Friday Favorites

What are you up to this weekend? Our social calendars have been jam-packed and I am in need of a quiet Saturday of rolling out of bed, fitting in a pedicure with a good book and nothing else.  Does anyone else feel like that? It may be an introvert thang. Until then, I have a women's potluck to cook and attend tomorrow. I think I am going to make these Chile Rellenos. Sunday we will be celebrating another birthday. The good thing about this party is these friends make us feel like it's okay to show up in our flip flops and take the load off! Aren't friends like that the best!? Hope you have a wonderful weekend, and here are this week's favorites...

Favorite Quote: Remember when you wanted what you currently have? -via parscaeli. Isn't this such a powerful reminder.  Every time I read this I realize I have so much more than I imagined and it makes me be that much more grateful. 

Favorite Outfit: Jacquard Ruffle Cuff Top -via Loft. I have been wearing this tee on our casual outings and received several messages saying this color looks great on me so I'm adding a few more mustardy yellow items to my closet. Old Navy has several items in this color as well. 

Favorite Food: Cucumber Roll-Ups -via Super Healthy Kids.  Now that April showers are hopefully coming to an end. Easy backyard dinners are on the horizon and these look delicious and easy enough to throw together.  

Favorite Trend: Bow Slide Sandals -via American Eagle.  Since this color seems to yield happiness in people why not put it on our feet too! Slides aka fancy flips are super trendy now-a-days so go get yourself some. 

Favorite Craft: Felt Ball Diffuser -via A Beautiful Mess.  I made this craft at my MOPS meeting this week and I absolutely love it. Ummm it smells so good.  I used Young Living's lavender, lemon and rosemary for a Happy pick me up. 

Favorite Book: Me (A Compendium) - via Amazon.  This is a fill in journal for kids that I am going to order for Luna.  She's always nosying around my journal so it is time to get her started.  I love that this one has prompts we can help our kids fill in. 

Favorite Music this week: Make Me Feel by Janelle Monáe (Clean edit).  I'm feeling this the Prince vibes.  Plus Janelle always emits cool vibes.   

Friday Favorites

What are you up to this weekend? We are hosting some friends over for dinner tomorrow and Sunday we will be partying hard with 5 year olds.  I still have no idea what I am going to make for dinner, but I like to stick to a few of my specialities. What do you like to make for dinner for friends? My golden rule is I'll cook you bring the drinks and dessert.  Hope you have a wonderful weekend, here are this week's favorites...

Favorite Quote: There are seasons for hustle and seasons for slow. Both are equally important. I have been pondering on my hustle, and I decided to give myself permission to have a slow season.  Yup, just like that.  If you need a permission slip write one up for yourself. 

Favorite Podcast: Forever 35. These ladies will make you laugh and they have the ability to make any woman listening feel like a face mask will soothe our bad days. 

Favorite Outfit: Wrap Blouse-via Asos. Point me in the direction of all the wrap blouses.  I have been wearing wrap blouses on the regular.  They are comfortable and feminine which is right up my ally.  This one and this one are pretty too.  

Favorite Fun: Disco Balls-via Design Sponge. If you want to add some pizazz to your kitchen dancing and blow your kids minds--invest in a disco ball.  I found ours at the 99 cent store.  I paid $3.99 so if you have one near you go get one!  Here's a similar one.  

Favorite Beauty: Elf Lip Tint in Perfect Pink. I got this after I heard Lauren share about it and its perfect to carry with you at all times.  It reacts with the chemistry of your lips for a personalized shade of pink.  

Favorite Food: Cream Cheese Pancakes-via I Breath I'm Hungry.  These are keto and gluten free so basically they are free.  Ha! Go ahead and make yourself another permission slip to enjoy these! 

Favorite Music: Corazon by Maluma...mainly because hearing Luna sing the Spanish and Portuguese is everything. 

MOTHERHOOD: MORNINGS

I woke up at 5:50 a.m. which is definitely not my normal wake-up time.  I usually lay in bed half-asleep half-awake.  I hear the pitter patter of feet and hear my husband going into our daughter’s room to give her morning hugs.  Then they begin their morning routine.  Today I felt the yearning to be alongside them.  I opened my daughter’s bedroom door and she let out a surprised happy squeal when she saw me and met my eyes with the biggest smile ever.  She still had her messy hair all over her face and I could feel her energy reach out and suck me in like a warm blanket.  I got in her little bed and we cuddled, we laughed and she kept saying “Mom you’re here!” The three of us sat on the floor of her room and played drums and sang songs.  This is my life.  

I realize even if I am not a morning person I want to drop in on their morning routine more often.  Even though my husband didn’t say anything because he knows I am not my happiest self in the morning—I could feel his joy having me there too.  I made them pancakes and bacon.  We giggled, we started our morning routines, we had a little spat and made up as we always do.  Then my daughter shed some tears. She said she didn’t want to go to school because she would miss me too much.  I eased her worries with one of my off the cuff magic stories and reminded her I would be there to pick her up before she knew it.  It also took two skittles, extra kisses and me waiting at the door as they drove away.  She loves it when I walk them out (I know he does too).

These are the two people who have the ability to make me feel so loved because I am their person.  I appreciate how she makes us slow to her rhythm.

Of course, there are moments when my mind plays tricks on me.  I feel resentment for all I do. I feel under-appreciated for all the effort I put into keeping our home, feeding their bellies and their souls—until I realize—I do all of it because I want to.  Luna never asks me to cook for her or to clean her room.  Her requests are always “mom will you sit with me.”  My husband never says babe will you cook for me or never questions me.  His requests are always “take time for yourself my love.”  There is something to be said about remembering why we do the things we do. 

Today is just a regular Monday with The Salazar’s.  She’s at school, he’s at work and I am here sipping on cold coffee and reminiscing about them.  I know they say we moms have to remember who we were before this, but honestly I am happier here and now. 

The 8 Books I will never stop reading

I was recently interviewed by Betsy Aimee from The Currently Podcast wherein I shared how books have helped me grow and deal with life's ups and downs.  As an avid reader it took me awhile to narrow down my list. Here are the books that have impacted my life the most and I will never stop reading: 

The Untethered Soul

The Gifts of Imperfection

The Bible

The Highly Sensitive Person

The Conscious Parent

You Can Heal Your Life

The Power of Positive Thinking

Start Where You Are

Ever since I was a little girl, books have been my escape.  As an adult they have helped me understand my part in things.  The Untethered Soul taught me to pay attention to my inner voice, The Bible reminds me I am loved as I am and The Conscious Parent helps me look within when I am having a parenting dilemma.  I also included, Start Where You Are, which is a book and prompting journal.  I find writing my honest thoughts in a journal or taking notes after I read these books is healing.  I even keep a copy of the miniature version of The Power of Positive Thinking in my car for those unexpected waiting times. These are all books I have read, re-read and often recommend.  

Please know books are not a substitute for human connection and/or therapy.  There are times in our lives when a book is not enough and that's okay. Reach out to someone you love, and if necessary, reach out to a medical professional.  

With that said, a good book at the right time can make a great impact on your life and realign your way of thinking.  I would love to hear what books have impacted your life the most. 

xo, Lendy

Luna is FIVE

On Saturday February 3rd, 2013 while everyone had Super Bowl on the brain I was bringing a beautiful little human to the world.  She was way bigger than a football--let me tell you. Ha! Fast forward 5 years and she continues to amaze me. 

Luna loves: Hugs, Sushi, Books, Purses, Havana by Camila, everything by Imagine Dragons, Crafting, Legos, Palace Pets, Disney, Riding her bike, Pink + Purple, Starbucks dates, Dance class, Puppies and more.

We celebrated her fifth birthday this weekend. When Luna requested an all-girl princess party--I was all over it.  We had her party at a local place called Princess Academy which is similar to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Disneyland. The place emphasizes self-esteem and reiterates to the girls how truly valuable they are.  

The girls got to pick a beautiful dress to wear, their nails done, got their hair done and so much more. 

I think Luna will be talking about her party for years to come.  She wanted to stay in full hair and makeup even at bedtime! 

In case you're feeling nostalgic like I am, here are the past birthday posts: 1st Birthday, 2nd Birthday, 3rd Birthday & 4th Birthday. 

Friday Favorites

Hello, it's Friday which means it is the day to stay up a little later after Luna's bedtime and catch-up on some mind-numbing television. What are you watching these days? We're still mostly steering clear of TV during the week.  Did I mention Luna turns 5 tomorrow?! 5! I literally shed a tear while sitting in the waiting room at dance class this week.  As I watched her in complete awe pirouette her way through the soft ballet music, I felt this immense emotion come over me.  This weekend I will be sucking up all her happy grateful energy because I want to remember the magic. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and here are this week's favorites...

This is a good reminder--How to Worry a Little Less via Flip & Style. Your mind will always believe everything you tell it. "Luna will stay 5 forever"--okay just kidding! 

I recently bought this Lauren Conrad for Kohl's pink blazer.  It's buttery and lightweight so I thought you may like it too.

When you want to escape and read some chick lit because the world sucks sometimes--P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han.  I finished the first one in a blink of an eye.  This is the second book in the series. Your welcome. 

If you have a little girl who goes through shoes like crazy and you find shoes that smell like berry, and more importantly you can clean them with a wipe (promise they will last more than other cleanable shoes)--Mini Melissa Girls Lace-Up Sneakers. They are worth every penny. Your welcome again. *Throwback to Luna in her favorite pineapple Melissa's 

Because an achy breaky back, anxiety, knots and sleep is a must--Spoonk Acupressure Mat. I've mentioned this in my favorites before, and recently started using it again because well his initials are DT. This crazy thing works! 

When you like the pink decor trend, but your are not willing to go all in IKEA is here to save the day as usual--INTAGANDE Carafe for $8 bucks. The whole set is really pretty and won't break the bank. Plus, it makes up for the price of the shoes above.

If you're feeling the spirit and need a little R&B--Real Love by Blanca.  Luna and I jam out to this song. 

It's RESET Time Again...

All my life I have struggled with my weight. I had become accustomed to the yo-yo life, but it is exhausting and poisonous. Some years were heavy, others heavier and some average. The worst feeling is knowing my little girl is watching my every move and I do not want her to struggle the way I have.  So when I heard about the Reset program I figured why not.  I have tried every other method might as well give this one a try too.  Last October, I signed up for the Reset program without knowing what it entailed.  It came to my attention after a wonderful woman I follow on Instagram began sharing her weight issues and Reset journey, and to be honest, I would have never imagined because she's gorgeous! It is further testament when people keep it real and put their heart out there, they will make a difference in people's lives.  After 90 days of mind-blowing health education and being accepted by a wonderful community, I completed my first Reset and lost a little over 20 pounds.

On February 1st the next 90-day Reset program will begin and I am excited to be a part of it.  I cannot wait to learn more and use what I have already learned to help others. I have a long road ahead, but for once in my life, I have several strategies in my back pocket to keep myself healthy and jump back on the train when needed. Let's be honest--we all go through life with ups and downs, events surrounding food, vacations, etc. and knowing what to do to still enjoy life is priceless.  

In full transparency Reset Health is not paying me to say this.  I wanted to share a little more of my story in hopes that it will connect with one of you and you will take a chance like I did. Here's a great video about Reset Health!   

For anyone interested in joining, please use the discount code INSPIRE25 for 25% off.  I promise once you join, you will be amazed by all the time and effort the Reset team and community will put in to help you be the best you. 

xo Lendy