Monday, November 30, 2009

Ruffled Scarf Giveaway

I was sent a link to this wonderful new blog, XOXO Trina. Thank goodness! Trina is hosting a giveaway right now! For this beautiful scarf. I have the perfect dress to pair it with. I really do hope that I win this scarf. For your chance, enter the giveaway. It is really easy! But you only have a few minutes left. ~G

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Custom Necklace Giveaway


I have been blog hunting again. And I found a fun new blog, Mama Manifesto. They are hosting a Custom Necklace Giveaway. For a little custom necklace. Isn't this just beautiful? I would wear this every day. Wouldn't it be fun to wear a necklace with your little one's name on it? I think so. Go and enter the giveaway! You won't regret it. ~G

Monday, November 16, 2009

Lawn Frock Giveaway!!!!



Do you ever troll blogs? Then you find one that just makes you say, "I wish I could do that!" I do. Since I left the modeling world, I have wanted to be more domestic. Whatever that means to you. To me it means cooking meals for my family and becoming crafty. Both, I have failed miserably at. But in my quest, I have found some pretty amazing blogs along the way. Grosgrain being one of my favorites.

Right now Kathleen is hosting a giveaway. A giveaway for this gorgeous dress. By the way, you can vote for her design here. Remember you are voting for #7. Yes, she is that good that she is a Shabby Apple design finalist. So go vote for her!

If you want a chance to win this dress, you can enter her giveaway. I am a far cry from a size 2-5 right now. But this is a good incentive to lose my baby weight as soon as baby #2 arrives! I would just love to own this beauty! ~G

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Sunday Stealing: The Over the Top Meme

Part One - Describe:

Your hair? Dark brown and long with layers.

Your mother? The most amazing woman I know!

Your father? Caring and loving papa bear!

Your favorite food? Creamy chicken tacos with guacamole.

Your dream last night? I don't remember it. But it was good because I woke up smiling.

Your favorite drink? Cranberry juice.

Your dream/goal? To raise happy kids and to love my husband forever!

The room are you in? Our den. Large and cozy room.

Your hobby? Collecting makeup and shoes. Are those hobbies?

Your fear? Losing someone I love.

Your TV? HUGE flat screen.

Your Pets? 2 cute doggies!

Friends? Loving and fun!

Your life? Adventurous and fun!

Your mood? Tired and hungry.

If you're missing someone? Not really.

Your best friend? Kind and fun!

Part Two - The Where's?

Where do you want to be in 6 years? Going on Alessandra's field trips.

Where were you last night? At home. We had a long day at the zoo.

Where did you grow up? Here, in this city.

One place that I go to over and over? Target

Your favorite place to eat out? Garduno's

Wish list items? Christian Louboutin Bouquet Platform Pumps

Last time you laughed? Earlier today.

Last time you cried? Last night.

Part Three - The What's?

Something that you aren't? Perfect

Last thing you did? Turned the TV on.

What are you wearing? PJs

Something you're not wearing? Shoes

Your favorite store? Target ~G

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Elephant Baby Shower



Yes, we went to an Elephant Baby Shower today. No, not an elephant themed Baby Shower. But a Baby Shower for an elephant! A new baby elephant was born at the beginning of September. Today, they had a Baby Shower at the Zoo! Can you believe we had to RSVP? We did! Armando heard about this one day when he was stuck in traffic. When he got to work, he immediately RSVP'd.

Then we had to make a donation. For a gift of course! You could have bought a gift off of Daizy's registry. But well, I didn't want to spend that kind of money. Armando would have done it just so Alessandra could go to the Baby Shower. Daizy was registered for everything from balls and walkie talkies to a DVD player and a TV. Good luck there! We donated $50. Not bad.

At the shower, they had pink cupcakes and punch. And all those games. You know the ones. The goofy ones that we are all forced to play at baby showers. Those ones. But we got to take pictures of Daizy. And we signed the giant card they had for her.

Other than it being cold, we had a good time. Alessandra enjoyed it so much! I just loved the look in her eyes. The excitement of seeing the baby elephant. All 450lbs of her. At 45 inches tall! I hope Alessandra doesn't think that our baby is going to be that big! ~G

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Snowflake Plates



When Armando and I still lived in NYC, I saw this set of dishes or at least a similar design, at Target. It was the last Christmas that we spent in the city. We knew it was going to be our last. In fact, we had already begun looking for a house here. That was in the winter of 2005.

I wanted these dishes. I didn't really have an explanation for them. I just liked how playful, yet grown up they were. Definitely different from our China we got as wedding gifts. China which at that point, was stored at my parents house. We hadn't even used it yet!

How could I possibly justify this purchase? We didn't need anything else to pack up. We wanted to haul, as little as possible, across the country. Oh, and we were saving for a house. It killed me, but I resisted. And I didn't buy the dishes. I thought about them a lot. More than was normal.

We moved that summer. In the heat of summer no less! Thoughts shifted to our new life. Armando's new job. My stay-at-home wife role. Trying to get our house in order. Of making babies. We wanted to start a family. We had been married over a year. It was time. Then life just took over. I was pregnant and soon Alessandra was here.

My leisurely, shopping days at Target, pretty much ended. I could barley muster up the energy to get us ready and out the door. Forget about the drive to Target. Even if I got there, it was for the basics. Shampoo, diapers, and onesies were all I could think of. I forgot about all the whimsy our home could have.

That is, until today! Alessandra and I decided to do the whole shopping adventure. I figured, I need to get more of these days in, before the baby gets here. I know how we have to work Target. First we eat a snack. Then we go through the Dollar Spot, and then the toys. That gives me a good 30 minutes to troll the store for things I need or want.

But today Alessandra was completely lost in her new doll and teddy bear. I had promised each of those a while back. But every time we went shopping, neither of us remembered. Until today. With her entertained, I was able to troll all the aisles. Don't tell Armando! I picked up a few new pieces of clothing. Let's be real here. I am growing faster than a weed! And I found my dishes.

Yes, those prized dishes! I have wanted them for years. But I had somewhat forgot about them. I would remember the snowflakes after Christmas. When I would go look, they would be gone. And I would tell myself, next year. I finally found them. With the help of the nice Target man, I got them to the register, paid, and out to the car.

My in-laws came over earlier. My mother-in-law just adored them! Yes! Armando thought is was a nice buy. Granted I didn't tell him how much I paid. He didn't ask either. But we figured it would pain us less, if our darling daughter broke a Target plate, rather than a piece of China during the holidays. Because you know kids, they try to be careful. But it doesn't always work out. I can't wait to try our new snowflake plates! ~G

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Sunday Stealing: The Strange Question Meme, Part 2

26. What color is your watch? Gold

27. What do you think of when you hear “Australia”? Kangaroos

28. Would you strip for money? No

29. Do you go in a fast food place or just hit the drive thru? It depends if I am in a hurry.

30. What is your favorite number? 24

31. Who’s the last person you talked to on the phone? My mom

32. Any plans today? The day is pretty much over for us. But my husband and I are going to finish watching a movie.

33. In how many states have you lived? 2

34. Biggest annoyance right now? That my feet a swollen.

35. Last song listened to? At Last, it was on a commercial just now.

36. Can you say the alphabet backwards? Very slowly.

37. Do you have a maid service clean your house? No, I am the maid service.

38. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? Now that I am pregnant, some black ballet flats.

39. Are you jealous of anyone? No

40. Is anyone jealous of you? I don't think so.

41. Do you love anyone? Yes, my husband, daughter, family, and friends.

42. Do any of your friends have children? Ya, most of them do.

43. What do you usually do during the day? Take care of Alessandra, try to cook, and clean.

44. Do you hate anyone that you know right now? No

45. Do you use the word hello daily? Yes

46. What color is your car? Black

47. What size wedding ring do you wear? 7

48. Are you thinking about someone right now? Ya

49. Have you ever been to Six Flags? Ya, that place is fun!

50. How did you get your worst scar? I fell down the stairs. ~G

Friday, November 6, 2009

Blogs I Miss

I have been reading blogs forever! For years. I'm not lying. The funny thing is, one day, a blogger just stops. No real explanation. No real sign that it is going to happen. But they just stop blogging. Most of those blogs for me, were the silly ones. The ones that I read religiously to find out about the new NYC hot spots, MAC releases, or some up and coming fashion designers. You know the type. I assume some young, 20 something blogs and blogs. Then one day, she falls in love and gets married. Life takes over, and the blog is left behind.

Those blogs, I missed them. But I didn't feel like I was missing something. No, I really didn't. I would usually use Google to find a new MAC fanatic. Or something like that. But when I was in that weird phase between "I want to get pregnant" to "Help me, I'm a new mom," I found a really great blog. Peanut Butter Burrito. Andrea is the author of that darling little blog. And she talked about everything. From a Chicana's point of view. If you haven't already guessed it, I am Hispanic.

Before long, Andrea had baby Becca. And the posts and stories got more interesting. I couldn't believe how well she did in that transition. Never skipping a beat with school. Andrea is a lawyer, so is her husband. Dan also happens to be a Jeopardy Champ! It was fun to read her posts about Jeopardy too. It got me interested in the show too! I got to the point, were every single day, I would check Andrea's blog. She didn't post everyday, but you never knew.

I found another blog through Andrea's blog. A New Duck. About a single mom with an infant daughter. I actually found the blog when she was still pregnant. She was fighting the snow, dealing with a teething infant, and living in a studio apartment. I quite liked her blogs about pies and chairs. You just had to read them to know what I am talking about. And she blogged about her move across country and back again. Another blog that I really liked. And at a time when I felt like I was failing miserably as a mother, I could go read A New Duck, and just sit and laugh. It was like talking to another new mom. I never felt ashamed of my failures from that day.

Armando and I decided to go on vacation in late May. And we were gone pretty much until the beginning of July. Between our vacation, and a slew of weddings in June, I pretty much stopped reading blogs. Heck, I rarely checked my e-mail. Finally, the first of July comes around, and life starts to settle down. I pull out my laptop, and go to my bookmarks. But nothing. A New Duck, it is not there. Peanut Butter Burrito, I need a password. Huh? What? When? Where? Panic rolls over me. And I felt slightly depressed.

Yes, before you go and judge me, I was depressed. I felt like I knew so much about these 2 strong women. I had read all about their adventures. I read Andrea's monthly letter to Becca. I was so excited when Becca turned 1. It was like she was my daughter! Not really my daughter, but you know what I mean. And then, there was the little duck! I just adored her little pictures. How she was beginning to explore the world.

But no more, I wasn't allowed to see these 2 fabulous blogs. I was sad. But I periodically still searched for them. I noticed A New Duck came back to the blogging world. But her blog was now also password protected. No more reading of the lawyer tales. I tried to contact another blogger, that I knew read their blogs. But I never heard back. I had wanted to forward my email address. Who knows? Maybe the blogging Gods would contact them. And then I would be reunited with my favorite 2 blogs. But no luck!

Are there any blogs like this, out there for you? Ones that one day, when you go back to read them, they are no longer there. Or they are password protected? I was wondering about that today. Probably because I was talking to a wife, of one of my husband's collegues. You see, Armando is an attorney. I think that is why I enjoyed these blogs so much. It gave me a little insight to what my husband does every single day. Something that I don't always understand, but desperately wish I did. I hope that I can find 2 equally as entertaining blogs! ~G

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Can You Keep a Secret?

I figured something out yesterday. One of my friends, is dating someone really famous! Turn on your TV, and you will see him at least once a week. But it is more like a few times a day! OMG!

I will not say who it is. Or who my friend is. Because I know that they are keeping it on the "DL." Like my husband said, "Keep your mouth shut!" But I can't believe I figured it out. Although, I am a brunette, people call me a blond. I am really kind of ditzy at times! I'm keeping my mouth shut. At least when it comes to names. People assume he is single, and well, he never says anything about the situation.

I am super glad for my friend. Not because her boyfriend is famous. But because she has found someone to love. And based on the evidence that I found, they are madly in love with one another! Madly! In the past, my friend has been so unlucky in love. Really she has. At one point, she told me that she had given up. Now, well, she is quite happy! From the brief phone call we had last night, not many people actually know. At least, people don't know who she is dating. And people have absolutely no clue about this amazing couple!

But I will say this. The last few years have been rough on her end. And if she can find love, more power to her. I don't envy her situation though. Having a successful relationship is hard enough. Then you throw in a public persona with millions of fans. Poor gal when people find out. I can definitely see why he wants to keep things under the radar. Bless them both! ~G

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Sunday Stealing: The Strange Question Meme, Part 1

I decided I would try something, a weekly meme. That way I would be motivated to at least post once a week. Here we go!

1. What is the color of your toothbrush? White

2. Name one person who made you smile today. Alessandra

3. What were you doing at 8 am this morning? Trying to get ready for church.

4. What were you doing 45 minutes ago? Putting Alessandra to sleep.

5. What is your favorite candy bar? Take 5

6. Have you ever been to a strip club? Yes

7. What is the last thing you said aloud? I want chocolate please.

8. What is your favorite ice cream? How to choose? There are so many. Right now, it's chocolate.

9. What was the last thing you had to drink? Water

10. Do you like your wallet? Ya, wish there was more money in it though.

11. What was the last thing you ate? Pizza

12. Have you bought any new clothing items this week? Yes, I'm pregnant and nothing fits!

13. The last sporting event you watched? A football game earlier today.

14. What is your favorite flavor of popcorn? Butter

15. Who is the last person you sent a text message to? Alice

16. Ever go camping? Ya, I like camping.

17. Do you take vitamins daily? Prenatal vitamins everyday!

18. Do you go to church every Sunday? Ya

19. Do you have a tan? Ya, but it's fading. The weather is changing here.

20. Do you prefer Chinese food over pizza? Ya, I like Chinese food.

21. Do you drink your soda with a straw? Almost every time!

22. What did your last text message say? Are you going shopping tomorrow?

23. What are you doing tomorrow? Maybe some shopping.

24. Favorite color? Maroon

25. Look to your left; what do you see? My husband coming with my ice cream! :) ~G

And So It Begins...

It's Sunday afternoon. My dear daughter is napping. My husband is watching Sunday football. And I decided today, that I would start a blog.

I hope someone finds this interesting. Or maybe just a little entertaining. I once was a model in NYC. Had a very glamorous life. My husband and I lived in SoHo. We worked during the week. And lived the city life on the weekends.

A few years ago, we decided to get married. Then we left all of that glamour behind. Moved back to our hometown. And bought a home. We decided to start a family. That is when my perfect life, became not so perfect. But much more entertaining!

For years, I read blogs. I read fashion and makeup blogs when I lived in the city. And when we moved, I searched out blogs about young professionals, moms, and wives. I was trying to learn a little about domestic life. Because when you decide to bring a child into the world, takeout food and Gucci all of a sudden aren't good enough.

Our life now consists of potty training, pregnancy, and trying to find some "alone" time. My husband and I would never change our life. Not for a billion dollars or all the fun in the world. Because our imperfect life, is just what we love. Even with the burnt meatloaf and poop on Alessandra's doll. Life is good, just the way it is! ~G