February 23, 2021February 24, 2021Leave a comment

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 1^st 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 4^th 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.

https://youtu.be/hiM98d1oVtE

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.

https://youtu.be/rEWooycT7qw

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.

https://youtu.be/QqSRUvwYjbw

February 22, 2021February 22, 2021Leave a comment

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.

February 18, 2021February 18, 2021Leave a comment

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.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is self-care.jpeg

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

Loungewear

January 12, 2021January 13, 2021Leave a comment

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.

Goodwill – Memories

February 24, 2020February 24, 2020Leave a comment

I would admit now, that I hold on to items in my home. No, I’m not a hoarder. But you know sentimental things like, onesies the girls wore that carry a personal story behind it. Or specific toys that they would play with. I take things like this very personally. Two weeks ago, I did my first donation at Goodwill.

Backstory: I cleaned out my closet and I had a bag of my clothes and some baby clothes too. But I also had the car sear that both Arya and Averie used when they were babies. I remember vividly, both car rides home from the hospital when each of the girls were born.

Fast forward now, these items had been in my car for a while, never having the guts to donate it. Until I was watch YouTube Blogger, Brianna K (if you don’t follow this mommy, you should.) and on this specific video she was donating two car rides full of items and said how good it felt to donate. Well that same day I said, “It is time.”

As I left work during my lunch break to Goodwill it began to rain badly. I hesitated and told myself, “Maybe, this is a sign not to go?” but then I changed my mind and went.

I pulled up on the side, the doors opened and I was greeted by an associate whom I gave the bag of clothes to. Then I uttered, “Do you accept car seats?” I assumed they didn’t due to liability reasons. And he said, “yes.” As I was handing it over, he stated “Oh no, I think our system is down.” I immediately thought it was another sign in my mind I said, “God is that you? But why would I need the car seat if the girls out grew it, right?”

I told him, “Sir, I honestly do not know how this works. It is my first time.” He handed me a paper document to fill out, which to my surprise it was a receipt that I can now claim as a charitable deduction on my federal tax return. When we were done, I walked towards the car and I sat.

An overwhelming feeling came over me as I starred at the rainy window and began to cry. You may tell me, “Ady, but why are you crying?” I know, yes it’s just material things that I am crying about but now I’ve learned something that I never knew before.

I hold onto memories. Good memories. Now giving these items away feels like the girls are growing up. Even little Arya would crawl into the car seat now and watch TV.

As sad as it sounds to me to be giving something sentimental away, it brought me peace to know that possibly another family would need it more than me. With that said, I turned on the car, wipes my tears and the car windshield. I said a “Thank you” like Marie Kondo and drove away.

I now know something I never knew before, that I collect memories but it’s ok to donate those material items on your own time.

-The Mominista

Do you know what is: Hand, Foot and Mouth?

February 18, 2020February 19, 2020Leave a comment

On Monday, I was informed by daycare that Arya was irritable. I assumed it was just because “it’ was Monday.” Later at night I went to take off her shoes and I noticed her sole of her feet had a rash. I immediately thought, it had to be the bleach from the shoes that I just washed over the weekend. It must’ve had residue and my poor girl got irritated.

Backstory: Arya has very sensitive skin. If she gets hot, she will break into hives. I assumed it was just that.

In the early morning, as we were sleep, I felt Arya’s body on fire. Yes, I still co-sleep. Like, her whole body was hot. Afraid that she would get a heat rash, I uncovered her and fell back to sleep. When we woke up, I made sure she didn’t have a body rash. She didn’t so off to daycare we went. At night, Arya was complaining about her mouth. I brushed it off assuming she may have bit herself as she was at that moment eating a snack.

But what caught my attention was when she was washing her hands. At the sink, I noticed her elbows. It had blisters, which I never seen her have. I checked the other elbow and she also had it. Immediately, I thought “OMG, NO! She can’t have what I think.” When I opened her mouth, it bothered her and I discovered that she had blisters inside. I then knew right there, she may have hand, foot and mouth. What to do now?

I called Rob over to the bathroom, so he can see for himself. He decided to do a virtual visit via United Healthcare. The wait was less than 10 minutes. They asked for Arya’s temperature, which was normal and a couple of pictures of the rash. I would say the visit was like Skype/Facetime. She asked for more pictures. Then the video call crashed, it went down as soon as we were getting the results. Just my luck, huh?

She called me instead right away to tell me the results. She confirmed what I already knew, you know mother’s instinct. Arya had hand, foot and mouth. I asked her, “Ok, what medication does she need? What can we do?” You wouldn’t believe the response.

She uttered the word, “Nothing.” I couldn’t believe it. “There’s no medication, shot or cure.” As parents we strive to help our child when their sick. We feel their pain and we always want it to go away. How can something like this not have a cure? I was left wondering what if?

As my mind went to other scenarios, “What if its Allergies and the virtual visit was wrong?” “What if it’s something worse?” I had enough; the answer didn’t sit well with me, so I had to get a second opinion. I made an appointment to Pediatric Associates. I wasn’t able to find an appointment with her primary physician but during this time Averie was also sick and I found one doctor that had back to back appointment time. Yes!

We were attended quickly; Averie had a cough/common cold. But when the doctor saw Arya, who I must say resembles Dr. Pimple Popper. She confirmed from just looking at her, that she had hand, foot and mouth disease. In her words, “without a doubt she has it, nothing to cure it. Just comfort Arya with lots of nice cold ice cream, soft foods and Tylenol. But I must warn you, some parents don’t know this. When the rash subsides, her fingernails may fall off. All the way.”

My mouth dropped!

I just couldn’t believe it. The doctor recommended that Arya not attend daycare for a week or until the rash goes away and for Averie to be away from Arya as it can be contagious. I also asked, if adults could get it and I was informed it wasn’t as severe as the children but that every body reacts different. You know I went full blown cleaning mode as I got home and began to wash and disinfect everything.

As a mom, I needed to know where she got hand, foot and mouth. What I am most happy about is that Arya wasn’t as severe as the images I viewed on Google. Thank God. But for my sanity, I still ended up asking the daycare if there were other children with it and to my surprise there were. I was informed that deep cleaning was to be conducted over the long weekend.

I share this story to bring awareness to this disease. I would like others to know what is, educate and if possible how to cure it, in case it may happen to your own children. In this scenario, as crazy it sounds there is no cure. But do read about it because you never know when it can happen to you.

-The Mominista

We are on Youtube!

February 9, 2020February 9, 2020Leave a comment

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.

25th Screen Actors Guild Awards

January 30, 2019January 31, 2019Leave a comment

On Sunday, January 27, 2019 the SAG Awards were presented.

After, looking at some of my recent fashion posts, I wanted to take a moment and change the layout on the way I was posting it. In my opinion, I personally love to talk about how the outfit comes together. Imagine, Joan Rivers on Fashion Police. “Hi, I am Ady from The Mominista.” Except here, there is no criticizing, no bad vibes or worst dressed. I am all about who wore it best!

Here are my nominations for the Best Dressed of the night.

MARGOT ROBBIE

In Chanel

She is stunning from head to toe. This semi-sheer gown made her naturally glow. Perfect match of natural makeup. With hair effortlessly done. I am LOVING it. The plunged neckline to the golden weaving was statuesque.

MANDY MOORE

In Jason Wu

I am not a fan of an all black dress. I am a colored garment girl. BUT WOW. Oh wow, Mandy was bringing it! The encrusted jewel off the shoulder neckline was the pop for me. I also like the belt detail around the waist. I am loving the hair style parted and pulled back into a low pony tail. And the thigh high slit made the dress not so formal, but slightly sexy.

LADY GAGA

In Dior Haute Couture

Channeled old school glamour with a twist. The thigh high slit showed her bodysuit that was assembled to the train. I like the feather like detail on the top. The statement piece looks like a modern day choker by Tiffany & Co. Her dark burgundy lip made the dress look sexy and flattering. Her hair was styled in a low ballerina bun but giving a classic Hollywood wave glam in the front.

RYAN MICHELLE BATHE

In Sebastian Gunawan

This mermaid dress was stunning. The embroidery work is beautifully done. The sheer over the shoulder into a collar is exquisite. The ombre feathers were a hit for me. I am loving that the dress hugged her curves in a flattering way. Hair up was the perfect style for this dress.

JULIA GARNER

In Zac Posen

Hello, Casablanca? Doesn’t she look marvelous? A young Ingrid Bergman mix with a bit of Marilyn Monroe. Yes, Darling! Her look was that of old Hollywood glam and I am loving all of it. The mermaid silhouette was covered in dotted degrade taffeta. The ombre teal effect was as lovely as the off the shoulder neckline with a gathered fold-over detail. The back not seen in this picture was cut in a V shape. The peplum waist accentuated her curves in the best way possible. The coral lip was the finishing touch to this amazing look.

LAVERNE COX

In Zac Posen

My head turned when I saw this sheath satin silhouette hit the carpet. The floor-sweeping hem was cut to the perfect length. What made the dress come life was the custom gemstone embellishment made by Marianna Harutunian on the draped open back. Originally, the dress does not come this way. I love how the dress gracefully falls from a quasi cape detail. This was divine at its finest, darling! Yas, Laverne, Yaaaaaas!

_____________________________________________________________________________________

The trends of the night were the following:

I hope you enjoyed, let me know if you would like me to give you other trends like beauty or hair. Any ideas that you may have submit on the comments below. I would love to hear from you.

-The Mominista

*Disclaimer

The pictures above on this site are the property of their respective owners. I do not hold any copyright in regards to these pictures. These pictures have been collected from different public sources including various websites, considered to be in public domain. If anyone has any objection to display of any picture, image or news, it may be brought to my notice by sending an email (contact) & the disputed media will be removed immediately, after verification of the claim.

10 Questions to Answer by the Age of 30

January 29, 2019Leave a comment

Hello, mommas, future mommas, soon to be mommas and if you are new to this page welcome.

Let me reintroduce myself, my name is Adysbel. How do you pronounce it? Ah-dis-bell. You can call me Ady for short. In this post, I thought it would be best to let you get to know me a little better. I’ve done a lot of reflecting lately, and it may be due to all the constant feed on my Facebook of my former classmates turning 30 this year.

I think that by the age of 30, you should be able to answer some important life questions.

Here are my 10 questions

1- What is one advice I would’ve given myself at age 23?

Take your time. Invest. Don’t spend money, save instead. Move out to your own apartment. Travel the world.

2- In what ways can I be kinder to myself?

Stop trying to be the perfect cleaning mom. I have a problem, I always am cleaning. And I become overwhelmed with a dirty room. I need to relax about having an apartment with kids clean 100% of the time. I can improve by cleaning one room at a time and be satisfied. At least something was done, right?

3- What is my definition of success?

Write down your goals. Don’t give up. Put in the work. Stay motivated. It doesn’t matter how long it takes you, crossing one completed goal off at a time is success.

4- What is one thing you are tired of hearing?

I irk, when someone says they are “tired” especially, if they don’t have kids. I used to say this all the time when I was young and until now I understand the TRUE meaning. Saying this to a mother is just plain WRONG. You do not know what tired is until you have kids. Most moms are already sleep deprived at 8 months pregnant. You may ask why, that is because you can barely breathe, let alone sleep in a comfortable position. You better ONLY be “tired” if you are in school, caring for someone or working on achieving your goals. Not just because you are “tired”.

5- Where do I see myself in 5 years?

I see myself running my own business, working on what I love and having my own schedule to focus more on family.

6- Do I care what other people think about me?

Let’s be honest, I may never stop caring but I think by my 30’s I will let it stop affecting me.

7- Should I feel guilty about cutting someone off?

I have learned from my 20’s that not all friendships are worth my time and energy. And that’s OK. Family is what’s most important. They will always be there with open arms, to help and guide.

8- Who inspires me?

After watching his Nextflix Documentary, I am Not Your Guru. I started listening to Tony Robbins. Whenever I am in doubt, feeling down, need motivation; I go for walks at the park with the girls and I put it him on, his words clear my mind.

9- What do I feel most proud of?

My girls. I think, they have taught me the meaning of life. I view what they learn through a new perspective.

10- What is my current song anthem?

High Hopes by Panic at the Disco. The lyrics speak volumes to me.

24th Annual Critics Choice Awards

January 22, 2019January 23, 2019Leave a comment

Hello,

Fellow Moministas, future Mominitas and Fashion Lovers.

On January 13, 2019 the 24^th annual Critics Choice Awards were shown on The CW. The show was hosted by Taye Diggs. Let’s be real. Until now, I watched it on DVR as I was able to get an hour to myself as the girls took their nap. Can I get a #momlife? You know what I am saying. *Insert high five*

The highlights of the night were a tie. Wait no there were TWO!

Best Actress went to BOTH:

Glen Close for The Wife

And

Lady Gaga for A Star is Born

And for television, for Best Actress in a Movie/Limited Series went to BOTH:

Amy Adams for Sharp Objects

And

Patricia Arquette for Escape at Dannemora

I thought that was very nice to present TWO awards for a category.

But let’s take a moment and let’s talk and by talk, I mean FASHION. Let’s begin my nominations for Best Dressed for the 24th Annual Critics Choice Awards: