CAPSULE WARDROBE STEP 2 AND 3

Hey hey hey!!!

I hope your holidays have been amazing so far and you were able to enjoy with family and friends :)
I was able to spend some time with my amazing husband, Grae and his brother and brothers husband :) overall it was an amazing day filled with love and laughter!!

My brother and law and I were able to cook a traditional dish from El Salvador called "panes de gallina" and it was beyond delicious!

NOW BACK TO BUSINESS! haha here are the other two steps for creating a capsule wardrobe! Remember I have been getting all my information from the link I will post below :)

STEP 2: Put all clothing on the floor! Sounds silly but it really made a huge difference when I did it!!
A: Put everything into categories: I divided mine like this:
      a. Pants, Jeans
      b. Tops
      c. Skirts
      d. Dresses
      e. Cardigans
      f. Shoes

Once you do that, try everything on! See HOW you feel in them. I have been trying to focus more on how I feel with something opposed to "what looks good". Sometimes items that are suppose to be for "my body type" are super uncomfortable and I AM NOT playing that game again! haha but you can do whatever you want :)

If you are unsure about something, she suggests taking a picture of the item or put on a "deal with later" pile. I didn't need to take a picture of the items I wasn't sure about because I knew what I wanted to keep once I tried them on. But for out of season items and sentimental reasons I put in another pile.

STEP 3: Now do the "deal with later pile"
A: The deal with later pile were the items you weren't sure about before! Divide into categories
      a. Give away
      b. Keep for sentimental reasons
      c. Store for later
      d. sell

All done!!! Next week will be step 4 and the guidelines for building your own wardrobe and a sneak peek of what I have been doing!! It has been such amazing experience for me and I hope for you too!!
XO-Monica
http://www.truncationblog.com/

Jeans and top from Target. Shoes from Old navy. And sweater thrift store.

Lets DIY some fun gift wrapping!!!

Hey hey hey!!! Hello, hola como estas?!

Super excited to show you what I did yesterday!! Decided to make some fun patterns using items I already had at home! :) I know we are all so busy, so sometimes some last minute gift wrapping can be a pain, but what if you could have some fun with it?! You can do these for Christmas, birthdays or any other day ;)Here is the list and instructions, enjoy!

List of the items I used:
Paint (Michael's)
Paint brushes (gift)
Pencil (Target)
Glitter (Michael's)
Cardboard (gift box)
Yarn (Michael's)
Brown paper roll (Dollar store)
White paper roll (Ikea)
Clothespin (Walmart)
Mod Podge (Target)
Tacky Glue (Walmart)
Tags (Walmart)


Instructions:
To make triangle gift wrapping paper, I made some quick stamps out of cardboard boxes I had. Cut some triangles, glued it together and done :) Since I did this with what I already had I knew they weren't going to come out looking perfect so I just had fun with it! If you want to do what I did make sure you use your paint brush to apply to your stamp before stamping! If you want more of a precise stamp make sure you make one more firm, or just purchase one from Michaels :)

To make the fun flowers or sun (they kinda look like both) haha all you need is the eraser from your pencil, paintbrushes and done! I stamped the circles all over, once dried applied the thin lines with the edge of the paint brushes :) All done!

To make "confetti" looking gift wrapping paper all I did was use different paint brushes and did some fun strokes! Just did whatever I wanted! All done!!

Glitter Clothespin: Apply Mod Podge on one side, sprinkle glitter. Let dry for 15-20 minutes. Then go to the other side, and repeat! Until all areas are done! All done!

I wanted to do something that most of us have already at home! The only thing I purchased was the brown paper roll! Everything else I already had! Make sure you find what things you could use at home to make this process fun and easy! Once all done, use yarn to wrap around gift and put on the tag with the glitter clothespin! Woohoooo!!! Feliz Navidad! 

STEPS ON HOW TO BUILD A CAPSULE WARDROBE

I have been wanting to do a capsule wardrobe for such a long time and never seem to make the time to do it! I always put something before it but this year coming up, I really want to start living with less. I want to truly enjoy what I love and be a bit more minimal, pay attention to what I buy and how I treat things. 

Before I start I wanted to give you a little info on what a capsule wardrobe is. "Capsule wardrobe is a term coined by Susie Faux, the owner of a London boutique called "Wardrobe" in the 1970s. According to Faux, a capsule wardrobe is a collection of a few essential items of clothing that don't go out of fashion, such as skirts, trousers, and coats, which can then be augmented with seasonal pieces." With that in mind lets start :) 

I just started today on step one so I will share my first step!! There are four steps and once done it will be time to BUILD your own!! So if any of you want to join me feel free :) Every week I will be adding the next step to this process! I also want you all to know that I am following a guide by this amazing lady I have been following and checking all her stuff out lately!! I will provide a link below so you can get all the information I have on her site! P.S you can get a guide from her for FREE!!!

STEP 1:

Write down WHY you want to start a capsule wardrobe?

As for me, I want to minimize what I own now. I want to only keep the things that are significant and make me feel happy and comfortable! I realized that a lot of the items I own I never wear, just a waste of space, money and clutter. I want to feel clutter free,save some money, be happy and at peace. 

There is a guide that Karin has that allowed me to do a "mood board" with all the items that inspire me. A nice little vision board :) get this for free and all the steps I am doing here: DON'T FORGET TO BE YOURSELF AND PAY ATTENTION TO HOW ITEMS MAKE YOU FEEL!

http://www.truncationblog.com/about/

These are some of the items on my "mood board"

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1031398&vid=1&pid=712050012

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1012332&vid=1&pid=141833002

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=82942&vid=8&pid=912920062

https://squareup.com/market/carly-jean

http://www.asos.com/ASOS-Curve/ASOS-CURVE-Denim-Button-Through-Western-Midi-Skirt/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=5550632&cid=12359&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Blue&totalstyles=77&gridsize=3

http://www.asos.com/ASOS-Curve/ASOS-CURVE-Blazer-in-Crepe-with-Slim-Lapel/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=5628640&cid=9582&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Black&totalstyles=82&gridsize=3

Something that makes YOU happy!

Hey there!!!

This week I decided to just do one thing each day, ONE thing that makes ME happy!! And let me tell you it has been making such a huge difference :) When I became a mom I put myself last, didn't think much about myself and what I like. Of course I always still put her first but I decided that even if I just have a couple of minutes to myself I will do something for ME. It has made my soul so happy!! And when I mean one thing, I mean the smallest things! haha

This is what I have done this week and maybe you can try and see how you feel! :)

Monday: Painted nails
Tuesday: Did some make-up to start my day!
Wednesday: Bought a new foundation to try (which I love btw)!
Tonight!: Reading a book and sipping some hot chocolate!
Tomorrow: Taking some fun photos of a new blog post!

Just these past couple of days it has made such a huge difference on how I feel and how I go about my day. When you become a mother you don't realize how life changes dramatically! And let me tell you, as a mother I never meant to "not make time for myself". No mother thinks that way when they have children, but because we are filled with so much love beyond words, our emotions change, our priorities change, we tend to forget about "us". But I realized this week, that it is ok to make some time for myself.  I still have a lot more to learn about motherhood, after all it is still a journey!

XO-Monica

DIY MAKEUP REMOVER

Hello friends!!!

I have always used makeup remover wipes or washed my face over and over again to remove all my makeup. But for most of the time it left my skin super sensitive and extremely dry!!

So when I found this on https://www.facebook.com/buzzfeedtopknot/videos/954975357908515/
and you can also find it on their website http://www.buzzfeed.com/style I got right on it!!

Now just a little statement, I am not no expert on any of this, I just tried it out and works perfectly on me! Make sure you try it out and see if it works for you :) I also added more coconut oil, less water on mine and my own oil fragrance just because it works better on my dry skin :)

Here are the simple ingredients:

1: Cotton pads
2: Water (add according to how much you want and how big your container is)
3: Glass container: target :) their 3 dollar section! 
4: Baby Body wash (any) I used http://babyganics.com/products/night-time-shampoo-body-wash-orange-blossom/
5: Oil (optional)
6: Coconut Oil: I used Trader Joe's

I tried using some natural organic products since my skin is sensitive.
Directions:
I added 2 TBSP of coconut oil, 1 TBSP of baby wash, 1/2 cup of water.
Mixed it well. Added a little lavender oil and mixed it again.
Once mixed up I put the cotton pads in glass container. Filled up with makeup remover.
Added more cotton pads and repeat until the cotton pads soaked up the remover.
ALL DONE! :)

KNOWLEDGE

So let me try to be short with this post. Because even though it took me 30 minutes to cry this feeling I have had for quiet a bit, it came down to one thing. Obviously a couple of things but one thing keeps popping up in my mind.

Tonight I could not sleep, thinking about how I am not good enough for anything. Not good enough as a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend and even with my own blog and business. Just not quite seeing the results I want and picture in my mind. Obviously this isn't true, the truth is we all have our own journey, and we all learn as we go. The truth is that nothing will ever be perfect.

As I was sitting here on the couch, just talking to God. And I mean talking, like with anger, and sadness and honesty. Straight up honesty with how I feel inside. How I feel as though all the doors are closed, no door open, not even a peek. I proceeded to say my thanks, what I feel "feel" like I need and ended the conversation.

Knowledge is what came into mind as soon as I was done. Simple. Learn. Learn things to have the knowledge I need in life to do the things I know and do not know. To learn as I go. Knowledge only comes when you look for it and learn as you go. Simple as that. That is exactly what I needed to know this night. Nothing more, nothing less.

And even though I don't want to go into details, I know exactly what I need to do, because if the door isn't opening for me, I look another way, surely I will find one. If it isn't here now, I will find one and open one myself.

Knowledge my friends is what I need.

Pregnancy Style

Pregnancy style can be fun and comfortable! Me and one of my best friends decided to do a fun post :)

Pregnancy is a beautiful thing and she rocked these styles. Here are just a couple of photos and I will post some more in a couple of days!!

The stripe top just goes with everything and it is the most comfortable thing on this earth!! And the dress is a vintage dress I found a long with the BCBG clogs :)

I decided to do a pregnancy style post to show that anyone can be comfortable and rock anything in any stage of their lives! XO-Monica and model Denise :)

Crazy times

Hey hey hey and hello!

I have been all over the place, but man do I love the fall!! I can't wait to sit, cuddle and be cozy with my little family. Our month has been hectic and today was no exception! I seriously didn't even get a chance to have my morning coffee :( or lunch! But it was still a fun day with my little girl :)

I have been following a preschool curriculum that has been the most amazing thing for us! Gracie gets to learn, and never gets bored! She has loved every single activity, except for the loom activity (beware, your little will want to open up the bottle). If you totally want to have some fun with your little toddler take a look!! So far we have done some of the activities pictured below :) and here is the link: http://www.letstotschool.com/

My Week So Far

It's 3 a.m I am absolutely tired but because Gracie has been going to be super late lately, this is the only time I get to myself so I am dreading going to bed. I want to enjoy this time a lone I have at this very moment, the silence, the clock ticking, the ice cream, the blogging.

Oh how much I love my Grae but there are days I am seriously so beyond exhausted. We are starting a at home preschool curriculum this week coming up and I am seriously so excited!!! I def know I want to do preschool with Gracie at home, so I am totally 100% excited to start this new adventure.

Today was a great day! Today she wanted me to take pictures of her wearing a flower crown and so I did :) Today she played and played and yes I am enjoying my time alone, but boy do I love going to bed at night to cuddle with her! Yes, we still co sleep with the babe, but you know what? I freaking love it! XO- Monica

Fun And Love Gets Me Through It ALL

K friends let me tell you a little story!! Took Gracie to the store the other day, wanted to get her a pillow night light. Well she wanted a huge inflatable rubber ball instead, so I decided to let her decide. We have been playing with it the past couple of days, she throws it in my face and laughs and laughs and laughs. I tell you it's the small things!!


Also I own a small business named Chickie Cheeks! www.chickiecheeks.com and well behind the scenes can be hard with a babe and l! I have been trying to organize better and schedule my posts and all. Totally working with what I have and just having fun with it! There are times I get so stressed and frustrated with "if only I had this" mentality. But I realized I just have to work with what I got! Have some fun and know that things don't always go as planned- I have learned that with Gracie! She has prepared me for this business of mine! The way I get through it now is to just let it go, have some fun, learn about new things and work. God will let everything else fall into place. But I just have to keep doing the work with a purpose. I keep thinking why I started. I do it for my family here, for my family in El Salvador that has helped me so much for my business and I get to provide work for them! I do it for the love. Love gets me through all the humps!

Have an awesome day friends! XO- Monica

Dancing To Her Own RHYTHM

Today was a day Grae got to dance for the grandparents and great grandma. Today was a day I had a nice cup of coffee for breakfast and just let her be.

To be honest, most of our days I just let her be,but some days more than others. It can be hard for me sometimes. She's never been a nap kinda girl, always been strong-willed. She's just who she is and I love her every day for it! After all shes only two.

Today as I watched her dance, turn to the side, roll on the ground, I realized shes growing faster than I can hold the memories close to my heart. The smile in her face, filled with a heart of adventure and determination as she was showing her cool dance moves! I just wish I can store them in a box and remember them always. Memories are so priceless. Truly the best things in life are free.

Sometimes I forget that instead of just me teaching her about life she teaches me. I love being in her world every day. Always something new to discover.

The Days I Struggle

There are days I struggle with the whole "eat what makes you happy", "eat a balance meal", "count all of your calories", "no carbs". The list goes on and on and on my brain that feels so small and filled with so many thoughts. But I have come to a point where no matter what, I will always love my body. It's my journey and until I figure shit out I will keep loving it and enjoying every minute of it!

My body was strong enough for a baby. My body was strong enough to conceive and carry a baby for 9 months. My body is strong enough to hold my fragile back when it goes out on me and has been through hell and back with accidents. My body is strong enough for those who criticize me and say "oh you just need to loose this amount of weight to look good".

I just simply don't care what others definition of "what I should be and what I should look like" is.

What I care about is my soul. What I care about is how I make people feel. What I care about is making memories. And I am still figuring things out. But my body is love. My body is strong. My body is stretched. My body is scars. My body is painted with beautiful art. My body is stretch marks. My body is patience. My body is authentic. My body is unique. My body is a mother. My body is me.

Saturday Morning

TRYING to get ready for the day. The whole process just makes me want to relax instead..but then I think about using that amazing lipstick and life must go on! Happy Saturday friends! Here is some pictures of the week :)

Wish list outfit for the day ☺️

Wish list outfit for the day ☺️ by mbperez10 featuring a cross body

Cross body
etsy.com

Diaper Clutch Set 3 piece w/diaper/changing pad and wipes case-...
etsy.com

Almost Friday

It's almost Friday!

I hope you all have an amazing day today!! One more day left and we get to enjoy the weekend :)

A couple of my favorite shots from this week and cravings for summer time :)

XOXO-Monica

Gracies backpack from @littlebunches
https://www.etsy.com/shop/littlebunches

Artisan Sandals are made in El Salvador, they are on my shop :)
http://www.chickiecheeks.com/

Follow @elsalvador_photos for more amazing photos! This is one is shaved ice named "minutas" 

from my shop :) link is above :)