Summer Trip: New York

Finally got around to posting some of my fave photos from my trip to New York back in June. Got to see my family, meet some of the boys family and explore the city with some of the coolest people I know. Okay, I know it's WAY passed June. But, better late than never right?

   

*Sigh ... need to plan another trip up there VERY soon.

FIND OF THE DAY:

I've been a long time fan of these two marvelously talented female artists. So I thought I'd share a few of my personal favorite pieces by them. One day, when i'm not poor, I'll own my very own piece from their collections. Enjoy!

Artist: Audrey Kawasaki

Artist: Stella Im Hultberg

Collabo: Artist Kaswaski & Hultberg

Well, That's The Last Of Them...

Today, the littlest Alvarez started her very first day of kindergarten. Being the oldest sibling,  this REALLY makes me feel old. My baby sister isn't a baby anymore :(  I can only imagine how my poor mom must be feeling. She's been a stay at home mom for the past 20+ years! That's a long time being in the company of a little one. Coming to grips hasn't been easy for her and emotions are on high tide as of late. In time, my Ma'ma will learn to embrace her new found free time. To say the least she deserves it.

This a new chapter for many in the household. Little Sis started Kindergarten, Little Bro started middle school and mom has no more little ones to care for. Not to worry, I've done a little brainstorming: What can my Ma'ma do that will let her use the time she has to an advatage. She's been a great stay at home mom and keeper of the house, but now starts a new chapter in her life. working mom? volunteer? gym rat? lol the possibilities are endless.

POSSIBLE USES OF TIME:

1. Work - Part time, sales assoc. at fave clothing store

    (discounts to expand wardrobe are a plus)

2. Work/Volunteer - geriatrics facility

    (possibly where the gramps lives)

3. Join - gym (there's no better time)

4. Volunteer - Church or community center

    (Use impressive organizational skills or counseling abilities)

5. Go - back to school

6. Get - Hobby/Interest and see where it takes you

    (Sewing, Hiking, Scrapbooking, Reading)

7. Rest - It's well deserved

    (don't rest too long tho, you'll miss out on great stuff)

Love you mom!

Empty Nest Syndrom: Not Just for Parents...

I blaming my little sister for the little breakdown I had yesterday. She's a very emotional girl to begin with...poor thing cries at the drop of a hat. I, on the other hand, do not. She and my little brother are spending their last week before school up in Dallas, Tx with our aunt and uncle. Leaving my parents, even for a week, brought tears to her eyes when she saw our dad watch them leave then turn to walk away. I know the look she was talking about. (darn her) Thoughts brought me back to last summer, when they were all packed and ready for their roadtrip/move toTexas. Saying goodbye to my family was hard, but saying goodbye to my dad was especially hard. I remember the way he looked, what he said to me and...that's all it took. Tears were streaming down my face. I seriously missed my family last night, all I wanted was to be at home with them and to wake up to the wonderful craziness, i've been missing out on for over a year now. Last night, I missed my dad, I missed my mom, it killed me to know that i'm not around for birthdays or family get togethers anymore, that I won't be around to see my baby sister go off to her very first day of kindergarten, or my brother head off as a new middle schooler. Whew, getting emotional again...I need to move closer.

FIND OF THE DAY:

I really, really really would love to have this bookshelf in my home.

Etsy: India Bookshelf

Project Slim:

                                                 

All dresses from: Francesca's Collections

Aren't these dresses adorable?? I think this is more than enough to motivate me to be healthier and lose some weight. Yes, partially for vanities sake, I'll admit that. I want to be able to wear pretty dresses. (Specifically the ones above) 

Seriously tho,  I want to feel beautiful. I want to feel sexy. I want to be healthy and possibly have a child, one day,  (and still look cute) and live long enough to see my children grow up and have children of their own. Diabetes runs on both sides of my family. for me, I want to prevent that. I want to live actively and healthy. I guess that's the whole of it.  

Music List: August 2010

SONG OF THE DAY:

I have a certain affinity for pop-up books...and good music.

Youtube: Lisa Hannigan - Lillie

Day Trip: Disney's Animal Kingdom

Just a few pics from my day at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Mt. Everest

Look at those horns!

This guy came right up to our truck!

Me & Mr. Giraffe

It's just Monkey Business

Letters To Sofia:

 

A young mother sits, a box of crinkled, yellowed papers before her.
All those years, so many letters. so many memories, so much love.
She sits and reads the letters written to her by her mother.
discreetly wiping the tears from her eyes...


She sits, remembering her mother and the gentle person she was.
Now she takes out sheet of paper & begins to write
She looks out the window, Smiling as she watches her little one play


Her little angel, with auburn locks glimmering in the summer sun.
Her tiny hands toss and drop a bright red ball.
Her little feet scamper across the lawn to catch it.


She continues writing, her heart jumbled with emotions.
Looking up, she stops to feel the warm breeze across her face,
Like the warmth of her mothers hands when they once held her close.


She finishes her letter, seals it with a kiss.
and places it in a newly painted pink box,
Joining a few other letters that have come before it.


Slowly, she makes her way outside,
Still watching her little girl laugh and play.
She pauses a moment to pick a tiny flower growing on a bush,
Picks off the petals and sighs quietly. So many memories...


The little girl sees her mother and smiles.
A beaming smile this mother would never forget,
She watches her little girl run toward her with open arms.
She falls to knees, laughing, and gathers her daughter in her arms.
Cradling her, rocking back and forth, as her daughters laughter fills the air.