NEW MEXICO ADVENTURE

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We are still savoring the last few weeks we have left of summer vacation around these parts...when my friend Amy told Zoe and i we can tag along on a road trip to New Mexico, we jumped at the chance to do it. this year we were not able to do the "family" summer vacation like we have previous years, but it's nice to at least go on a road trip to a state we've only driven across for a few days. it is still a working trip for me, i just can't take any breaks at the moment. but i am looking forward to checking out the beautiful national park called White Sands New Mexico pictured above, breath taking no?! we are also staying in a small mountain town called Cloudcroft where you can just smell the fresh pine scented air, and see wild life around you. they literally only have mom and pop shops, no Starbucks here. 

I'm glad Zoe and i get this little summer adventure before we get back into the grind of school and the fall retail season. working really hard the next few weeks in preparation for it. 

Any of you have any summer adventures happening? would love to hear about it!

gisela

A WORK IN PROGRESS...

I did not want to lag behind on blog post since i've never been the most consistent person at blogging, but time management has not been my strongest suit. these two have been my encouragement these last few months since i've been working at home full-time. they are definitively the tool God uses in my life to forge full speed ahead. i am so thankful Zoe has been able to work for me as a model and Cody is there just to look cute and of course bring joy to our day! i can't ask for a better family...

Working on the consistency, i really do enjoy blogging as an creative  stir of ideas and outlet!

gisela

ROAD TRIP: DESERT SCENES

Check, now i can cross off my goal of doing a road trip with Zoe. it wasn't necessarily the one i wanted to take but regardless it was a mini one in which we always enjoy going to relax and hang with my mom aka Grandma. 

I've driven this desert path probably a good 50 times, i feel like i can drive it blindfolded...not really but you know what i mean. when i lived on the west coast i never thought their was any beauty to the desert but it wasn't till i continued to visit my mom in Vegas that i realized how beautiful it really was. The red rock, the desert mountains, joshua trees, the vast landscape and the dry air. the desert holds a certain mysterious beauty that i sure can appreciate.

Zoe and i always enjoy this bonding times, although i'm sure my child would say she can go with out the strong beating sun. but we always play singing games (ones we've made up and have been playing since she was 5), point out weird / cool sightings and just enjoy the time together. we actually had a hiccup on the way having to replace a tire and although it can be annoying and frustrating, thank God it was nothing worse and it was just another notch in our memory book. we did get to witness lighting in the desert, now that was a breathtaking / scary sight; and saw two rainbows. the irony that nature can be. 

The sun had no mercy on us, it's the desert's way and even little Cody was running for cover (i love the picture of his head in his kennel). i love all these road trips we've been able to take. i was intending for a road trip to Austin Texas or Portland Oregon, but there is always next year!

gisela

HAPPY 34 TO ME!

I swear guys i can not believe i am 34 today. i really truly still feel like i'm in my 20's except my mindset is different. and time really is fleeting and life is really short; i now understand those older then me who would quote this. i do feel like i just went through my teens, Zoe was just a baby and and i hit the big 30 yesterday. and as simple as the cliche is "make the most of your life because it's short" i get it! 

I am thankful to Jesus who gave me a clear head early on to understand this in my own life. although their are and will be countless bumps on the road, i am learning to be content with what i have,  learning from past mistakes, being open to serve others / give back, enjoy time with friends and family and savour every moment with my daughter!

This year i kept it simple, enjoyed my first birthday with Zoe in 4 years and celebrated by going to one of my favorite bakeries Sweet & Savory in San Marino. Zoe and i shared a breakfast burrito with there amazing homemade salsa and their scrumptious red velvet cupcake.

We attacked the cupcake before the burrito came it was to hard to resist just seeing it sit there in front of us! they have an herb garden growing right on there patio area, i love that they use fresh ingredients  you can taste it. 

It was a perfect morning with the best girl in the world! I am so thankful for another year of life!

I took the bottom picture yesterday i had to throw it in! Cody was making the best face. I love our little family!

I hope you all had a great 4th of July!

gisela

HAPPY 4TH!

Happy 4th to you all! i broke out my vintage scarfs and found a perfect red, white & blue one. actually one of my favorites. it's a 1960's Mod one with whales as a print. i definitely fit the occasion in this outfit. 

Zoe and i started the day with a picnic breakfast in our front lawn. every year our little town has a 4ht of July parade and every year i sit in our lawn sipping coffee to watch it. but this year was a little different being able to do this picnic with Zoe. since moving to California in fall 07 she has never spend a summer with me, she always goes to spend her whole summer in Miami with her dad. this year because of special circumstances she's spending it with me. we are definitely making the most of it!

I made chocolate chip pancakes for her (her absolute favorite) and regular for me accompanied with kiwi; very refreshing on a very hot morning. our little Cody also joined in on the party, it was truly a very Americana morning! 

Even Mama Pete (top right picture) was still wheeling in the parade, she is all of 95 years old! I hope to be as active as her if i get the pleasure of turning 95. 

We are off to Long Beach to celebrate with friends and watch some fire works over the ocean. Wishing you all a safe one!

gisela

ZOE THEN

Hi Guys! the last few weeks Zoe has been doing such an incredible job modeling  for me for le vintage shop. it's been such a great outlet plus help. outlet, because i love dressing her up and have lots of fun doing it! help, because trying to manage a vintage shop, creating a small line, while freelancing too; it helps  having an in house model which makes it flexible with time.

While browsing old photos i came across a few in which she modeled in her red mexican dress now 5 years ago. as well as her favorite staple then & now, her tee, jeans, and sneakers. i see the changes, but my beautiful daughters personality remains the same. i love her and am so blessed to be her mom!

gisela