My Semi-Sweet Valentine

If you’re looking for some sappy, mushy post about how much I love Valentines Day, well you’re reading the wrong post…

Some may call me cynical, others may use the word pessimist. I on the other hand like to use the word “realistic”. To me Valentine’s was never something super special or romantic (however I could be a tad biased since I’m single… and slightly bitter). Regardless this Hallmark holiday puts too much pressure on people to live up to unrealistic expectations of love and how one should show that love.

Growing up Valentine’s Day wasn’t something that was overly celebrated in my household – besides giving out cards in class and my mom leaving a special treat on my chair to find when I sat down for dinner, that was the extent of it. I’ve had relationships where I’ve gotten roses and love letters, one year I was dumped, and the rest are a vague memory that I choose not to fixate on.

However, with the birth of my son I knew I was going to have to set some better examples and make sure this day was a special reminder of the love I have for him – the number one guy in my life! Don’t worry, I still plan on expressing and showing him that love all the other 364 days of the year.

Special thanks to everyone who came together to collaborate on this shoot (especially it being my first one)!

All photos taken by: Captured by Marcedys 
Styled by: Chaos + Creative
Location: Highstreet – Community Room
Makeup: Rose Quartz Makeup
Flowers: Sequel Events
Banners: Little Sprout Creations
Cupcakes & Cookies: Sugar Flour Bake Shoppe
Wood Signs: Pacific Coast DIY  
 

All About That Mom-Hustle!

Back in late 2016 I was graciously asked and invited to be part of my very first ‘blogger’ photo shoot with another mama and baby duo. The whole theme was around ‘Moms who Hustle’, and being a single mom who works from home, I could definitely relate with the concept behind this shoot.

I will admit I was extremely nervous arriving for hair and makeup the day of. For one, I am far from a model, I have no idea what to do when you say pose (Amber did an amazing job trying to get me to loosen up), and I’m bringing my unpredictable baby (who was just around a year at the time). Sounds like the perfect combination right?

Sure enough the day went a lot better then I had imagined. Not to mention there were a few hiccups and uncooperative moments – but you just go with it, or better yet hand your baby off to the makeup artist – Shayla!

Looking back on this shoot I’ve had a chance to really reflect on what it truly means to hustle. Being a stay at home, single, working parent my days are all over the place. I try and keep my days strictly to Ry and focusing on him and being the best mom I can be. Not to mention how hard it is to type or answer an email when your child is constantly grabbing at the screen! Once Ry is down for the night I am usually able to get some work done. I will admit some nights I don’t get much accomplished. Raising a very active toddler is no easy task and once he’s asleep, sorry, sometimes this mom wants to get some shut eye as well.

For all the moms who work full-time, raise a family, and maintain an active blog – my hats off to you! I’m still trying to find that balance. None the less I am proud to be a hustling mom!

Photos by: Amber Leigh Photography

Vendors:

Shirts – Leo and Jude
Clothing – Jax & Lennon Clothing Co. & Humble Humans Apparel
Jewlery – Mint & Birch 
Makeup – Shayla: Rose Quartz Makeup Services
Hair – Stephanie: Mobile Session Stylist
Sign – Pacific Coast DIY
Coffee Cups – Hand Lettered By Bev