Cheers to a Fabulous 2018, with a Recap of All of 2017…The Good and The Bad
Love the start of a new year...well now by the time I'm publishing this, January is in the books????However, I love setting New Goals and analyzing my last years successes and shortcomings! I’ve maxed out my list at 30 new measurable and attainable goals...some that make me uncomfortable, and are going to require a lot of hustle and focus, and some that have rolled over from last year, that I just need to tackle already! I feel like goals are kind of like making a wish...you don’t really tell people all of them...I don’t know...I always have a lot of business goals, that I just don’t exactly feel most comfortable sharing. It definitely is a personal choice...maybe in the years to come I’ll change my outlook on that...but I'll probably share a few less personal ones as I go along.
I wanted my first post to be a recap of last year, so if you are new to following along...you kind of get an idea of what I'm about..
JANUARY
1-17-17 I started my blog....8 months pregnant!!! It had been an idea of mine for years, but I kept making excuses and making it out to be a much more difficult task to start, then it was. It was a beautiful moment for me to see my little baby come to life, and to know that I was heading in the direction I wanted, career wise. See my First Start of Live Love Blank Post Here
Full Blog Post HERE
Full Blog Post HERE
FEBRUARY
My favorite holiday was been Valentines for gosh I don’t know...almost forever. I just find it innocent, sweet and full of love (obv)! I got to do my first little tablescape Valentine's Day Date/Party for my Hartley, which was always a little dream of mine. I absolutely love to create beautiful experiences and memories for people...and I’ve been longing, all my life, for this moment, and the chance to do this for my daughter. (Read all about our little Galentine's Day Here)
Jordan and I had our first overnight away from our Hartley, and enjoyed a lovely Valentine's/Babymoon at The Scott Resort! It was so much fun, just us two, and I was okay knowing we were still in the same city. I'm no where near the... "I'm traveling without my babies stage." (read all about our Babymoon Here at the beautiful Scott Resort) Hands down, this was my favorite Valentine's Day EVER!!
Full Blog Post HERE
Full Blog Post HERE
Full Blog Post HERE
Full Blog Post HERE
Dress Non Maternity ASOS | SHOES
MARCH
Our sweet Grayson entered this world, March 24th, and this momma completed a success VBAC delivery!!! I actually wrote out Grayson’s birth story..and just haven’t gotten around to sharing...I will for her 1st birthday...(I swear I’m the slowest writer ever...uggh) Her birth was the coolest experience ever!! It was a mini party, and nothing like I ever imagined or saw on film. I had a horrible pregnancy with her, and was sick everyday...although as I pulled her out, and she was not yet to my chest...I professed I was ready for #3. Before that moment, I was seriously contemplating how I would ever be able to survive another pregnancy, and with two children and absolutely No help...ugghhh!! Regardless, if we are blessed with a third or not...I truly feel she completed me...Jordan, Hartley, Grayson, and Oscar are truly everything I ever wanted for myself...and I am beyond content! Yet, I just can't help but feel there is a 3rd baby out there for us to love on...we have the biggest hearts and so much love to give.
Back to Baby Gray...omg...she is beyond scrumptious...she was absolutely stunning from birth, with these beautiful big eyes, and the best little hip and thighs ever. Every single time I change her nappy, I get a kick out of her hips and thighs, and tell her how adorable she is...ha! Hartley, absolutely loved her from day one. I've always included her with everything I was doing for Grayson, (ex. She would sit between my legs while I breastfed Gray), but every bath, every nappy change...we were a little squad, us three, and she never was made to feel like she was not as special and loved, and she has yet to have a jealous tendency....not sure if that helped, but that's just how I roll. Although Hartley doesn't quite want Grayson to have all her toys these days...just certain ones...ha!
See Baby Grayson's Newborn Photos HERE
I'll be uploading Her Birth Story Next month
Hartley loved her at First Site...and it's been kisses and hugs every day, all day since
See My Maternity Photo Shoot HERE...this is at 39 1/2 weeks
39 and 39 weeks preggo...I wrote my thoughts on this...I just need to get around to posting already....Similar dress HERE, HERE, and HERE
APRIL
We were pretty much home with baby...Our pediatrician likes them to stay home the first 2 months. This is just a personal decision...there are a million ways to parent and make decisions. I don't get to caught up in what other people are doing, and the trend of the week. I just take the advice of a few I trust, or go with my gut feeling...but thats what we've done. Obviously, I ended up going crazy stir crazy, and we went to the park at an off time, or went to get froyo when no one was there...a few mini outings to just get out of the house.
THIS post recaps April's posts on Instagram
See Blog Post HERE
See Blog Post HERE
MAY
At the end of the month, at that 2 month mark, we went on our first vacay as a family of four...Palm Springs. I love Palm Springs, its only a few hours drive, has similar temps to AZ and is gorge...I've been there many times, and it never gets old. We went with our good friends who are also expecting there first baby. We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa...so technically Indian Wells...I just consider it Palm Springs. The Aqua Serena Spa there is unreal...I spent the morning there and did a facial and massage and it was phenomenal! Seriously, the outdoor portion of the spa, is one of the best, and super magical! This was my second time at this resort and spa...but it had been many years ago, and I already feel we definitely need to go back within the year! I really needed that morning...it was the first few hours I'd had to myself since becoming a momma of two...And the 2 kid adjustment thing, is everything I knew it would be...hard...ha!
THIS post recaps all my Instagram Highlights from the month of May
Hartley turned 2 on May 18th and we had a sweet little party for her at home...thus we enter the crazy 2's ....packed with adorableness and a little bit of sass/crazy moments...ha!
I was also featured in this month's SO Scottsdale Magazine, as one of 5 Fashion Mom Bloggers to follow, in Arizona. It was such an honor to be recognized with such amazing women, all who I now consider friends. See the article HERE
See Full Post on These Matching Jammies HERE
Happy 2nd Birthday to My Everything! I can't believe how much you have enriched my life!!
See Blog Post HERE
JUNE
We traveled to Sedona to celebrate our 4 year Wedding Anniversary! Sedona is definitely our happy place!! The energy there is unreal, it is magical and breathtaking, and I feel so alive there! We went a few times this year actually. Our favorite thing to do is hike. When it was just us and Hartley, we did Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock...(which are both a little more adventurous hikes) and Snoopy Rock, Devil's Bridge, and my favorite which is more just walking/hike, West Fork Trail. If you are in the market for a child carrier...THIS ONE is the bomb!! My husband loves carrying her in this, and it has a shade that pops up, which is essential. This trip, she wanted to walk...yikes...so we cut a new hike short, and just did West Fork Trail. Like I said, this is my favorite one, but my husband loves the challenges that Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock present, and wants to really hike...I call it scaling rocks...to me those are scary...ha! This was our 2nd or 3rd time staying at Junipine Pines...which we love, because we get a cabin right off the creek. The resorts here are amazing too...but we just started gravitating to this cozy little place. The rooms here are mostly dated and not our style...but there is magic here!
THIS post recaps all my Instagram highlights...Until I get to a "Sedona Post" use the above hiking suggestions as reference :)
JULY
My hubby celebrated his birthday, he's 4 years younger than me...score :)...but it was our first year not traveling to Cali, and we were exhausted...ha...but we love July 4th! It was weird not being near the beach with our friends, so maybe not that again.
This month we went to Napa and Sausalito...I wrote about my time in Napa HERE...everything from where we stayed, and what we did...and never got around to my post about Sausalito and San Francisco...but it was sooo much fun! We stayed at Casa Madrona...which I was obsessed with their rooms and view. Plus it fulfilled all my dreams about being able to just walk out of our hotel and be right there in town, with restaurants and shops surrounding us. We went to the Golden Gate Bridge and walked it...and it was seriously the most windy day ever. We visited Muir Woods which was amazing, and breathtaking!! Went to Stinson Beach...which was sooo much fun with the girls...Grayson's first beach day! I love that they have a snack shop/restaurant right there....so convenient for lunch/snackies beach side. Cant wait to go back! I found Sausalito beyond charming, and full of beautiful energy, and lovely restaurants...so my style. I can't remember my favorite Italian restaurant, I think it was called Angelenos , but for inventive, over the top perfect sushi...Sushi Ran for sure! We were having such an amazing time, we extended our trip an extra night, the morning we were supposed to fly out. I was so proud of us...thats hard to do, post two children...but we did it and it was magical and sooo worth the money! That extra day allowed us to go to Stinson Beach...thank God we did that. It's soo hard to do all you want to do with two babies...but we are still trying our hardest!
THIS post recaps all my July Instagram Highlights
See Full Blog Post about NAPA HERE
AUGUST
We traveled to Huntington Beach with the kids. Our friends live there, and we went to celebrate their little boy's baby shower. I don't think I wrote about this trip either (new year, new goals here) but we stayed at the newly built Pasea Hotel & Spa, and it was fabulous...less than a year old! I need to go back and do a full review for you guys, because it was everything...and right off the hotel is this amazing outdoor shopping dining area...so beautiful! I love Cali...I feel at home there more than anywhere. I lived there for all my 20's and just totally vibe with the energy there! It was a fantastic 4 days with our friends, and their kiddos!
THIS Post recaps all my August Instagram Highlights
SEPTEMBER
We didn't travel this month and got caught up wth work and blog posts...I think I did the most posts this month...yay! Im still struggling to move at a quicker pace...honestly writing is my greatest weakness...ironic right! I'm more a big picture, creative, yet mathematical person...and I'm just an overall a slow writer/compiler of all the pictures etc.
THIS post recaps all my Instagram highlights for September
Photos with My Girls...See Full Blog Post HERE
Designing Custom Shoes...See Full Post HERE
OCTOBER
Was the start of pretending it's fall (still over 100 degrees here in Arizona), pumpkin patches and all things pumpkin spice..I love this season. It is still so hot in Arizona this month and I always desperately crave fall at this point..which we barely get a dash of. This month I got to attend the Phoenix Fashion Show, as a guest of CND Polish, which was so fun...I absolutely love fashion shows!! Unfortunately, I was too scared to get on a plane, without my babies, and missed New York Fashion week last month, but I'm hoping to be braver next year...because Amazing!
This month was lovely, until October 29th. My bestest friend, Chelsee, the God-Momma to my 1st born, Hartley, passed away in her sleep..she was only 32. Chelsee and my Hartley actually share the same birthday, just 30 years apart. This woman was everything to me...she was my family, my sister, my best friend, my closest confidant, and the most beautiful, positive, loving soul I've ever met. She had gotten me thru years unanswered pregnancy prayers, unhealthy friendships, and family issues here and there....everything. She was the one constant in my home, and the person I just wanted the best for!
She was the first person to help me celebrate every amazing milestone, and went to the end of the earth to make everything incredibly special and memorable for me and my family. She was the most selfless, loving, compassionate, thoughtful and completely hilarious person. She gave 100% of herself to everything and everyone, and she had this way about her that would light up a room, and a warmth that you just wanted to around. She was the most fantastic cook and baker, and I'll never forget the decorations and tablescape she made for Hartley's baby shower. She was always super positive and loving. I always looked up to her and wanted to be more like her in this way especially.
I truly wanted everything for my friend, and couldn't wait to be the person celebrating all the milestones that was ahead for her. She was one of the few great loves of my life, and I was looking forward to forever with her, and in my children's lives. She was a source of happiness and a ray of sunshine in my life, all our lives, and a love that is irreplaceable! I am forever blessed to have had the kind of friendship we had, and to been given the chance to be loved by her. We will miss her in every milestone we have, every beautiful place we travel, and everywhere I look in my home, I will forever see her and cherish our memories. I could write for pages and pages all the beautiful qualities she possessed, and all the amazing gestures you did for us! I can only pray to find a friend like her again, out here in Arizona, and to be the kind of friend she was to me, to someone else. Chelsee was such a rarity...she blessed this world, and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Thank you for loving me, Jordan, Hartley, Grayson, and Oscar the way you did!! I'm so grateful to have had your friendship when I needed it the most, and I am forever a more kind, loving, and cheerful person because of you! I love you , I love you , I love you, and we will spend all our days missing you!
A fund has been started in her name, giving wigs to children in need. She was the favorite auntie to all her nieces and nephews...she loved children...it's actually something I'll never forget...the way she loved on my Hartley and the time she spent with her, was like being with a magical fairy godmother...just so beautiful to witness! Everybody gravitated to her and her beautiful spirit, and she spent her life giving to others, always giving her time and love to others!! It's only fitting that she be remembered this way... If you would like to contribute...HERE is the link
I didn't do Instagram update posts for the remainder of the year...I promise to start up again in 2018
The way she loved on my Hartley and spoiled her with her special gift of love and time...it was like watching motherhood in its most beautiful and rare form...she was simply magical and magnetic! She was definitely fun cool God-Momma and we had so much to look forward to together.
Through all my lows...and most important, thru all my highs in life too...I am eternally blessed for our years together and your unwavering friendship!
Each other's #1 cheerleader in life...and she was always stunning and radiant...loved her style!
Witty and hilarious always...she always found the funny in every moment
This is how I will always remember her...she never came to my home empty handed, even if it was for a quick visit...she made the littlest of occasions exceptional and extraordinary...a rarity indeed! She made every holiday for my girls and us extra magical, as you can imagine! I will forever miss seeing you come through my front door...
A glass of Veuve will never be the same
We will miss those bright lippie Auntie Chelsee kisses
our sister, our everything...we love you my love!
NOVEMBER
We had a trip planned to Sedona , which ended up being the same time as my lovely Chelsee's funeral, which was kind of close by in Prescott. We needed this, we needed to get out of our home. I was having the most difficult time being in my home because everywhere I looked I saw her, felt her spirit, and at the time, it was overwhelming. We needed to to go to our happy place, and heal as a family. It was not only me that felt the pain, my husband cried many tears for her, his sister that he never had. We didn't get out as much, but we snuggled, we ate great food, roasted marshmallows, and were together, away from work, away from normality, and together finding the light in the darkness, and paying tribute to our dear Chels.
For Thanksgiving, we traveled to Cleveland and Columbus. We went to Cleveland to see Jordan's grandfather, Elmer, who sadly passed away weeks later, he was 96. We will forever be grateful we got to physically see him, have him meet our Grayson, and tell him how much we love him, one more time in this life. He is now reunited with his great love, Celia, who we named our Grayson after...Grayson Celia. 72 years they were married...and they were everything to the whole family. They were the foundation of my husbands family, and there is just so much love for them, from everyone. They lived a long and beautiful life, and I can't wait to laugh with them both again. I will cherish all our amazing memories, and hope we are blessed with a marriage like yours. My husband was actually married in Elmer's wedding ring...they were celebrating 70 years of marriage that month, and it was the first time they had left the country (in their 80's) to attend our wedding in Riviera Maya, Mexico. The two most spunky, fun, and loving people, who absolutely cherished their family.
We then drove to Columbus for our traditional yearly Thanksgiving with Jordan's cousins. I love being in Columbus for Thanksgiving...it's cold and magical, and they are the best host and hostess ever!! We love spending time here with them and all my husband's side of the family. I always look forward to Thanksgiving! Unfortunately, my Hartley was sick most of this trip (like uggh throw up, fever sick...it was quite an experience)...we literally didn't leave the room in Columbus..bummer, but such is life sometimes. That last day we both were sick, me with my bedridden migraine...ever travel that way...omg...glad that day is behind us, and thank you kindly to all the sweet airline staff. It wasn't our normal trip, but Thanksgiving day everyone felt great and it was spent with our dearest family....and was the loveliest, like every year! We stayed at the newly remodeled Hilton easton. The rooms were fabulous...modern and chic. This will be home base from now on.
DECEMBER
My other best friend Suzi and Her momma Bethie (who I'm just madly in love with), flew out from Connecticut to help support me and my family. I'm so grateful I have 2 other amazing lifetime best friends, Suzi and Valerie, who unfortunately, don't live in Arizona. We have been besties for over 15 years, meeting in Los Angeles, and my Val still lives there, in Calabasas. These two women are everything you could want in a best friend! I have so many blessings...I love them and am so grateful they both offered to fly out immediately. Val offered to come to the funeral and stay with us thru everything...that is such a true friend...I love you girl, but I'm so much more excited to spend some fun time together soon instead! Love you both for offering to drop everything to be with me and my family, you have no idea how much the three of you helped us. We had the best girls weekend and spent the day at our favorite spa, The Boulders. Suzi and I had our first girls trip there over a decade ago, so this place is super near and dear to our hearts and memories. I needed this weekend and their help so badly...I love all three of you!!
My husband surprised me with a trip back to Sedona, since we didn't really get to relax and enjoy last month with everything happening, and it was just what we needed. We ate our favorite restaurants...we made smores every night, snuggled, started a puzzle, cooked chili, enjoyed the cold temperatures that we just never see in Scottsdale, and went hiking. This time instead of scaling straight to the top of Bell Rock...there is a tiny somewhat of a path about 3/4 up that takes you around Bell Rock...ummm no one was on this path...and I seriously had a I hate you panic attack. (Guys I'm deathly afraid of heights...crazy that I torture myself hiking) but I was knees shaking, heart racing, as we scaled around with our babies...our babies! I swear I worry about everything to the next level post motherhood. Afterwards, I super proud though and it was quite an accomplishment for this scaredy cat. I think I need to write a post abut Sedona eventually, because it is everything!
Then the magic of Christmas!! Grayson's first, and Hartley is a little older, so it's even more magical now! OMG, I love this day..I'll never forget the way my mom had laid everything out and how I felt Christmas morning. She had the same kind of design sense I have, and I cherish being able to re-create these feelings with my children. No matter how inexpensive or small a gift...its the way it makes you feel when you receive it. I definitely was teary eyed and missing her dearly Christmas Eve night, looking at the presents displayed..I knew she would be proud. Children make this day magical...and it would be soooo lovely to share in this with you...we love you momma! We had the loveliest day with our family, eating yummy food, playing games, and just being together loving each other.
The day after December 26th was my 40th birthday! Are you kidding me, I do not remotely look in the mirror and see 40...I think my spirit is frozen at 28...but such it is. For my birthday present, we took a dream trip to Tulum and Riviera Maya in January. I'll be writing all about it! Chels taught me to celebrate my birthday...I never did, always others...but that changed this year. This day, my hubby took off work, we went to lunch at the Henry, went to the Phoenix Art Museum, bites at Tanzy, and took in an IPic movie! I realized how little time I actually spend doing the things I love most, like everything this day, or seeing plays and musicals, concerts, eating out more with live music playing, spa days, barre classes, museums...One of my resolutions was also to make time for me...make time once a month to do the things I most love and that rejuvenate my spirit...see I shared one!
Looking froward to all the magic that 2108 will bring...I truly believe that life continues to get better year after year! May love and happiness find you all, and thnak you for takign this journey with me!
My bestie Suzi and I, at heaven on earth...love you girls!! and can I just say how much I love and appreciate this momma...she has been by go-to for all things motherhood, relationships, life advice...everything!! She knows more about me and has helped guide me, and motivate me more than anyone...I cherish and will cherish for all my days this amazing woman, mother and friend!!! So grateful!!
THIS Camelbak (backpack filled with water for easy sipping)
already pulling out a high V...and she is ready for real hiking boots
THIS carrier is everything for hiking!!
Full Post HERE on our Holiday Photos
Matching Jammies, on sale $22 | These leggings...similar HERE
Hartley's face as she came downstairs....omg sooooo cool!!!
Awww melts my heart....She was sooo overwhelmed almost....I've never seen her make this expression...love her!
Hartley is getting the unwrapping thing this year...and baby Gray in all her glory eating the paper
I got a ton of questions on THIS KITCHEN for the girls...it is pure perfection! THIS Bunny ROCKER, THIS tricycle...THIS Shopping cart is perfection too(within)
Hartley's DRESS
My Family on Christmas Day...all my littles are so grown
Cheers to 40!! So blessed for this gift of Life!
Fav exhibit at the Phoenix Art Museum
Cheers to the MAGIC that lies Ahead!!! You must always seek out and cherish the good in life!!! There will be loss, sadness, and bad days...but tomorrow is always a new day! You must rise up, turn the page, and give gratitude for simply being alive!! Chase your dreams, live your best life, and be kind...kindness is everything! Make sure to be present for yourself and your loved ones...laugh, love with all your heart (those deserving of it...and remember, when someone shows you who they truly are...believe them) Challenge yourself...set a dream for yourself that scares you...and step out of your comfort zone! Strive to be the best you can be, remain open minded, never stop learning, and spread joy to everyone you meet! Always do what is right, not popular! Be kinder to yourself...You are doing better than you think! Stay hopeful in your prayers for what you want in this life!
Live, Love....2018
All the Love, Kim