Baby

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) //

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 //

It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to!!

Carlota’s first birthday party was a pink and white paradise. I’m so excited to finally share photos from that special day. It’s so cliche, but that first year goes by in a blink of an eye. My baby is now officially a toddler. I almost feel like as soon as she hit that 12 month mark, she transitioned almost over night. She’s a walking, talking babe and always in the fast lane. I knew I needed to make her first birthday memorable…and it sure was!

We held the celebration at her favorite park. She loves the outdoors, so we knew that would be a perfect location. We filled the space with flowers and balloons to make it a pink and white wonderland. I definitely went a little overboard with the balloons but it made our space magical. It was worth it. The best part was sharing the balloons with our guests and some of the kids at the park. Seeing their faces when we gave them a huge bouquet to take home was priceless.

Carlota was very excited for her party. She was running around playing and helping us set everything up. When the party started, she was ready for her photoshoot and welcomed all her friends. After about 30 minutes this baby was exhausted from all the excitement. The group photos of all the babies was pretty comical. Carlota was not having it at all. The theme song “it’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to” kept playing in my head because that’s exactly how Carlota felt. It was a good try….but I was foolish to think we could place 8 babies and have them sit pretty all together for a picture.

Carlota had her own little cake for the cake smash and again she was a little camera shy. Not really feeling it she dabbled her fingers in the icing but that was about it. Thankfully we had some photos of a cake smash she did for her group birthday celebration with the babies from our Mommy & Me. Nothing is ever going to run exactly how you plan it and sometimes you just have to go with the flow. I’m slowly trying to learn that.

We were very thankful to have so many people celebrating this special day with us. Some of our loved ones were not able to make it but were there in spirit, and on FaceTime. You can see a few more photos of her birthday here and Carlota playing in the mud while mama is setting up here.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing these memories with our family.

With Love,

Andrea

Romper: Mint Julep Boutique //

Jacket: Here (Select colors on sale here) //

Boots: Here (Less Expensive here) //

On Carlota

Birthday Hats: Kutie Bow Tuties //

Dress: It was a gift (Similar here) //

Onesie: Etsy HoneyduClothing//

Shoes: here //

Motherhood….& what I’ve learned

It’s been just over a year since I’ve been a mother. Time sure does fly when your having fun. Watching Carlota change and grow right before my very eyes is such an amazing gift. The thing I never realized was that I would be changing and growing right along with her. Many things that used to matter to me before baby….just don’t anymore. My outlook on life has shifted, and I would sacrifice anything to give my daughter happiness.

Those first few months when Carlota was first born all seem like a blur to me now. (You can read her birth story here). Everything was so new and scary. I constantly worried I was doing something wrong. I’m the type of person who wants to do everything perfectly and lets be honest there is no such thing as a “perfect” mom. I needed to get out of the house but then would panic when the baby started to cry in public. I can still remember the anxiety I had when she cried on a walk, in a restaurant, in the car etc.. Would family, friends, or even strangers think I wasn’t a good mom? That I didn’t know what I was doing? These were constant thoughts in my head. It doesn’t help when everyone tries to tell you what YOUR baby needs when they are crying. “YES I know they are probably hungry”…. but as I’m paying for my groceries I can’t really stand here nursing my child!! (I quickly figured out how to nurse and run errands using my carrier and this erased a lot of my baby crying stress.)

The first few months are hard!! At this point I don’t know how you mothers do it with multiple children….you are superwomen for sure!! It does get easier…and at some point you will miss those early days. At about the 4 months mark is when I started to have my groove. I started to be more confident in my knowledge and how I was raising my child and let all the outside advice or comments roll off my back.

There are many theories and books telling you what you need to do in that first year of life. There is a lot of advice that can be contradictory and confusing. This is especially true when it comes to sleep! If there was only one right way to raise a child we would all be doing it. The truth is that every baby and family are different. What might work for one may not be the best option for another. I have learned that you just have to trust your gut. Do what you believe is best for you and your baby. Don’t worry if you’re not doing what is written in the textbook. There is no such thing as a perfect mom and you are bound to mess up at some point…..that’s OK!!!! As long as you are giving love and support to your child thats what really matters.

That one piece of advice I would give is to find a mommy support group. I was so fortunate to meet such wonderful mamas in a mommy and me group when Carlota was just 6 weeks old. These ladies will be friends for life. I don’t know how I would have survived the first year without them.

Looking back what advice would you give to someone starting this journey?

Today I’ve linked up with Alia from Little Mrs Priss and Sarah from Sew Sarah R. Its fun to collaborate and support other bloggers. To submit your post, use the button below to post a link back to this link-up, so everyone can come and visit.

An InLinkz Link-up

Leggings: Lululemon old (Similar and great price here and here) //

On Carlota

Sweater and Jumper: Bonds //

Sneakers: Munich //

Festival Florals

I can’t believe Festival season is here already and Coachella weekend 1 starts tomorrow. We will be heading down to Coachella Valley next weekend for the music festival and I couldn’t be more excited. This year will be a different experience than others in the past and I can’t wait.

I’m just not ready to leave my babe behind for the weekend, so Carlota will be joining us in Palm Desert. This means that late night festival afterparties will consist of baby snuggles and pajamas. I wouldn’t want it any other way…..at least that’s what I keep telling myself. Another exciting difference is that BCN will be serving in the VIP area. For those who don’t know BCN is my brother-in-law and husbands restaurant located in West Hollywood. It serves street fare from Barcelona and it’s delicious. If you are going to the festival be sure to stop by and say hi!!

If you’ve ever been to Coachella you know the fashion is just as important as the music festival itself. It’s almost like a fashion show at the Empire Polo Club. There are Pinterest boards set up just for Coachella outfits. With motherhood getting in the way I haven’t had too much time to think about my looks. When I came across this floral romper by Mint Julep Boutique I knew it was going to be in the lineup. I love the fit and subdue sexiness it evokes. Pair it with a cute bra, a statement necklace, or a great belt and you are good to go. I knew the romper was a must have because it can be so versatile. You can give it an edgy look by adding a fedora, leather jacket and booties; or pair it with a dainty necklace, and sandals and wear it to the beach. I wore it here for Carlota’s first birthday and I can’t wait to post all about that experience next week.

Who’s headed to Coachella this year? Do you have a romper in your outfit line up?

With Love,

Andrea

Romper: Mint Julep Boutique //

Jacket: Here (Select colors on sale here) //

Boots: Here (Less Expensive here) //

Mirror mirror on the hall

The architecture of the Walt Disney concert hall is spectacular. Just look at these mirrored walls. Its a blogger and photographer’s paradise. (I think there were 5 different shoots along the building for the hour we were there). If only LA traffic wasn’t as grid lock all the time, we would be here more often. The less you have to drive, the better. Especially when you have a screaming baby in the back seat. Thankfully, as Carlota has gotten older she has started to tolerate car rides……most of the time. The problem has now become getting her fastened in her chair. This is now a 5 minute challenge that consists of screaming, arching her back and squirming. I’m sure you other mamas know exactly what I’m talking about.

Today’s outfit is one of my favorites. A silk shirt, skinny jeans and over-the-knee boots; definitely one of my go-to looks. I love the neck scarf and bow tie trend thats been getting a lot of popularity lately. It’s a perfect accessory to transform your casual white shirt and jeans. If you’ve been following my blog you will realize I’m all about having classic pieces in your closet that will last for years and adding “in trend” items to give a fresh outlook. I frankly don’t have the closet space or the finances to constantly be shopping for new clothes weekly. Instead I invest in pieces I know I will wear for years, and try to find the deals on items that I know may only last for a season.

What does your closet consist mostly of Trendy or Classic items? Hope you had a great weekend.

With love,

Andrea