Grammy’s 2023- Fashion Trends

Sunday night was the 65th annual award show of the Grammy’s and let me just say it was very entertaining.

From Noah hosting, to Adele finally meeting the Rock to Lizzo being the ultimate humble fan and mentioning Beyonce in her acceptance speech and let me not forget Taylor Swift dancing to Bad Bunny. The night was full of fun moments!

One thing I was watching for the most was the fashion. There were 2 trends I noticed at the show that I loved the most. One was of Sparkles and the other of Ruffles. Let’s look at both trends below.

Embellishing the night, are these celebrities. But what does a little sparkle create? It gives an extra amount of glamour, makes the outfit of choice stand out. These decorative details make it more appealing to our eye and its truly amazing under the lights at the Grammy’s. Next time, you pull an outfit out of your closet that has some bedazzle on it. WEAR it!  Because you will brighten up a room day or night.

Here were two ways the celebrities were wearing ruffles at the Grammy’s.

1. On top over the shoulders -which will attract your bone structure. How is this done? The ruffles emphasizes your collarbone, jawline, and simply your shoulders.

2. Ruffles at the bottom- will accentuate your hips and balance the top half elegantly.

Also notice, J.Lo and Beyonce showing a thigh-high slit accentuating the leg. This defines confidence.

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Taking Back Tuesday’s -Are the times where I reflect in the past that I may have not posted. You know, like throwback Thursday’s? Now you get the point.

Today, I will be discussing New Year’s 2021.

Bringing in New Years was a new one for us. For the 1st time, we stayed home as a family. We took the initiative and said no in going out. With COVID-19 was still lingering back on December 31 and we did the right thing and stayed home.

We also didn’t keep our tradition in throwing fireworks. Instead, we opted for sparklers I had left over from the 4th of July and bubbles; just so that the girls will be entertained at night.

Now let’s begin from the start, New Year’s starts early for me and the girls.

I try to do something special with both of them. So at 12 pm in the afternoon, I do a countdown. I put up in a plastic bag in the ceiling and add some balloons that I tape up then I have a string that is attached to it and hope they hold until our little dance party is done. This is a tradition I started doing, since Averie was born. It’s something that I hope to continue until they think it’s too wack. Which, I hope it never comes to.

Once I have that set up, I look in Youtube for a dance songs – mostly Kids Pop songs and we dance. Next up I search for a countdown on Youtube or sometimes Netflix and we count from 10 to 1. We pull on the string and the balloons come down. We scream “HAPPY NEW YEARS!” – If you are a new mommy, I suggest you to start doing this in the day time because sometimes kids become restless and they do not last till 12 am for New Years. At least, this method lets them participate even if they fall asleep at night.

One new thing I did this year was to cut out stars and have them write one wish they want for this upcoming Year. You are probably thinking, “Ady, where did you come up with this?” And the honest truth is that I just thought of it on the spot. Arya, is not able to write at this moment. So her wish was to stay with mommy home. Averie, her wish is to have a kitty by the end of the year. We shall see.

As night ascended, we began our celebration with Walt Disney World’s past fireworks video then we did a quick clothing change and started blowing and cheering with our party horns. As Rob popped a bottle for him and me; I took the girls outside to the balcony to throw some sparklers and blow on bubbles. We saw a couple of fireworks in our neighborhood but not as much as past years.

The countdown was about to start, so I did something new. I finally captured our moment as a family ringing in the New Year. Check out our reaction below.

In all seriousness I thought it was canceled. Until I looked at my calendar today and I was like, “Hold up, it’s 2021. Maybe it’s up and running?”

That’s when I went full research mode. First place I went to was nyfw.com and saw the schedule. “They are back!”

NY Fashion Week has changed to more of a digital experience. Also, the name has changed.

“SAY WHAT?!” Take a deep breath, exhale. I GOT ALL THE DETAILS.

The show is now schedule to go as the “American Collections Calendar.”

But I noticed there were a few changes. The BIG designers were out of the early schedule lineup. No Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors (he will debut his collection on 4/20 via multilayered digital experience) and the list goes on.

Not only did I find that change, but I noticed no crowds of people. Just a few to none in the audience, masks are mandatory and temperature/health checks were done prior of entering.

No more racing around the shows. As many spectators were not allowed. Most audiences were booked by appointment and if so, are all in the fashion industry. In my opinion, this may have saved money to the fashion houses. This is a big plus during these tough times.

Further down my searching, I stumbled across an article that stated

“Chairman of the CFDA Tom Ford announced that New York Fashion Week was adopting the American Collections Calendar, catering to the wave of designers opting out of showing during the typical fashion week calendar or choosing to present outside of New York.”

–Via Nylon (https://www.nylon.com/fashion/fashion-month-fall-2021-schedule)

So what does this mean?

Let me break it down, designers are now able to show later in the season and not have to show their collections in NYC. They can show outside like Europe or Asia. It does not matter the location or the date they showcase. That’s something new. Oh, and let me mention, some or all designers have opted for a virtual show.

This of course has to do with COVID-19. Precautions are being met by following all CDC regulations and of the city.

What does that mean to the viewers?

CFDA has now implemented a digital platform to help designers bring their collections together called CFDA Runway360. Meaning, you can get to watch all the designers, wherever you are at and at any time. Not to mention, everything is there for the designer. What is inside the website? It has a brief description of the collection, the looks, BTS (if possible), a profile of the designer and past collections.

Go check it out.

In my honest opinion, I actually love this! I am more in tune of watching zoom meetings and interviews of the industry. I am more engaged of doing my research, not that I have not done it before. But I feel like we are taking a step at the right direction.

The council/industry is giving designers flexible time that is due as I feel like shows in the past may have been rushed due to a deadline, whereas now they have the rights to choose when they want to showcase their collection.

What do you think? Do you see Fashion Week all over the world changing? Do you like it or not? I would love to know your view. Comment below.

After New Year’s I mentally knew what I needed to get done. But somehow I fell into a deep writer’s block. I was unmotivated and very, very, very, uninspired. I swear when we get into December its super filled with lots of activities with none stop to do lists. January was a very busy month for me, with Rob’s birthday and our anniversary. Plus Averie was back in school and projects galore. Anything I thought for the blog was being pushed to the side. Work was hectic and life just kept going. I didn’t know when it was just going to stop.

A little voice in the back of my mind wanted to get back.

“You need to Create.”

I knew that my passion was asking to get out but the funk was getting in the way. It needed to breathe, needed to get back to how I normally am. I hope I am making sense.

I really think I should actually consider that my year starts in February. LOL. It’s less busy- well sort of.

In reality, the funk (writer’s block) just recently came off when we decided to go to the beach, this past weekend. It’s where I recharged. The weather getting to the beach was gloomy just like how I felt inside. Though, I didn’t care at that moment. We all knew we had to go. Once we got there, it was perfect. The sun came out beaming, the temperature was just right; the water was a bit cold for us Miamians. But I wouldn’t change a thing.

My mind got exactly what it was yearning for, the beach. Mental clarity is very real and sometimes we ALL need to hit a reset button. The overwhelm feeling, the worries, and the indecisions in my head all went away when I was looking at the ocean and listening to the waves. As I carried Arya in my arm who was already tired from the long day, I stared at the ocean. The overall peace that draped over my body was an outer experience that I never felt before. The clutter left my mind into the ocean and there I knew I was ok.

If you ever feel this way please know you are not alone, whatever place makes you feel grounded (back at peace) go to it. Whether it is at the park, gym, or even if you stand in the rain. Release all the clutter that your mind has and recharge. It will all be ok.

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Now I am back to my normal schedule. With a clear mind set and full of inspiration.

Loungewear

I have found my new obsession of loving loungewear more than ever before.

I guess I owe a huge thanks to 2020 as I now work from home.
Before the pandemic, I was never fond of loungewear. I just grabbed any shorts and t-shirt Rob had and called it a day. But boy, was I wrong.

During this pandemic, we may feel lost because we aren’t constantly going out. But it doesn’t mean that you should not get dressed up and make yourself feel good. Once in a while.

Trust me, loungewear takes up a notch. I now get to spend my days in a set of these pretty wear all while be extra comfortable. Don’t need to throw my style away at all.

The ones I currently am obsessed are these from Walmart – Secret Treasures.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Secret-Treasures-Essentials-Women-s-Plaid-Hacci-Joggers/343570820

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Secret-Treasures-Essentials-Women-s-Friyay-Hacci-Top/945830080

The joggers fit perfectly well and the feel is super soft but what I love the most is the comfort. Its super cute and chic paired with their hacci top. The words on the shirt are different from the one I have but I would recommend this brand if you are looking for a budget friendly buy.

We are on Youtube!

Hey everyone, we can finally say that we have a YOUTUBE CHANNEL! That is right. We decided to open one up after numerous talks about the contents we will have, making sure not to make it burden but most importantly remembering that it should be fun for the girls.

We will have product reviews, mommy and me’s, DIY, fashion and family fun activities.

So with that being said, please make sure to head on over to Youtube (down below) and check out our first video welcoming you to our lives. We have so much content in stores for you. Make sure to hit the subscribe button so you can see our latest videos.

 

Don’t worry about what other kids say.

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Hey Mommas, future Mommas, and soon to be Mommas.

Last week, Rob was picking up Averie from daycare. While I was at work, he called me to let me know something happened. So I panicked a little but kept it cool and asked calmly, “What happened”? He begins to tell me that, when picking up Averie from school he noticed that she looked upset in the playground area. She walked across from him at the water fountain station and began to cry. He asked her what happened?

Backstory

Early that day we got a notification on Class Dojo (If you don’t know, its an app where parents and teachers can communicate) that Averie was the only child to pass the state exam for VPK with a perfect score.

So Rob asked her one more time, “What is wrong Averie?” She now begins to cry and then ugly cry. (You know when the boogers just come out- that’s when you know whatever was bothering really affected her) She begins to tell him while taking deep breaths, “The twins… called me… a DUMB IDIOT!” Begins to cry softly.

As they get into the car, they called me. I could hear Averie weeping quietly and I asked her version of the story. It’s exactly the same. But I wanted to reassure her that I heard it from her mouth not Daddy’s. Deep down inside I was crushed while listening to her tell me the story. How did this just happened? She must’ve asked the twins how they did in their exam. Because that’s who Averie is, she likes to help and loves to learn from others and they crushed it for her. This idea was just running in my head. How do I explain to my child that what others say should not be taken to the heart.

So I calmly tell her, “Averie, sometimes kids will be mean because they do not know how to express themselves. They can be frustrated and the words they choose come out rude. They may not be thinking at that moment. And yes, words can hurt. But remember that in the end of the day, the only people that matter are…. FAMILY. We don’t see you as a dumb idiot. Your are wonderful, beautiful and smart. You are beyond your years. Don’t let her bring you down. Hold your head up! I will see you soon after I get out from work.”

As I told her those words, I tried to hold my own tears and be strong for her. Because this was my first time that I wasn’t there to help her.

When I got home, the first thing I did was to go lay in bed with her. I asked her how she was feeling and she told me better. But in the back of my mind, I knew I had to write her a little note for school as I do everyday. But this time I wanted to tell her how special she truly is to me.

At 6 AM I wrote: Don’t worry about what other kids say. You are smart, beautiful, nice and FABU-LOUS! (Inside joke: she likes to mimic Lamb Lamb from Doc Mcstuffins) Hold your head high. YOU ARE A QUEEN! And ONLY YOU wears the crown! – Love Mom *Excuse my butchering of words, 6 AM and still half asleep*

You are also wondering, does she even read this note? And the answer to that is YES. The teacher sees her reading each note everyday. She has mentioned that is the first time she sees a little girl at her age reading and hugging the note from us. I think it’s a great inspirational note half way through her day.

So with that said, nobody tells you that parenting is easy. It’s a hard job and I wish I could protect her always. But I know she will learn and grow from this experience. With tougher skin.

-The Mominista

Taking it Back – Ballet, maybe later.

I always knew that if I had a little girl I would put her in ballet class at age 3. That day came with Averie and she was excited as much as I. Maybe I was WAY more excited. I went to Walmart one day I got her the entire outfit, even though the ladies at the ballet academy told me it was not required. I on the other hand wanted Averie to have the entire experience of a ballerina.

Here is Averie trying on the attire:

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Now she is showing it to her sister, Arya:IMG_3168.JPG

The next day it was her great debut. I was nervous, anxious, and super excited for her.

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I went to wake her up and tell her that it was “Ballet day.”

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She was so excited and ready for it. Her grandmother and aunt also came along to root her on.

A little side note, at this age Averie hadn’t gone to daycare full time. She was only surround by family. So this experience being around other little girls is new.

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She already left my hand and met a friend. You know how mommy felt, right? All in my feelings.

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What I loved about this academy was that they had a television where parents would be able to watch the little ones in class.IMG_3241.JPG

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Averie loved it but was not used to following directions at this age. She didn’t understand “taking turns” she did at one point negotiate with another little girl during the across the floors to let her go again. Which we all laughed about because why be so serious at this age right? It’s all in good fun.

The class ended an hour later, I thought it went great. I was ready to sign her up. Until Averie came out.IMG_3246.JPGIMG_3247.JPG

Averie cried so hard. Saying that it was over, that she didn’t do well and that she hated it. “Well… that’s that then.” I said to myself.

As we left, I reassured her that she did not do bad. That we were there to learn and to have fun. That this moment should not indicate that ballet is not for her. Averie then told me, “Ballet, maybe later” would be best for now.

You best believe we got her Just Dance the next day for her to dance with me at home. I was not going to let this moment discourage her from it.

Has your little one ever felt the way Averie has? Please share in the comments below. I would love to hear from you.

-The Mominista

How did I know I was ready for baby # 2?

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I get this question asked a lot by friends. And the answer is, “I wasn’t ready.”

I was actually surprised. I always knew that I wanted 2 kids but it felt that it happen fast. Even though they are 3 years apart.

I believe that no one is really ready for baby number 2. Unless, you plan for it. I in the other hand, was a bit scared of us becoming a family of four but I believed that faith had blessed us with a wonderful miracle.

If you are a momma and your family is growing, its ok to be nervous or a bit scared. The fear of the unknown, is just temporary. It may be wonderful and sometimes chaotic but there’s always a better understanding at the end if the journey.

When we were a family of 3, our only attention was to Averie. As she began to socialize with other little girls her age, I became aware that she was lonely. She needed someone to have magic unicorn tea parties, extravagant dress up galas, and a friend to share all these wonderful memories with. Not only mamma, which I don’t mind at all. But seeing her one day play with a little girl in the middle of the mall changed our minds. They were playing hide and seek and singing “Let it Go”. When the little girl left, Averie became sad and so were we. We then knew right at that moment she was destined to have a sister.

Growing up for me I didn’t share those moments with a sibling. Even though I have two older sisters, our age gap is so wide that I felt like a only child growing up. My imagination did run freely but overall I know how lonely it can get. So when I became a mother, I knew I didn’t want that for my child.

Seeing my fiance’s relationship with his brother and sister made me realize what I wanted for Averie. The bond that they have is cherishable and embracing. They text and call each other everday. Sundays are meant to have dinner with the family. Where they all prepare a bbq and catch up about the week and reminisce of the old days when they were small.

Our wish for our girls is that they remain close and share a great bond. That they value the importance of having each other and that nothing can separate them because they are our ARC of this family.

If I could tell my scared pregnant self then that the journey is incredibly great, I would. Because now we all share wonderful memories and milestones. We are so blessed to have Averie and Arya in our lives. Party of 4 please.

– The Mominista

October Recap: Halloween

This Halloween, Rob and I decided to dress up the girls as much as possible. After all, a little Hocus Pocus never hurt nobody.

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The morning of Halloween, I asked Averie, “What would you like to dress up today?” and she replied, “A fairy, mommy.”

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So I got some items from her closet and wa-la…. Fairy Averie.

photo_2017-11-26_19-05-15.jpgAnd for Arya, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, because that’s what I really wanted to go rather than going to work that day.

When I came back home, I wanted them to relax and unwind before trick o treating. Perfect moment for another chance to dress them up.

Averie was Princess Belle

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and Arya was Tinkerbell

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Did you see what I did there?  Belle & Tinker-bell. The bells. I just noticed that. lol

We had them dancing to Halloween songs, just to get them in the mood.

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Let me tell you, to get them both ready within an hour is hard. Arya was fussy and Averie did not have a nap and was throwing tantrums.

After it felt like forever, we were ready. Introducing, The Peppas. Mommy pig, Daddy pig, Georg-ina, and Peppa.

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Did you notice that this was a DIY costume.

Averie’s dress is an actual t-shirt from the boys section that I cut out. I bought her a long sleeve shirt and stockings. For Rob, I got him a Polo last minute in Walmart. And for me, I bought the dress on sale on Amazon and the long sleeve was bought in Walmart. For Arya, I had a teal long sleeve onsie but after seeing her in the tinkerbell costume I fell in love and left her in that costume instead.

photo_2017-11-01_08-23-59.jpgphoto_2017-11-01_08-23-57.jpgWe went around our block but we noticed not many kids were around and the couple of doors we knocked on no one answered. We didnt want Averie to get disappointed so, we ordered pizza to go and headed out to our old neighborhood to trick o treat.

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This year was the best, Averie and I were singing along to, “This is Halloween, this is halloween, everyone SCREAM!” and we would scream and laugh.

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Best moment of my night, was when Averie and I got scared together. As we were going to a house it looked like a statue was holding candy with a bucket, and all of the sudden it moved! “AHHHHH” we got scared as it began to wave, to our surprise it was only a lady dressed up. She got us real good.

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This Halloween it was one to remember. Averie told us “Thank you Mommy & Daddy. Had so much fun!”

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-The Mominista