Fancy Files

Baby Makes 3.

Despite the crazy amounts of babies that are born ALL THE TIME, getting pregnant really is truly a miracle.

RyRo and I really were not trying to have a baby. Honestly, we had sort of written kids out of the equation (But, despite that, we are still super thrilled to become parents and immediately went into Mommy/Daddy Mode). So, needless to say, everyone (including us) was shocked when those two blue lines appeared.

How I found out: 

I had not been feeling like myself. This may be TMI and if so, ehhh…not sorry, I want to be 100% real and authentic in talking about my pregnancy and the birth of my child because I really appreciate reading things from other moms who are real with me. It helps me to process the chaos that I feel inside at times.

Symptoms and Signs

  1. My boobs were KILLING me.
  2. I was so tired ALL THE TIME. I literally felt like a lead blanket was on my body. Not only physically but mentally tired as well.
  3. Heartburn. I never really had heartburn but started to experience it.
  4. I was a few days late (Honestly, did not think a thing of it, because I had been late the month before.
  5. Insane Sense of Smell
  6. Craving Black Bean Soup and Sandwiches.

Due to the above symptoms, I decided to take a test. It was a Wednesday. August 9th. I ran up to CVS and grabbed a box of cheap test. Nothing fancy. Came home to take it quickly before I had to run out to do some errands. Never in a MILLION years did I think I would actually see those two blue lines. NEVER. It lit up like a Christmas tree. They were dark blue. There was no mistaking that it was positive. I didn’t cry or anything, I just started shaking.

How I told RyRo: 

Immediately following the test I called Sir RyRo. He did not answer and texted me that he was in a meeting (He was traveling for work at the time). I told him he needed to call me ASAP and he did. I told him the results and he said, “take another test.”

After telling RyRo, I did what any person who finds out she is pregnant does: I cleaned out three closets, started a baby registry via Baby List, and ordered a Praying through Your Pregnancy Book + A Bump for Joy Pregnancy Journal. I have pretty much been in go-mode ever since finding out.

Confirming this is  real deal: 

I immediately called my OBGYN and let’s just be honest, this is not some miraculous thing for them. This is not a big deal to them. They deal with hundreds of women on the daily so when I asked to come in for bloodwork they were like, we really won’t see you until you are like 9 – 12 weeks. I am like WHAT?!?! That’s the entire 1st trimester. I just wanted to see how far along I was, I had NO IDEA. I went to PCP that day and did blood work. He thought I was about 6 weeks based on the bloodwork but I was actually 5 weeks (Come to find out once we went to the OBGYN).

Telling our friends and Family: 

We told our family pretty much immediately. I had a small medical procedure scheduled for the Thursday after I found out so my Dad was coming into town and my mom and Aunt were together. We FaceTimed and told them all together. My mom lost it and my dad went into shock. He did not speak for about 2 hours. We wanted to tell Ryans family in person but just could not wait so we told them all over the phone and they were all SO thrilled.

We told all of our close friends either in person or via FaceTime. It was so fun to tell them and everyone was so happy for us.

Gender Reveal + Telling the World:

I am a party planner my nature, but I had NO energy at all to even think about hosting a party so a couple of my sweet girlfriends offered to host the gender reveal for us. We took bloodwork at 10 Weeks that confirmed the sex of our baby and found out on September 26, 2017. We did not want to be surprised in front of anyone and wanted time to be excited together and in private.

Photo Cred: Matt J Daniel  // Balloon: Magnolia Bloom Boutique

 

 

Our Gender Reveal was that Friday Evening and Watch at this fun video shot by my precious little goddaughter, Emma.

IT’S A

 

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Pucker Up

I am sure many of you have heard of Lipsense. I have multiple friends who sell this product but one of my highschool girlfriends, contacted me and asked me if I wanted to try it! I was like, absolutely. I had seen so much about it but am just such a MAC snob that I had never considered purchasing it.

There are SO many color options to choose from and each individual seller gets certain stock. Chances are, if you can’t find it with one friend, you can find it with another. Angie’s Color Addictions page has so many fun choices and she post great little tips and tricks videos.

What is Lipsense?

Lipsense promises to stay on ALL DAY. And it is made in the old USA.

 

Have you ever wondered what a lipstick would look like with your particular skin tone? Well, Lipsense has got you covered! The color Angie chose for me was Sassy Z. I told her I wanted something for everyday. I typically wear OUTRAGEOUS colors, so I wanted something more neutral. Sassy Z was the perfect color for me.

 

When the package arrived, I was super happy. Angie sends the cutest little baggie to keep all your products together and her marketing is adorable.

Lipsense requires 3 Things: 1. The color itself // 2. The Gloss // 3. The Remover.

I was sent the “glossy, glossy,” but there are several different types of gloss.

There are specific steps they ask that you follow before you put the product on. Angie included all of these with the product so it was really helpful to ensure you get maximum wear.

I was so excited to try it. I put it on as I was on my way to get a haircut. When you put it on, it is sort of cold. Sounds weird right? But it was. And you have to put it on in 4 steps. Three thin coats of color and then one coat of gloss. They suggest you re-apply gloss throughout the day. You DEFINITELY need to use the remover to take it off. I tried a makeup wipe and it was a no-go.

Isn’t the color so gorgeous? It really complimented by skin tone.

It really did live up to its promise of staying on all day. The gloss to me felt a little sticky (this was probably the ONLY con). I like a really silky gloss, BUT it really did work. So, I didn’t mind so much. This was after my hair cut!

 

 

 

I would definitely recommend Lipsense and am looking forward to eventually trying more glosses and colors.

In addition to lipsticks SeneGence has TONS of makeup options as well.

Check out Angie’s Color Addictions Page and support small business.

Happy Puckering!

XOXO

Fancy

Mother’s Day Succulent Planting with Mom

One of my favorite spots to shop in Houston is Emerson Rose in the Heights. They have the cutest gifts, clothing, accessories, etc. So, when they posted on Insta that they were having a Mothers Day Succulent Planting Party, I was ALL in. I asked my mom if she wanted to go and she said yes and I was really happy! My mom has never been into presents (Me on the other hand. Kidding. Well, not really.). So, I knew she would enjoy making the memory and we did get little take-home which is fun! Here are some pics from the event.

 

 

She wanted the baby pot.

C.C. planting it up.

Our finished masterpieces.

How adorable are these planters for Emerson Rose? I am OBSESSED with mine.

 

Let’s create experiences and memories that will last forever!

XOXO

Fancy

Mothers Day Brunch 2017

To be honest, hosting parties used to terrify me, but somewhere along the way, I have become very comfortable with hosting parties, brunches, dinners. You name it. If its an excuse to feed people, I am all over it.

I wanted to share with you some of my tips to relieve stress and to ensure that YOU, the host, actually gets to enjoy the day.

Anytime, I am hosting, I always start with a vision board. I usually go to Pinterest first and create images and them go from there.

Here is my sample board for Mother’s Day. It’s a private board, so I will not link it but you get the idea.

 

As you can see, I am kind of all over the place. I wasn’t too sure exactly what menu I wanted to offer. The week of, I finally decided that I was going to do Italian. I needed this to be simple and I needed to be able to make as much ahead as possible.

Once my vision was clear, I created my actual vision board. Sometimes I do this in a program I have called SNAGIT, other times, I use PPT. It just depends what the party is for. For Mother’s Day, I used SNAGIT.

I wanted to have my tablescape design inspiration and menu ideas all in one place.

Menu: 

Pioneer Woman Bolognese // Cheese and Garlic Pull Apart Bread // Italian Green Beans // Garlic Parmesan Noodles  // Strawberry Cake (From the Box)

Beverages: 

Strawberry Lemon Sangria

Tablescape Inspiration: 

Place Setting ( I wasn’t planning on doing this exact idea, but I particularly liked the gold silverware and the yellow napkins as well as the cut-out name.

Florals (Again, I wasn’t planning on doing this exact floral design, but I knew I wanted bright florals.

My actual Mother’s Day Tablescape 

  I

 

My Tips for Stress Relief and Pre-Planning 

  1. Always make list
    1. I usually make my grocery list several days before. I divide everything I need up into categories (Produce, Cold, Meats, Canned…etc) This helps to save time at the grocery store.
      1. Check your pantry and scratch off items that you don’t need.
  2. Print out your recipes. 
  3. Do as much as you can ahead of time. 
    1. I knew the garlic bread I could make ahead so I made that on the Friday before Mother’s Day and wrapped it tightly in foil.
    2. I also knew that I could make the sangria the day before. This would give time for the wine to diffuse and for the fruit to absorb all of the flavors.
    3. I prepped the green beans but I knew this would not take me long morning of.
    4. Do your tablescape as many days ahead as you can.
      1. I didn’t want my flowers to die, so I only did mine the Friday before but if you get greenery that lives a long time, you can do this several days ahead of time. Two days for a tablescape is usually plenty.
  4. Have snacks out for your guest if you plan on cooking while they wait. 
    1. I typically DO NOT cook while my guest wait. This is just my personal preference. I don’t like people looking at me while I cook. But regardless, I did have a small charcuterie and cheese board out.
    2. Try to make sure your snacks are “on-theme.” Having chips and salsa out, really did not go with my italian theme. This is why I went cheese board.
  5. If you are cooking the morning of, CLEAN AS YOU GO.
    1. This is my biggest stress relief. I am the kind of person that can not cook or eat in a dirty kitchen. I always try to start any type of cooking with an empty sink/dishwasher, this way I can load it up as I go.
    2. Once you have loaded up all your cooking dishes and plates, wash them, and put them away. That way when your guest are done with dinner, plates can go direc
  6. When your guest arrive, have a drink in your hand. This gives the appearance that you relaxed. 
    1. I can’t take credit for this. I once read it, and have used it ever since. Even if internally I am thinking of the last minute things I have to handle, having a beverage in hand, gives off the appearance that you are relaxed and ready to mingle with your guest.
  7. Offer your guest a beverage or direct them to the bar. 
    1. If you are not going to getting your guest beverages themselves, make sure they are clear on how to obtain one.
  8. Try to have everything set out on time. 
    1. If you stated on the invitation that the meal starts at 11:00 AM. Have the meal READY at 11:00.
      1. Even if guest are mingling and chatting and you don’t serve until 11:30, it’s nice for you to be able to chat with your guest rather than busily manning the kitchen.
  9. Once everyone starts eating, ENJOY the meal with them. 
    1. This is the hardest thing for me. I like order and cleanliness, so often, I will start cleaning off the table promptly after the meal instead of relaxing and enjoying the conversation.
  10. WAIT to clean the kitchen until your guest leave. 
    1. This has been the hardest thing for me to learn. I usually start cleaning way before its time for guest to leave and then it makes your guest feel like they need to help. If it is family/guest that come over often, I generally am comfortable straightening up a bit while they are still there, but if its first timers, I generally set the plates in the sink and continue enjoying their company.

 

Becoming comfortable with hosting for me was a process. I find hosting very enjoyable. I love for people to come into my home and have an experience. I want them to show up and be wowed and leave with happy tummies.

I hope you enjoyed these tips and I hope you had a fabulous Mother’s Day!

XOXO

Fancy

Words of Wisdom from 2 Great Moms

This Mother’s Day I decided to do a little Q&A with my mom and my mother-in-law to get their take on things then and now, and to ask for advice for any new moms.

I myself am not a mom so I have no wisdom to share myself in these parts, but I hope you enjoy!

First off, my Mom!

Here she is with my sister and I.

 

1. What year did you become a mom? // 1978

2. How many kids do you have? // 2

3. What do you think is the biggest difference between being a mother then and being a mother now? // One thing I’ve seen a lot lately is moms on a device and their little ones trying to get their attention. Glad I had none of them.

4. What was your biggest fear about becoming a mom? // Would I be able to encourage and love them enough to fill them with confidence in all they wanted to accomplish, because I knew the world can be cruel.

 5. What was the most exciting thing about being a mom? // The relationships and talks, enjoying them and their friends. Loving them for who they are

6. What is one of your favorite memories of each of your children? //  When April was about 3 I put her in T ball and during the game at end of inning she came up to me and put her hand on her waist and said, mom these kids don’t know what they are doing. I said it’s ok they don’t know what to do but they will learn. She said I don’t know about that and shaking her head walked off to play.

Amy was so funny, always smiling, telling stories about her pretend kids, wearing my heels, big earrings, big hair decorations. Fancy pants! She was hilarious! Adored her sister and tried to play ball like her but it messed up her hair and made her sweat so that was out. Singing was in!

7.  What has changed the most about your relationship with your children since they have become adults? // The best thing is we can be friends. I no longer have the responsibilities of directing them in the way they should go. They know the Lord and I put them completely in His hands.

8. Name 1 thing you learned from your mother that you carried into your own motherhood experience. // Teaching them personal responsibility, picking up after yourself and good study habits.

9. What advice would you give to new moms?//  Relax,enjoy those little loving eyes looking at you like you are everything. Enjoy even the mess,I knew that eventually there would be a day that book bags and shoes and ball stuff would one day not be laying in front of the fireplace. It goes quicker than you think and you’ll miss the mess. I love when they visit now and I have shoes and other things where childhood memories were. Let them know no matter what you love them!

 

Next, my mother-in-law! Above is my husband’s family!

1. What year did you become a mom? // 1983

2. How many kids do you have? // 2

3. What do you think is the biggest difference between being a mother then and being a mother now? // Its more hands off, your still around to give advice and help out but not on an everyday basis.

4. What was your biggest fear about becoming a mom? // No instructions, praying you didn’t mess this kid up.

 5. What was the most exciting thing about being a mom? // Watching your children grow into their own person and seeing them thrive

6. What is one of your favorite memories of each of your children? //  When Ryan was little taking him to the zoo he loved the animals and his face would like up big smile on his face especially on the train.

Hannah playing basketball especially when they won it was fun times. Hanging out with her and all the girls shopping.

7.  What has changed the most about your relationship with your children since they have become adults? // I don’t see and speak to them as much as I use to.

8. Name 1 thing you did differently than your mother.  // Made sure to stay on top of what kids were up to who they hung out with

9. Name 1 thing you learned from your mother that you carried into your own motherhood experience. // Take good care of your children

10. What advice would you give to new moms?//  Enjoy every moment you have them near because it doesn’t last forever

So to all the baby mommas out there, HAPPY MOTHERS DAY! I hope you enjoyed this little Q&A with two amazing moms!

XOXO

Fancy

Find What Works

In college, I think some would say I had an unhealthy relationship with the gym. I was OBSESSED with working out. I think I was so terrified to gain the freshman 15 and instead of gaining weight, I actually lost weight.

Fast forward almost 10 years later, and I find fitness and healthy eating a bit of a chore. They don’t call it “working out” for nothing. Now that I am “in” my thirties (as I so often like to tell people), I have found gaining and maintaining strength and balance so important. I may not have my 20 year old body, but I have a 30 year old body that I love and adore very much and want to keep it in order.

A month ago to the day, one of my friends invited me to Pure Barre. I had never heard of it. When you sign up for the class, they send you an email with an introduction video and some helpful tips. I diligently watched the video and was sure that I would be fine. I mean, I had done ballet last year (once).

I had NO IDEA what I had signed up for, especially when I was sweating within the first 10 minutes. But I left and I was hooked. I decided to sign up for a month because they had a new member sign-up special. Here is a little video they ask you to watch before you come in:

I committed to going at least 3x’s a week. There was one week that I wasn’t able to go at all because of work and travel for work but I pretty much went throughout the month and I LOVE IT.

I am so addicted to it. When my membership was up for renewal, I decided to only renew for 6 months. It is a tad bit on the pricey side, but I just feel so empowered, strong, and lean when I leave that I just had to continue. There are times when I am doing the workout that I feel like I will not make it, but I always do.

              I told my friend this is how I felt during my first class. BAHHHHHH.

I just want to encourage YOU, my lovely readers, to find what works for you. Being active, moving, and making good decisions are all such important things. Pure Barre might not be it, but find what works for you and get moving.

Share what workouts you enjoy in the comments. I would love to hear how you are getting physical.

Bend + Stretch + Tuck

Fancy

Fancy Gives Back: Big Taste Houston 2017

My friend Allison has been volunteering with Big Brothers, Big Sisters Houston for several years now. When she invited us to this years Big Taste of Houston Event in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters, I was game.

This event totally exceeded my expectations. RyRo wasn’t able to attend, so one of my gal pals came with me and we had a blast eating THE MOST amazing food.

I wanted to share with you some of my photos from the event. To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters Houston, click HERE.

I was OBSESSED with this look. This lip color is so fun for summer and it stays on ALL DAY.

Obsessed with this look. I got this dress in Tyler, TX at the cutest little boutique called Spin Out. Its Band of Gypsies. Lip Color is Fuschia Flicker from MAC.

 

Champagne Dress. I think I need this in my life.

GIRL BOSSES.

My sweet friend and I ! She is legit the best.

One of the best libations from Bosscat Kitchen

My Favorite. Deep Eddy Ruby Red with Topo.

 

I love supporting great causes and I love it even more when I get to wear a fabulous dress and eat tons of food!

XOXO

Fancy

East End Pinata Fest

I absolutely love living in East Downtown Houston. Its an area rich in culture and there is always something going on. Last weekend there was a Pinata Festival! We are able to walk to the Esplanade and so we loaded up little Lola in her stroller and took off! Any excuse I get to wear a flower crown, I am all about.

 

One of the amazing murals in our community.

Check out all the amazing large pinata sculptures. They were absolutely incredible.

Lola and I next to my favorite sculpture! She was afraid of the paper blowing in the wind.

Wherever you live, it is important to immerse yourself in rich cultural experiences. Find out what’s happening in your community and just get out there! You will be surprised what you will discover not only about your community but about yourself. I am so thankful that I get to live here.

XOXO

Fancy

Fancy Does it Herself: Couple Shower Gift

I am the girl who immediately runs to Target when I get an invitation to a shower. I always buy off the registry, which I am a firm believer in. But when two of my dear friends from my hometown announced their nuptials, I knew I would have to get creative in the gift department (  Brent, my friend’s fiance is an AMAZING Graphic Artist. He has his own Company and Insta Following: DRAW FROM SCRIPTURE. You have to check it out and be sure and follow his instagram and FaceBook Page!).

PLUS, RyRo and I were on their very FIRST DATE! I mean….AMAZING!

On to the DIY portion of this post. I first looked at the invitation for their couples shower and it stated that anything really goes. Including wine. My creative juices began to flow.

I took to pinterest for some inspiration and found some really cute custom wine bottle tags. Basically, there are all these different milestones that you can pair with a wine and a little poem.

There are TONS of vendors on ETSY who sell custom tags, but since I got my handy-dandy Cricut Explore Air, I decided to try to make them on my own. The hardest part was finding the FREE SVG Cut File in the shape of the tags, but I found one that I liked and that was easy to download. If you want to use the one I found, I linked it HERE.

The second hardest part was coming up with the little phrases I was going to use. I didn’t want it to be too deep but also wanted to make them fun and memorable.

So, here you have it. I decided to do 3 Different Bottles: 6 Month Anniversary, 1st Christmas, and 1st Anniversary.

Next, I found the cutest box that could hold all three bottles. And could serve as a place for the couple to store cards they get from their wedding/showers/anniversaries…etc. I tied it up with some string and VOILA!

 

I loved the outcome! And I love that fact that it is something they will definitely use and hopefully get a good laugh or smile each time they open one of these bottles!

Cheers to Kay and Brent!

XOXO

Fancy

Let’s talk skincare.

I like to tell people that I am not only 30 but since turning 31, I am IN my thirties. I am doing this thing. No turning back.

Since I am not getting any younger and am now  IN my thirties, skincare has become VERY important to me. I am kind of all over the place when it comes to products but have really found some things that are simple for me to use and that I love.

AM + PM

I always start off by cleansing my face with cool water. I use my Clarisonic Mia 2 (Which is on sale TODAY for only $125.00 with code!). I love my clarisonic and i always wash with the Purity face wash. Its so smooth and does not have a smell and leaves my skin feeling so clean after.

On LAZY days, I use the Micellar Cleansing water with a soft cotton pad. It is soooooo strange to thing your skin can actually be clean without any soap, but trust me, it works like a charm. And it actually does remove all of my makeup as well.

AM

After cleansing, i tone with Olay Pore Minimizing Toner. There are TONS of toners out there and R + F even has several (View HERE), but this one has worked well for me for years.

I am prone to redness so after toning i use the Dermalogica Barrier Repair. It reminds me of the R + F night renewing serum. It is super silky on and really does help reduce the redness in my skin.

One I have the barrier repair on I use my Ultra-Calming. Sometimes, I’ll switch the order of 5/6 depending on how I am feeling.

PM

In the evening, I cleanse again. Either with my Purity or my Micellar cleanser. And then I put on my Night Renewing Serum from R + F. I can not RAVE about this product enough. It comes in these super near little pods and you just cut them open and put the silky serum all over your face. It leaves your skin hydrated and feeling amazing when you wake up.

Next, I put on my lip renewing serum. You guys. It is AMAZING. I promise you, your lips will feel incredible the next day.

And finally, I put on my R + F Lash Boost. Ummmm…..let’s just say, hello gorgeous, fluttery eye lashes. No more fakies for me. Ever since using lash boost, I have definitely seen a growth in my lashes.

START NOW

No matter what your age is, make sure you are using age appropriate skincare. I do wish I had started on a proper skincare routine when I was a lot younger, but no time like the present.

 

Shop the Post: 

  1. Purity by Benefit Cleanser //  2. Clarisonic Mia 2  // 3. GARNIER SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Cleanser & Makeup Remover // 4. Oil of Olay Toner // 5. Dermologica Barrier Repair // 6. Dermologica Ultracalming Concentrate // 7. R + F Night Renewing Serum // 8. R + F Lip Renewing Serum // 9. R + F  Lash Boost 

Happy Cleansing!

XOXO

Fancy

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