find myself rummaging amongst my T-shirts daily deciding if I should wear the striped one, black or white. I’ve come to terms that this is the new me. Wearing pumps running after a toddler in the park is just not my reality, and I’m ok with that. Some days I’m super casual and just throw on a pair of sneakers, and others I find ways to dress up my look with my accessories. The best part about a T-shirt and jeans is that you look cool and chic without making it seem like you’re trying to hard….because let’s face it you probably aren’t!!