Fashion Haul: 5 Fall Must Haves to Transition for Fall

It's fall. I didn't get to wear all of my summer clothes but I am planning on using a couple key pieces to transition my summer clothes into fall. Below are all my key pieces and accessories to give my summer clothes a fresh look.

Arm Warmers- I can wear my summer dresses wearing arm warmers. I got mine from zara.com last year

Leather joggers/pants- Leather elevates any look and they pair well with summer tops

Shacket- I love these because you can wear them a lot of different ways.

Moto jacket- moto jacket make everything edgier and fun 

Knits- Cute sweaters to go with jeans and skirts, and a bonus they can also go over dresses.

Fall is my favorite season. And, I plan to have fun mix and matching all these items to see how everything comes together.

xo-Meka

Uniform Style: Kids Edition

 

Who says fashion for kids can't be fun? Absolutely no one. I wanted to add a little twist to my kids uniforms so I added  a little style to there normal uniforms because to be honest they were looking a little dusty. And, I want them to look as though have a different outfits and stand out a little. So, all the items are from Children's Place. Self expression is so important when it comes to kids and I always want my kids to look and feel confident.

I want them to experiment and have fun with clothes. We bond here.  All of the pieces can be found at any store. Some times I hit up Old Navy, Target, Walmart, and Ralph Lauren. I use mostly affordable pieces because they are still growing and they tend to tear things apart. Hope this helps you style your little one. Where do you shop for your kids? Let me know!

Mama's October Favorites

We are officially in fall! I haven't been buying much but I love being able to transition my summer pieces into fall.  I went onto Nordstrom Rack and went crazy with the accessories. They have so many cute boots, jewelry, and accessories. I thought I would share my finds. Nordstrom Rack always has bomb sales and a lot of designer items. But, I love the discounted prices, since I'm always trying to save my coins.

Shoes

Last year, I loaded my closet with animal print booties but this year it is time to replace the classics. I have never been into wearing heels so I like to think of different shoes that still give me the look I am going for. Wedges are a girl's best friend if you hate heels. I also love these old school loafers. They will look perfect with dresses this fall. And, if you are from the midwest you have to have a pair of UGGs, if not for fashion, for comfort. 

Jewelry

I tend to wear a lot of gold in the fall and winter, heck all year round. I was surprised that Nordstrom Rack had so many things to choose from in the fine jewelry section. I'm a stud girl, and they had beautiful unique stud earrings to add to my collection. 

Sunglasses

I'm camera shy... I know, people are always surprised when I say that but sunglasses help me loosen up. I only have three pair at the moment but I found all these amazing designer glasses on the site. I thought in was time to find something new.

Overall, I'm happy with the purchases I made. You will be seeing them very soon. Let me know what you are shopping for this fall and where is your favorite store to shop...

Catching Up: August touch base

Hola! This has been a blur the past couple months. I haven't been active on my blog because I got stuck. I love been creative and having fun but I have been able to do it the way I want it for the past few months. I have been so tired from work, it was more important for me to be present with my family and concentrate on the day to day. Also, figure out where I am. What I would like to do with this blog and where my creative future lies. 

So, what did I come up with? Pure honesty. I feel like my calling is to promote self care and mental care. Making my blog an extension of my instagram. I have been focusing on my self care, wellness, and fitness journey and learning how it balance each one equally. Meaning taking care of my whole self. To be honest, it a lot more work than I thought. It's funny, when I get one aspect of my life together and try to shift to repairing something else the part I thought I fixed goes to shit. I'm consistently juggling, trying to keep the balls in the air.

Shooting and reels have been difficult to accomplish but I am slowly getting back into it. But, enough with the not so sob story here are some things that I have been using to push through.

1. Switching things up: Skincare, workouts, style. Just trying new things has been keeping me motivated.
2. Reflection: looking back at how far I have come. I know I am in a better place and moving in the right direction.
3.Lightening up: Living in the moment and trying to have fun. Not worrying about other people and what they are doing. Sometimes my body and mind needs to relax
4. Action: Holding myself accountable to myself. If I promise myself something flow through and make it happen.
5. Indulgence: Treating myself often.

That's it and minding my own business. I have gotten so much work done just by doing that. Put a time limit on your phone. It will change your world.

What have you been up to?

Let's Finish: Master Bath

We have been in our home a while and I'm ready to start finishing all the projects that I have started and never finished. I started decorating as soon as we moved in but quickly lost momentum and the desire to finish. I started choosing cheap products that got me discouraged. I have realized that being thrifty doesn't always mean buying a whole lot of cheap products that won't last long. Sometimes you have to sit with the space and buy a little at a time. To build my courage, I thought starting with a space that I want to relax was fitting.

Also, buying things you love for the space over time and building on your vision is always a good idea. Our home was fully upgraded when we moved in and we have changed anything. We were lucky, we loved the colors and choices that the previous owner made.

Mood: Serene and colorful
Our house is all neutral so I wanted to bring in nature and color. I like to switch things up a lot so I wanted to bring color in through artwork and accessories. And, it was also important for me to have enough storage. Hanging hooks and baskets were necessary because I have a lot of skincare and hair products. 

Plan: Simple Upgrades
I have found my artwork, so I will be pulling the colors from the artwork and using mixed metals for an updated look. 

Side note: Knowing where to save your money
I went to the Dollar Tree and Target to load up on drawer organizers so I could feel like a rich auntie. Don't sleep on stores like Dollar Tree, Dollar General, and Family Dollar. They have nice quality organization materials and they are a nice place to start on your journey for a more organized functional home.

Budget: $300

It does take much to make a space feel like yours. Just patience. Sometimes things don't happen when you want them they happen when you need them. 

What projects are you working on? Let me know... What room should I do next?

Our Getaway: New Orleans

It's been a couple months since my trip to New Orleans and I can't stop thinking about it. I had so much fun. It was a weekend getaway that left me wanting to more. To feed my new found love for New Orleans, I thought I would write a post. And, let y'all know what I did on my little getaway. So, here are all the details about our trip.

Stay...

Eliza Jane Hotel 

315 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130

  

This is one of the most beautiful hotel I have ever stayed. The rooms are small but the amenities are lovely and the people are even nicer. The common spaces are photograph worthy and the bar is beautiful. But, even better is the bartender is knowledgeable about his liquor. He had the lowdown on all the spots in the city. 

The hotel is located near the French Quarter and is walking distance to amazing restaurants, the French Quarters and Bourbon Street, and Harrahs Casino, and Canal Place which houses a lot of luxury brands if you are up for so shopping.

Visit...

We hit the main spot Cafe Du Monde. There are a few throughout the city.  I had my first beignet in Louis Armstrong Park. It was glorious, the beautiful weather accompanied by street artists and a band playing on the street. It was nothing like I have ever seen. Everyone was polite and it was an amazing vibe.

Our main eating places where Bourbon House, Red Slipper, and a slew of dive bars. One thing for sure is any place you chose, the food will be amazing.

At night we visited Harrah's New Orleans Casino where we gambled the night away. And, with that being said we spent our winnings at the Canal Place, an upscale mall, but there is also a discount mall called the Outlet Collection at the Riverwalk.

Overall we can't wait to go back. One piece of advice, check the times for museums and other attractions. A lot of things were closed in the beginning of the week but with everything opening back up this could have changed.

We are planning another visit next year with the kids!  

Have you ever been to New Orleans? What are your favorite spots?

Hot Mama Summer: Missguided

          

It's Memorial weekend and I can't wait to get a little rest and relaxation. But, before that can start a little retail therapy never hurt anyone. I picked up some cute pieces from Missguded that I thought I would show you. Comfort is my priority but I always. 

Where have you been shopping for cute clothes?

Influenced! Favorite buys from Influencers

Have you ever been influenced. I am influenced all the time. Especially when it comes to fashion and with Hot Mama summer on the horizon. I thought I would share my favorite influenced purchases. Sharing is caring right? There are some fun pieces out there I can't wait to rock and decorate my home with. Each month, I'll let you guys in on my favorites.  And, if you want to be influenced their are so amazing ladies out there... @hayet.rida, @37rosecroft, @shaymone, and @simplyshannah are just a few, check them out.

Celebrating Mother's Day When You Have Lost A Parent

Mother's Day has always been hit or miss for me. I either have a glorious day celebrating with my kids or I can't even get out of bed. Grieving is a process that can take a toll on anybody. I must say being a parent has helped with the process because I focus on the things I have gained and not lost.

I remember the lessons my mother taught me and share them with my children. I was so blessed to have a strong, kind hearted mother and Mother's Day is a day I practice self love and appreciation. I take time for myself by usually doing things like: mediating, working out, taking a bath. I also use the early mornings to do an extended skincare routine. Finding peace in the little quiet moments help.

So, if you are in the same boat as me, don't obligated to smile or be dishonest about your feelings. If you need to cry. Cry. Sit with your feelings because if you don't they will find a way to seep out slowly and uncontrollably. 

Procrastinator's Guide to Mother's Day : Self Love Edition

I usually take Mother's Day to treat myself  with something special. It's an excuse for me to be selfish. And, with outside opening up (don't worry, going to get vaccinated this week and wearing a mask every where outside of my house) I am loving anything I can use when on vacation or a casual night out. 

Here are a couple things I picked up along with some things I have been crushing on.

One Day at a Time: Starting a new health journey

For the past 14 years, I have been in working towards getting in shape. I put so much pressure to maintain an unrealistic version of myself, I have to admit I'm miserable. And, only after going to therapy am I starting to deal with these issues. I have a cycle of loading my plate with things numerous things I want to accomplish, overloading myself, making it impossible to complete because I'm so overwhelmed. How do I fix this? 

1. Clearing my plate: This sounds easier said than done. With work, kids, husband, and personal goals it hard to know where to start. All of these things seem important, and they are, so deciding what that most important and then working around it. Currently, it's important to me that I am healthy and I don't gain anymore weight.

2. Going consult with my doctor. For years, I avoided the doctor because they always told me I was fat and unhealthy but I found a new doctor who has been working with me to solve a lot of my aliments. Most of them are gone but I still am working on eating cleaner. I am starting February 22th with a cleanse. So, no dairy, no gluten, no grains, and no sugar for 21 days. I know, but I need to learn discipline and how to get creative with food. I am ready for the challenge.

3. Cute Outfits, I have preached this before. When you look good you feel good no matter your size. I just joined a gym but I still wanted to look cute when I worked out at home. 

4. Taking my time. I didn't gain 40 pounds over night. It was over a 15 year period. When I thought about it in a new way, there was a little bit of relief. One thing I do, is every time I am seating for more than an hour, I get up and do something. A walk, a bike ride, squats, anything is better than just sitting around.

Whatever you are thinking about starting, just do it. It won't be perfect you will fail a couple times but each time you will gain wisdom and get better.

3 Ways to spend Valentine's Day while quarantining with kids

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and coming up with a way to celebrate including the kids is the new normal. Gone are the days of buying Valentine's Day cards for school and handing them out to your friends. SO, to let out kids have a little fun we are thinking of a few things we can do to lift their spirits in sheltering in place. Here are the ideas we came up with:

1. Ice Cream Date, Its been a minute since the kids have been out of the house and taking to a nice ice cream shop. Some of the places we like to go are Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream and La Michoacana

2. Making sweet treats, would be a perfect way to spend a night in. I love making chocolate covered strawberries and pretzels. Plus, making heart shaped pizza and a kids movie night sounds like a good time.

3. Valentine's Day Ding Dong Ditch is another fun way to go the kids excited and out of the house. Showering your family and friends with surprises and treats will make them feel special.

I feel like our family is going to do a combination of 1 + 2. What are your plans for spreading some love?

Procrastinator's Guide to Valentine's Day

Can you believe January is over and then we enter the season of love.  Back in the day me and Chris never really celebrated but since having kids we have thought of fun non-stressful ways to spend the holiday. 

When I was growing up, my mom would always give me something special and I have tried to pass the tradition onto my kids. But, as usual I'm last minute. With shipping being unpredictable you would think I would be more on top of my game but nope. So, with help of Afterpay, I have order all my gifts and will make a gift basket with the help of Target.  Read this post, Showing the Boys Love on Valentine's Day, if you need some ideas of what to get the men in your life.

But, this post is for the ladies! Yes, the ladies. Even though I believe that Valentine's Day is more than a gift giving holiday. I do like gifts. I like to give them and receive them, if possible. So, I came up with a few ideas of things I would like to receive and also possibly purchase for the ladies in my life.

Now, I do have your essential chemise, robe, or pajamas but if you aren't into that I also included accessories that I don't know usual purchase. Beauty products and perfume are all nice momentos if you know what the person likes. Now go while there is still time. If you order it now the post office might get to you or the person the gift is intended for on time.

But, always remember it's the thought that truly counts.

Meka

Showing the Boys Love on Valentine's Day

This year has been off to a fast rough start. And, can you believe January is coming to an end very soon. You know what that means, Valentine's Day. Trying to keep in mind we are still in a recession and I have to be mindful of spending, I am planning a fun day for my boys. I'm using this opportunity to get them things they need and still making it fun is my goal. 

I have done a good job, keeping up with their continuing growth spurts but I have fallen behind in the shoe area. There is nothing worse than having an amazing outfit with the worse shoes, even for kids. So, here is a capsule shoe collection for kids so their fashion and shoe game can match.

I even threw something in there for daddy. I gotta show all my boys some love. How are you spending Valentine's Day? Are you thinking outside the box?

the husband- knows what he wants...lol

The boys. Toys are there first priority so I snuck so in for them.

How to Get Healthy When you Hate to Workout

It's that time a year! That time time a year when people start making their resolutions and promises of change. I'm not a resolution person but every year, I find myself promising to get my best body. A body I haven't seen since 25. I usually last about 3-6 months then I fall off. So, consistency and discipline have been my downfall. This year I decided not to make a promise but to switch things up in my current workout to accomplish the goals I have set for myself. So, below are some things I am doing to live a healthier lifestyle.

Who says you have to workout for an hour and a half. I break my workout into 3 or 4 segments. When I get home, I put on my workout gear and unwind. Right before the vegging starts, I do circuit exercises in between watching my television shows.

This can also work for your cardio if you are sheltering in place, taking a break to go for a walk or a bike ride. I just signed up for virtual workouts. I'll complete those when I get home and do circuits, or stretching before I go to bed.

Meeting yourself where you are is the most important thing. Starting off slow and building momentum is a great way to reach and sustain your goals. The most important thing is to just move, whether its for ten minutes or an hour, just move. 

How have you been moving the last couple of  weeks?

Praticing Gratitude and Appreciation in the New Year

 Happy New Year. Yes, it's January 1st. The first day in the new year. It's a time when people are making changes and trying once again to get their *ish together. But, if you made it through 2020 consider yourself ahead of the game.

2020 was a helleva year for everyone especially my family. We worked through my husband being laid off, kids virtual learning, me working a different schedule and a slew of other non-fun things we are still adapting to and pushing though.

When my anxiety was at its highest, my therapist recommended that I start journaling and documenting the emotions I was feeling during this time. To my surprise, I didn't have as much negative energy as I thought. To be honest my emotions were more aligned with being content and grateful things weren't worse. I try to hold on to these feelings throughout the day. Also, I have started to let people around me know how much they mean to me. If this year has taught us anything, its that people leave our lives at the most unexpected times and I never want to leave anything unsaid.

So, a few things to remember in the New Year...

Do unto others as you would want done to you
Hold on and enjoy the moment
Appreciate what you have and go after what you want
It's okay to fall down but don't stay down, a new day offers us a new chance 

I know what I'm saying sounds cliche especially when you have hit rock bottom but God makes no mistakes.

Meka