Back to School

Setting up my classroom takes me forever because I need things organized and freakishly neat :)  Every time I finish my classroom, I can't help but feel a bit nostalgic, but excited. Here's a glimpse into my "second home" until June:

Close up:

Happy First Day of School to me!

I Heart the Summer

(Photo: My Instagram)

The current season holds a special place in my heart because of the birth of my son. I'm having a difficult time grasping the fact that I will be back at work tomorrow. Summer and my status as a full-time mommy has come to an end...well...until next summer.  

 Here are the reasons why I love the fall, winter, spring, and 

summer:

Al fresco dining

Bright, vibrant colors chosen for mani/pedis

Feeling coarse sand between my toes

Sun kissed cheeks

Bronzed skin

Coconut scented ANYTHING

Sunglasses officially become a must have accessory

Ice cold drinks have an effortless way of satisfying a thirsty palate 

Swimming and other outdoor activities

And my favorite....summer break!

As I've said before, I love experiencing all of the seasons!

Today

(Our front door)

"When one door closes in life, another one opens."

This quote has been popping in and out of my head all day.  I have embraced this new and exciting chapter in my life and I feel, well to put it simply, changed.  And you know what?  I am really liking this change because I am one hundred percent ready for it. 

A Bit of Bragging :)

Sometimes all it takes is beautiful photography to brighten your day.  

(Yes, I did take this picture!) :)

Have a great week! 

A Closer View

It is important to decorate a room that truly captures what is important to you.  As I'm writing this, I took a moment to quickly glance at random items in my living room.  I have picture frames everywhere! All of the pictures that I have scattered across the room, signifies how much I value my family and friends.  

Before I created the theme for Jake's nursery, I pondered the question of what is something that Tom and I like equally??  He is a Chicago Bears fanatic, but I decided against a sports theme because it is common and I'm not into it as much as he is.  (I chose to incorporate his love for the Bears into other things.)

We both love the water.  There is nothing in this world that creates such stillness and calmness within than seeing a cerulean body of water.  When we are near a lake or an ocean, daily stress suddenly vanishes into the air.  A large body of water can bring on various activities such as boating, fishing, jet-skiing, swimming, etc.  Tom and I take an avid interest in all of the above and that is why we created a nautical nursery for our son.  Here's a close up of some decorations:

Lighthouse (Pier1) and Message in a Bottle (PBK) 

 Not really nautical related, but I had to have this!  My husband is a project engineer and I thought what a perfect way to display his career and an ultrasound picture.  And not just any ultrasound picture-this is our "it's a boy" sonogram! (Images by Ellyn) 

  I use this sailboat to hold Jake's diapers. (PBK)

Pirate Ship Wheel (Amazon)

 This wall decal was the first item that I purchased for his nursery. (PBK)

 Handmade items are the best! My niece Hannah made this for Jake and I plan on putting one of his newborn shots in this adorable frame!

Shop around! 

Jake's Nautical Nursery

I never thought I would want to know the gender, so I picked a neutral color for the room that would one day become a nursery. And as you all know, I changed my mind and the room changed from yellow to blue for our little boy.  

before...

                    

His first item in his closet:

(Been a bit preoccupied these days so I apologize for the "I could've done better" photography and for these pictures being so late!)

What You Can Learn From Ann

 (Some of my favorites of us)

Life as we know it involves following a timeline-graduate, marry, have children, etc.  All in that order and most of us are placing invisible check marks next to each milestone we accomplish as we proceed through life. When I watch reality shows (embarrassing I know), I have to ask myself why am I wasting precious time watching a show that revolves around privileged women complaining they are not married with children at the young age of thirty? (Yes, Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton I'm talking to you!)  People always compare themselves to others.

A book that is purely dedicated to rules that everyone must follow is nonexistent. There are people who choose not to get married, not to have children, have children before marriage, etc. Does society have us brainwashed to believe these people are different or abnormal from everyone else?  My answer is do as you please and don't let others sway your decision.  Even I waited to have my first child. 

Ann has always stood very tall on her decision not to start a family.  I always respected her choice and think of her as a role model for everyone that is scared to do and be"different".  She once asked me if she was selfish for not wanting children.  Absolutely not.  Her decision will never change the type of person she is. She is a friend that truly cares, is honest, and a natural when it comes to being a good person at heart.  Honestly, I respect her for doing what SHE wants to do and not following the path many have chosen to walk. Let's all learn from her and remember to follow YOUR OWN heart and if something in your life is different from the person next to you....it is okay! 

(Ann deserves to become a famous actress and I'm proud of her for her upcoming part in Deadly Affairs and a completed Luna commercial.)

Love you! XOXO

A Unique Birthday

(Photo: iphone)

Tom and I experienced oysters for the first time in Puerto Rico.  We have been hooked every since!  The picture above is my oyster birthday cake at GT Fish and Oyster-where we celebrated my 34th.  This birthday exceeds the rest because I am a first time mother.
I'm glad we had our alone time as husband and wife and now I'm glad we can call ourselves a family.

This birthday is simply the best.