YOUR USUAL SUSPECTS

33 at 33.

In November I turned thirty-three. For some reason, I always focused on the next birthday after I just had one. I have come to terms that yes, I am older, and you know what,  I LIKE IT!

My twenties (and most everyone I know in their twenties) was full of insecurities and consuming yourself with petty things and the unknowns. Being 33 is where I’ve found a way to settle into the acceptance of who I am and who I am not. I’ve been thinking about what I’ve learned at 33 and well, I made a list. 

33 by 33

1. Learn to love being alone
2. Love what you look like in a swim suit now!
3. Know how to get your way and…
4. ….when it’s best to give in
5. Learn how to say sorry and mean it
6. Know when it’s really PMS and when it’s just being a, well….
7. Stop making comments about hating yourself in pictures. Nobody cares
8. Take care of yourself. (Mind, body and spirit)
9. It takes a lot of strength to admit weakness
10. Visible panty lines and bra straps are really not appropriate
11. Just because you CAN shop in the juniors section doesn’t mean you should
12. You get what you pay for
13. Some things are worth holding on to (date nights). Some aren’t (dishwasher loading protocol)
14. Choose your battles with friends, family, significant other, children, etc
15. Every woman needs two friends that are worth keeping for life
16. You can never own too many lipsticks or lip glosses
17. Gossip makes women ugly. Support other women, don’t bring them down
18. Stop judging other women and especially other Moms. It’s not nice
19. A little bronzer goes a long way. Key word: little
20. You cannot blame your family anymore for your shortcomings
21. Don’t give advice unless someone asks for it
22. Baby Powder is a must have at home and in your toiletry bag
23. When receiving compliments; say thank you
24. There is no life timeline. Do what works for you even if it is out of “order”
25. You are never too old to ask for help
26. Always take your Mother/Fathers/Grandparents phone calls. Always!
27. Always have your toe nails painted. Always!
28. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day; no excuses
29. Your family is your family even if they drive you absolutely crazy at times
30. Invest in a good quality shampoo and conditioner
31. Have the number to a town car service on speed dial. Do not drink and drive
32. Keep a clean car. 
33. Choose joy and happiness everyday. Its a choice that only YOU can make

xoxo

J

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Product Obsession: Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm

First of all, its 100% natural. Second, there is such a wonderful tint to the gloss that you can use this product alone or over your favorite lip color. Lastly, its only $7!

Personally, I bought this for the hospital. Is it bad I want a little lip color while going through labor? Not to mention, Its made with natural products so when I smother my baby girl with kisses she wont be covered in toxic wax!

You can purchase this product at Target, Nordstrom Rack, Ulta and of course, on www.burtsbees.com!

Enjoy!

xoxo

j

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Maternity Leave 101

Today marks my first day of maternity leave. Now, you may be thinking; Lucky! Vacation! Ummmm…NO! I am loosing top accounts, loosing a lot of commission, loosing stature, and loosing my solid streak of success. I am however; getting the best gift of them all; A Baby…. so take that corporate America! 

This diagram makes me angry and bitter. How in the heck are women supposed to raise and nurture contributing members of society? There is such a huge difference between us and other countries it’s absolutely appalling. I’m not saying that you if you were able to take all 50 weeks off; you should. However, the possibility should be there. Spare me with the taxes and we are the number one nation in the world speech because frankly, a few of these other countries have ours beat in many important issues. Education being one of them….Hello China? 

The fact that I have to fight for more the 6 weeks off after having my baby and recognizing that some don’t even get paid is beyond absurd to me! 

I’m appalled and I don’t see anything changing.

end of rant.

xoxo

j

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Making it Official!

Cam and I have been together for close to 4 years however we have known each other for close to 9 years. I can still recall back to St Patricks Day of 2007, we were in the back of the bar 2 me with friends and that’s when I first knew. People tell you about the moment when you just know; that was it for me. He was telling my friend about how I should date him and she and I were laughing at his confidence. Could’ve been the beer talking right? However, at that moment which still plays so fresh in my mind I thought, this is the man I am going to be with. There was something so special about him. I knew.

We were casually dating other people (eek!) at the time so it wasn’t something that could happen over night. Looking back, the people we were with felt right at the time but deep down we knew they were not.

Fast forward to August 2009, Cam was working with my best friend Araceli. Long story short, we went on a double date to the MC Hammer concert, drank beers, ate funnel cakes and took amazing pictures together in the photo booth. I broke my sandal; he held my hand to keep me walking up right and it was that moment again when I knew. We left the concert to go enjoy a few more beers (just the two of us) at our favorite local watering hole; Chargins! It was a perfect night. My sister came and picked me up as I clearly couldn’t drive home and that my friends started the beautiful love between Cam and I. Our first date was on a Thursday night. We went out on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday immediately there after. He brought me flowers and a gold fish (we still have that damn gold fish). That was it. We never looked back.

Don’t get me wrong, it hasn’t been all cupcakes and unicorns for us. We have had our fair share of ups and downs but we stuck it out. Our sweet baby girl will be here in a few short weeks and now we are officially engaged!! Yes, engaged!! We have always done things on our own terms; always will.

Cam popped the question last Friday night. I was not expecting it but could not of been more thrilled and excited to say YES to spending my life next to him as Mrs. Villa. It happened near Chargins; only fitting.

I don’t know where my life would’ve went had we not gone out on that first date together. He is everything to me. I love him for all the wonderful things he does/says and for all the annoying things he does/says.

We have no date and no plans as of today and that’s how I like it. I already feel like his wife and he my husband.

Life has been very good to us.

xoxo

J

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What’s in your hospital bag?

This is whats in mine!

I am going in with the “Keep it Simple” approach. It’s 2-3 days MAX and if for some reason it is longer; I will be rallying the family for help! Cam made a good point the other night…. If we need something and forgot to bring it; we will just send someone to buy it.  Bottom line; we will have much more important matters to tend to then being upset about something left at home.

1. Big Granny Underwear (Sorry ladies, thongs are NOT okay)

2. Comfy drawstring pants (loose is key!)

3. A gorgeous custom robe I had made from Etsy (Easy throw on piece to feel cute)

4. A nursing cami tank

5. A nursing bra and a nursing sleeping bra (I am in love with the sleeping bra-so soft!)

6. 2 pairs of socks (Just because)

7. A pair of flip flops (Comfy, Easy and can go in the shower)

8. Pads (I know, I know-bleh but bring your own!)

9. My Purse (Medical card, make up bag, water bottle-everyday items)

10. Boppy

11. Our toiletry bag ( Don’t forget hair ties!)

12. A natural but tinted chap stick (Burts Bees!)

13. One Burp cloth, One Soft receiving blanket and One special monogrammed blanket

14. An extra outfit for Cam

15. Lollipops (You may not be able to eat. I was told these help!)

16. 3 outfits for Poppy ( Including mittens, kimono onesies, gowns and her special going home outfit!)

17. A BPA Free pacifier

18. Electronic Device Chargers! 

19. Kindle and Camera

20. The Car seat!!

xoxo

j

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Baby Villa: 36 weeks

Baby Villa and I are doing great!!

• I have to admit the extra weight is a bit difficult to lug around. 
• All food is amazing to me right now except, EGGS and FISH! Ew! 
• My legs are starting to swell and most shoes are off limits. ( I miss my 4 inch pumps!)
• I’m 5’1 and I don’t think there is anywhere else for the pounds to pack on. 
• Poppy’s movements have changed. She is so cramped in there that the jabs are now slow rolls and very dramatic. Can you imagine being tucked in a small bag for months?
• My hair is still thick and strong. (Please don’t fall out hair after she gets here)
• The ligaments in my groin and legs are beyond painful. Walking can be tough at times.
• I am still getting the tight muscle spasms in my calves that literally stop me in my tracks. A quick massage usually makes them go away however, the pain tends to linger.
• Still no stretch marks! Woohoo!
• My clothing options are pretty limited to t shirts, maxi skirts and my sole pair of jeans that still fit. 
• My last day at work is May 3rd! Can you believe it? One week to go!!
• The nursery, hospital bag and car seat are all ready for little Miss Poppy!
• All of my projects are completed except my letters to Poppy and cleaning out my car.
• The family is beyond excited for her to get here. They are already asking about our birthing requests, meals afterward, housecleaning, etc. We are very lucky.
• We have completed almost all of our baby classes. We still have the child birthing class and we need to get CPR certified. I really loved seeing Cam change the baby doll diaper; he is a pro!

We have less than 4 weeks to go until her due date! From here on out we are taking it easy! The plans are no plans unless they consist of getting the house ready, eating delicious meals out or just spending quiet time together.

xoxo

j

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