Life Currently

 

I've been in denial for the past month or two on how big of a detour my life was beginning to take...already. I was beyond happy when I found out I was pregnant, and ever more with twins. I however thought that my pregnancy would be no big deal and I would be able to plow through life as if nothing had changed. I was so wrong, and in denial to say the least.

I'm not sure if it was bad timing on my part, or God's sign for something I still have yet to experience but launching a fashion business while being pregnant with twins is hard. I, having the super woman mentality that I have, did not let it stop me until about a month ago. I was still knee deep into the business going on meetings, schlepping samples around, and working around the clock. I was determined that my pregnancy would not get in the way of my business success and I was adamant that I could do it all. One Sunday I had slept most of the day away as I had a busy week prior. I woke up around 5 in the evening from my nap to find myself bleeding. At that exact second in time, my heart stopped and the only thing I could think of was if my babies were okay? I was rushed to the hospital and admitted. Thankfully everything was okay and my little angels were safe and sound but the doctor had  said that carrying multiples is very demanding on your body and is considered a high risk pregnancy. Every day counts and my OB ordered me to be on complete bed rest. I was not allowed to do anything except eat, shower, and rest. This was a total shock to me since I was only 16 weeks at the time. I've seen so many pregnant women working through their pregnancy up until the baby was born and I just thought I would be one of those women. 2 weeks into my bed rest and I had a complete breakdown. All of my hard work and money invested into the business has to be put on complete hold and this was not an easy pill to swallow.

I woke up one morning and had remembered a couple of dreams about the business from the night and I just started balling in bed. Steven immediately asked me what was wrong and I just couldn't stop crying. He gave me a lot of perspective and made me realize that just because my life is taking a detour, it does not mean that its over and my dreams of launching a business is over. It just means there is another route that I will need to take to get there one day and for now, a new path has opened and I am destined to follow it! Thank God for blessing me with my partner in life because Steven has truly been my back bone supporting me throughout all of this. I am so lucky to have such an amazing man and partner in life. I've finally given in and left my life in God's hands. I've let it all go and am finally at peace with enjoying every moment of my pregnancy and making sure I do everything to keep my babies safe and sound for at least 16 more weeks! I'm 20 weeks to day and it's vital to keep them cooking in my tummy until 36 weeks and if that means laying in bed for the next 16 weeks, I'm determined to do so. They are my life and they depend on me for their lively hood and it has finally sunken in that this is all happening for a reason...and the day I finally hold my babies in my arms, nothing else will matter :)

THINKING ABOUT: Diapers! LOL sounds funny huh? Well since we are having twins, I am already starting to obsess about all the logistics both financially and functionally of what we need to prepare for their arrival. Diapers are not cheap, and having two times the poo will be costly to say the least. Thus I'm already starting to stock pile diapers! I've researched a ton and got a lot of tips from others and the key is to get diapers when the are on sale and its hard when your babies are already here and in need. If I stock up now, I can wait for the sales and coupons since the babies wont be here until March.

WATCHING: Everything & Anything. My days are wide open now and consist of reading and watching my shows such as Vampire Diaries :)

CRAVING: As of late it has been black olives & frosted flakes! Not together of course but its no surprise that you see me open a can of black olives and eat them up right out of the can like a meal! Just last night I was having such a craving for a bowl of frosted flakes that I asked me lovely hubby to go to the grocery store at 10pm to go get me some since we were all out. They are sooo good and makes me one happy mama!

FEELING: Happy & Blessed. Content that my life is exactly where is destined to be and enjoying every minute of it!

xoxo, T

Muse Monday: Jessica Cook

This weeks Muse Monday features the ever so beautiful, @Jessicamcook
 I stumbled upon Jessica after perusing many head shots to cast a model for my look book. Once I saw hers, I immediately knew I had found the one I was searching for! She had everything that I was looking for, and her personality made my first look book photo shoot, one for the books. She is uber talented and did I mention she could sing! She is not only beautiful on the outside, but an amazing person on the inside as well. Talk about the full package! I look forward to working with her again in the future...

Designer Spotlight: Alexandre Vauthier

I skipped out on the Emmy festivities last night and instead watched the season finale of #RHNJ. Yes, I don't know what my Sundays will be like now that it's over. At least there is a 3 part reunion to hold me over! 

Any who, as I was doing my usually blog browsing, I noticed that this years Emmy's fashion seemed pretty mediocre. One look that definitely caught my eye was a gown by Alexandre Vauthier. Heidi Klum always looks stunning... but this look in particular took the cake! Between the soft sheer draping, and thigh high slits, Oy Vey! even though it exudes all kinds of sexiness, the femininity of the cut and color make it a beautiful gown. Well done Alexandre!

Life's Multiple Blessings...

Even though it's been dead silent on my blog, Its been a whirlwind of some of the highest peaks of my life in the past two months. I've been through so many ups and downs in the past 27 years and even though I know there are many more to come, I am blessed beyond belief.

 I've been silent because I've been keeping a secret.One that has been very hard to keep to myself. It gives me great joy as I type, Babylove and I are expecting two bundles of joy! Yep...you read correct. God has blessed us with twins and my heart skips two little beats with the very thought of it :)
 

Being that we are having twins, we have to see a specialist and OB since it's recognized as a higher risk pregnancy. We had our 10 week check up last Tuesday and I took my niece Alexis with me. The twins are doing great and all was good. As my OB was doing my ultrasound, Alexis and I got to see the twins doing somersaults! It was so surreal and such an amazing moment to share with my 8 year old niece. A memory we will have forever :) I remember when she was just born and now to think how fast 8 years have flown by...I really can't wait to meet my babies!

Life Currently...

As always life has caught up to me where I've not been able to balance it all out. So much has happened since my last Life Currently post. It's so overwhelming that I feel at times it overtakes me. Blogging is beneficial in so many ways. One of which is being able to document your life in a chapter format. Having this outlet allows you to look back at times, memories, etc., and see how far you have come and how much your life has changed whether that be for better or worse.

I've been trying my hardest to balance family with work, but at times seems almost impossible. I do feel like I am getting better at it though. The kids are off from school for the summer so trying to keep myself and them on a schedule is challenging... but I'm determined to conquer it! We've been super social as there seems to be a festivity of some sort every weekend. The first picture is of my niece Alexis, my stepson Dylan, and myself photo-boothing-it-up in the car. Can you tell they were fighting over whose face will be more present in the picture! lol I think Dylan got us on this one :) The second picture is a rather large bowl of fruits and veggies. I've been on a juicing kick trying to keep my energy high since my daily to-do-list is by far its' lengthiest to date. The Green Machine is my go to recipe that is both healthy & delicious! The third picture is a snapshot of me knee deep into the collection in downtown LA. Everything is going good and I am super excited to see everything come to life. It truly is an amazing feeling to see your one dimensional sketches transform into a three dimensional body of artwork. After the Spring/Summer 2012 Sample Set is complete, that is when all the hard work will truly start. As daunting as it may seem,  I'm more than ready. I am pursuing my dreams no matter what it takes. The fourth picture is a gift that I was pleasantly surprised with for my birthday. It came all the way from Canada from a good friend of mine that I truly cherish. It was a surprise and it truly means more to me than she'll ever truly know. As I've gotten older, I have realized that good friends are truly hard to come by. So if you have a good circle of friends, cherish them!

THINKING ABOUT: Life in it's totality. Relationships, Careers, Responsibilities, Happiness, Finances, Aspirations, Love, Obligations, The highs...the lows...I mean the list goes on, and on.

WATCHING: Nothing Really. Well I haven't been able to watch much tv these days but I am recording my favorites that are back on for the summer; True Blood & Pretty Little Liars. Ha, please don't judge me for my cheesy guilty pleasures such as abcfamily and those vamps!

EATING: Healthy. Juicing has gave me a new perspective to eating healthy. I just can't continue on the path that I have with food. It is a love/hate relationship that needs some serious boundaries. I am getting older, my body is changing, and I really need to put as much TLC into it as I i do in other areas of my life. {ugh, the whole balance thing is truly a challenge for me} I am staying away from all things junk, processed, and sugary...for 98% of the time. I will indulge in the other 2% because hey, life is short and what's 2%? lol

FEELING: Spiritual. I have gotten more and more aligned with God as I have aged. I feel that throughout the numerous life changes that have occurred, the only reason I have stayed calm and peaceful is GOD. He is the reason I have been blessed with everything that I have and I am putting him at the forefront of my priorities. He comes before all and It feels so right within. I've always prayed, and always had somewhat of a connection...but now it's on a whole different level. I am reading the word everyday as a compass to guide me along this crazy world we call life and God is guiding me through it all. This is one of the prayers I say on a daily basis;

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next.

I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions of how you balance out your life or leave links of your life currently posts! 

xx, 

TD

33 Ways to....

Designer Spotlight: Anndra Neen

 Designer Duos Phoebe & Annette Stephens are the masterminds behind the a-m-a-z-i-n-g 

jewelry line, Anndra Neen. Their family heritage inspired artistry and eccentric style has brought much attention their way in just a short period of time. Every piece is truly a piece of art. I've naturally gravitated to the  cage mini clutch of course! Have you seen it? It's pure perfection...I mean all of it, really!

Pictures via Anndra Neen

Muse Monday...

This weeks Muse Monday features the fresh faced nineteen year old, Jasmine Sanders. I was on Vision, which is a model agency, looking to cast my look book model... when I stumbled upon her portfolio. She is strikingly beautiful...and in the most subtle way. I am absolutely smitten with her photos and I can see her look being perfect for my S/S 2013 Lookbook...almost so much I just might have to contact her Agency!

Pictures via Vision Los Angeles

Capture: Hedi Slimane

Pictures via Hedi Slimane

Not only is he a talented photographer, but he also is a fashion designer who has worked as the Creative Director of major labels such as Yves Saint Laurent & Christian Dior.  I am a huge fan of his work, and I have not seen a project yet that I wasn't amazed by. See for yourself here.

Travel: Take Me Away!

Pictures via Bless this Stuff

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa in the stunning Island of Maldives, is indeed on my list of places to travel to. Who wouldn't want to see and experience this beautiful place!? Ahhh, I can see it now...YEP, sunbathing right outside my water bungalow! Hmm...Honeymoon perhaps? One could only hope ;)

Wishfully thinking - xx, T

Craft Love : Engraved Charms

I have been lusting over engraved charms for as long as I can think. In actuality, I would have already purchased one {I was originally eyeing one like this} if it weren't for babylove giving me the "I don't think you should waste our save for a house money, on jewelry." Hmm...let me think about that...House > Jewelry...enough said!

I was reading my blog feed when I stumbled upon I SPY DIY Post on how to make an engraved charm necklace yourself ...for a much more sensible price. Um, yes please! Check it out for the step by step process and where to get the tools & materials from. Not to mention all her other cool DIY projects!

Pictures via I SPY DIY

Happy Saturday Crafting-  xx, T

Unedited: Things I'm afraid to tell you!

I am very open and honest about my life, experiences, and personal relations I've had and have. I've been told on numerous accounts that I say too much and I shouldn't. I put my business out there for people to judge and criticize. As much as this could be true, it doesn't bother me as much as it does for others. The thing is...this is who I am. I have no shame in telling you my successes, failures, or personal experiences as we ALL learn from one another. We all experience the same issues, but conquer them in different ways. I guess I've always been that person who simply did not care about what others thought of me.  May that be good, bad, or indifferent...I speak nothing but the truth and what you think of me is simply your opinion. Writing has always been an outlet for me to express myself. I am as vocal in my life, as I am in my posts and I doubt that will ever change. When I stumbled upon this installment of posts from bloggers I follow, I enjoyed being able to read the things they've wanted to post on their own personal blog, but steered away from because it had became a business that would or could be judged. I enjoyed it most because It was genuine content that is unedited. It makes you feel like you're not alone as most of these thoughts are similar to the ones that many have {especially entrepreneurs}. Just like therapy, it is always different to hear the same exact things you think in your head said by someone else. It just validates that you are not a lone, and it's all part of life. 

So with that being said, here are a few of mine.

Image via Ez

+ I'm afraid of failure. More than the average, I think. I guess it stems from my childhood. My parents are immigrants that have sacrificed their entire life for their children {and still do}. Seeing all the sacrifices that they have made for my brother and I is not only selfless, but inspiring. The love and commitment they have for us, is truly one of a kind. Which lays the pressure of succeeding that much more important! I constantly say failure is not an option, but there is still that thought lurking my brain "What if I do". Launching my collection has been challenging not in the every day doing but more in taking the plunge of actually believing in myself enough to succeed.

+ I am horrible with grammar & punctuation. God only knows how I passed English because all those rules have been forgotten, if I never learned properly in the first place. All I can say is thank you Jesus for spell check! lol

+ I kiss my dogs on their lips. Gross, I know. But they're my little babies in fur costumes. Yep...I'm one of those...but don't worry it's mainly pecks!

+ I'm afraid my image wont be accepted. Sometimes I think my weight will get in the way of opportunities for my fashion career. This is something I've battled for a long time and am probably most sensitive about.

+ Lack of balance. I'm afraid that I won't be able to have the family and career that I've dreamt about, with out jeopardizing one. I have such an amazing support system and am working on time management so hopefully it is a fear that will diminish with time, but a frightful fear none the less.

Well...that's enough about me! Whew! talk about vulnerability at its finest.

Bloggers Who Are Participating in Wave No.2:

Cassie: Coco + Kelley / Christine: Court & Hudson / Caitlin: Sacramento Street / Roxy: My Cup of Te / Crystal: Blog / Meg: MIMI+MEG / Ashlina: The Decorista / Katie: Modern Eve / Erin: Apartment 34 / Erica: Design Blahg / Victoria: Vmac & Cheese / Christine: Miles to Style / Franki: Life in a Venti Cup  / Sue: The Zhush / Erika: Radiant Republic / Gabrielle: Savvy Home / Monika: The Doctor's Closet / Naomi: Design Manifest /Tobe: Because It's Awesome / Becca: {extra}ordinary wonders / Lynzy: Sparkling Footsteps / Hitha: Hitha On The Go / Sarah: Note To Self / Liz: So Much To Smile About / Sarah: Blogstar / Alissa: The Goods Design / Jessie: Style & Pepper / Erika: Small Shop Studio  / AV: Long Distance Loving / Maggie: Maggie Rose Blog / Nicole: The City Girl In Me / Priscilla:The Best Laid Plans / Jen: Concrete Jungle DC / Janelle: Food Fashion Fitness / Natalie: East Coast Chic

Here are the bloggers that participated in Ez's Wave No. 1 of Things I'm Afraid To Tell You: 
Design for Mankind | Little Brown Pen | Beautiful Hello | Curating Style | Sweet Fine Day | The Jealous Curator | Happy Days | Sage & Berries | Really Handmade | Peck Life | Satsuma Press | Rena Tom | For the Easily Distracted | The Hemborg Wife | Vitamini Handmade | Courtney Khail Stationery and Design | Meg in Progress | Dando Photography Blog | Widdershins22 | Alison Citron | Pink Moon Daily | Just Pretty Things | From China Village | Tea with Me | The Darling Ewe | Not Your Average Ordinary | The Electric Typewriter | Elleby Design | Parsimonia {Secondhand With Style} | Life as an Artistpreneur | Hello Cupcake | Dellie | The A & B Stories | Pretty Little Things | Feistyelle | Nib & Zed | Well and Cheaply | I Ripple. I Dance. | Whitfield Awesome Blog | Foxtrot Press| Dry As Toast | The List of Now | Apple Blue | For the Love of | Four Flights of Fancy | Miss Modish | Snapshots & Secrets | Dirty Laundry | Bubby & Bean | Penelope's Press | Little Nostalgia | Vale Design | Pikaland | Fleurishing | Print Pretty | Vespa Tales | Hazel & Agnes | Amanda's Musings | Mo' Funk Designs | Ordinary Mommy | Camp 1899 | In Honor of Design | Liberty's Yarn | Love, Life & Pictures | Stacey Winters | Owl in the Rain | Living Life Creatively | Emma Elizabeth Clease | I Live in Vacouver Now | British Cream Tea

I hope you enjoy these as much as I did! xx - T

Desert Queen

The Grazia UK June 2012 featuring Marcelina Sowa - Via  Trendhunter

Hello, Yellow.

Pictures VIA - Pinterest