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The secret is out… The hubby and I are going to be parents! Ahhhh, we are beyond excited!

But, along with the excitement also comes questions and concerns. From what I’ve observed, parenting is not for the faint of heart… And we are both well aware of that, it’s probably the main reason why we took our time adding kids into the mix in the first place.

I’ve personally never understood people who paint parenting as an easy and peachy picture. So, as far as parenting and truth-telling goes, you can expect me to be on the blunt side of things.

As for my first official pregnancy/parenting post, I decided to give you a peek into my brain.

Here are 10 real questions of a first-time mom:

  1. Why are so many first-time parents shocked at how hard the first 3 months are? Maybe I’m the odd one out, but the very thought of being a parent makes me nervous, especially the first few months scratch that, more like the entire first year. Being responsible for the life of another human? That’s scary.  And the first 3 months (get ready for my bluntness) seem like pure torture! Your body is recovering from the whole birthing process (which already freaks me out) and now you have to tend to another human every minute and hour of your day? And he/she spends most of its time latched onto you, what part of that seems easy?
  2. Will I ever be able to sleep again? I’m almost pretty sure that the answer to this question is a big fat NO! At least for a long time. But really!? Like, really? Can I pray to not be sleep deprived and be blessed with a child who loves sleep as much as I do? One can only dream…
  3. How in the world will I function without sleep? I’m the kind of person that gets grouchy when I don’t get my full 8-9 hours of sleep. Over time, I’ve tried to wake up earlier and enjoy more of my early mornings, but if I know I have to wake up earlier — I also go to bed earlier. Why? Because I need my beauty sleep. So, how exactly does one function with only 3 to 4 hours of sleep a day?
  4. Have my abs forever left the building? Watching your body change through the process of pregnancy is an interesting/fascinating/scary process. The fact that a child is being formed inside of me is both a miraculous and scary process. Don’t worry, I’m not expecting to go home in my skinny jeans after giving birth but I would like to someday fit into them again. Yes, I know the question may seem superficial and trivial but it’s a real question. Will I go back to normal? I’m hoping muscle memory is real and though I know my weight may be distributed differently post-baby, I’m still hoping to be able to feel confident post-pregnancy.
  5. Will every room in my house turn into a baby room? Toys, high-chairs, swings, pampers, rocking chairs, baby clothes. Ah! Why do babies come with so much stuff? And how do I prevent them from taking over my house? If you’ve ever visited the Enriquez household you can attest to the fact that everything has its place. Not because we’re overly clean or neat, but because we have to use our space wisely. We live in a one bedroom apartment in South Beach, we can’t really afford to hoard stuff, which I think is a good thing. But what do I do with all the baby stuff?
  6. Do I really need a mom car? I have a 4-door sedan, a Mazda 3 to be exact. Do I really need a van or SUV? Other than a car seat, diaper bag and stroller what else do I need the extra room for?
  7. What if I don’t fall in love with my newborn right away? I’ve always said that if I could give birth to a 1 or 2-year-old (though that would be extremely painful) I would have probably had kids a lot sooner. Toddlers are so fun and energetic. I love them! But, personally newborns aren’t all that exciting to me. In fact, I find them quite boring they don’t do anything. (I warned you that I would be honest.) They’re not yet fully alert, you have to be super gentle with them, and at first they don’t even smile. They’re so fragile that I’m scared of breaking them. I’m really hoping my motherly instincts kick-in as soon as I hold my child for the first time. But what if they don’t?
  8. Will I really stop liking and buying heels? I’m all about a cool pair of sneakers and pretty flats, but show me the right heels or wedges and I’ll toss comfort to the curve. Though from what I hear, moms slowly start losing their love for heels and start becoming more fond of flats. Is that a real thing? Or is it just practicality?
  9. Does parenting require me to finally grow up? I’ve always been a kid-at-heart. I enjoy a good laugh, a dance-off, being silly, playing in the park and doing things that sometimes test the limits. I love random adventures and meeting new people. Does this make me immature? Let me ask a better question, do I have to grow up and become boring now?
  10. Does it make me a bad parent if I don’t put my child first? Growing up in a Latino household I often heard the saying “los hijos son la prioridad  y lo mas importante de tu vida.” (Translation: Your children should always be your first priority and the most important part of your life.) Maybe it’s due to the fact that I was raised in a single-parent home where my mother had to play both mom and dad, work hard and even give up some of her aspirations in order to raise my sister and I. My mom is truly a blessing and I am ever so thankful for everything that she has done and continues to do for us. But sometimes, I wonder what would her life be like today if she had the help of my father? What would it look like to do this as a team with God at the center? The more I think of that, the more I vow to not make children my top priority. Instead, I promise to be a woman who first and foremost seeks God. Secondly, I promise to love, honor, and respect my husband and not give him my dirty seconds. I promise to love and cherish my child ever so dearly and I also know that the best way to do that is to raise him in a Godly-centered home and be able to be parents that love and care for each other as much as they do for him.  Eventually, I know that someday this child will leave and start a new family, and hopefully we’ll have set a good example to help him mold his future.

Well, there you have it a brain dump of all my questions. Feel free to agree, disagree, answer or not! All I know is that I will take all the advice I can get.

In the meantime, I’ll continue to enjoy the pregnancy process and keep playing dress-up with my growing bump. Thanks Tobi.com for helping me have a stylish baby bump!

TOBI Stylish Bump

Real Questions of a first-time mom 2MIRROR SLIT dress c/o TOBI
ZARA heels
NORDSTROM watch
KENDRA SCOTT bracelet c/o ROCKSBOX
GORJANA earrings c/o ROCKBOX

Stylish Bump Tobi (57 of 70) Real Questions of a first-time mom 4

Like my jewelry? Give Rocksbox a try! Have a free month on me, be sure to use the code VANNIAXOXO.

 

Lifestyle brand Peace Love World launched their first ever 100% Certified Organic Cotton collection, Good Food Good Mood, designed exclusively for Whole Foods Market — and the entire collection is adorable!

Plus, can the line’s name Good Food Good Mood be any more accurate? Because I don’t know about you, but my good mood is totally dependent on good food. ;)

And is it just me or does it seem like this Miami-based brand not only wants you to look good, but also to feel good about what you eat?

The line features witty foodie sayings, like “I Love You Berry Much,” “I Really Kale About You,” “Kiwi Be Friends,” “I Love You A Latte,” “Lettuce Go To Whole Foods,” and my personal favorite “I am Grapeful!” 

I styled my “I Really Kale About You” t-shirt with the classic denim and a tee. It’s gives off an effortless vibe that still allows you to look put together. Specially when the tee is tucked in the right places and is just the right fit. Not too tight, not too loose.PLW - Goof Food GOod Mood-20PLW - Goof Food GOod Mood-19

Ready to get your own? Participating Whole Food locations in Downtown, Coral Gables, South Beach, even Boca carry the line (zip up hoodies, pants, tanks and tees) prices range from $38 to $48 each.
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PS: To get you in the mood, I’ve partnered with Wholefoods and we’re giving one of our readers a $25 Wholefoods gift card!

Here’s how you enter:

Winners will be announced next week Wednesday. Check back soon!

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NORDSTROM jeans, watch & necklace
I REALLY KALE ABOUT YOU tee c/o PEACE LOVE WORLD
LAIKA shoes c/o TRAFFIC SCHOES

PLW - Goof Food GOod Mood-15 PLW - Goof Food GOod Mood-14 PLW - Goof Food GOod Mood-13 PLW - Goof Food GOod Mood-8Happy Friday!

SELF LOVE

Do you, like me, have a hard time saying what you love about yourself?

Last week I had the privilege of partnering with Traffic Shoe on their Self Love Is True Love campaign. And while I was very excited for the opportunity, I also had a really hard time picking out a word that described what I loved about myself.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a pretty confident person. But that wasn’t always the case…

In fact, the more I thought about it I realized that my confidence and self-assurance was a gift from God. It was because I learned that I was made by Him and for Him that I began to have self-worth. As my faith grew so did my confidence.

So, on this casual Friday, I decided to keep things simple. After all, life isn’t about you, nor what you have, or what you do. It’s about moments you’ve lived and people you’ve loved.

PS: Though self love is definitely important, I’m a strong believer that if you live a life focused only on yourself it can lead to a pretty empty and meaningless ending. Then it hit me, I realized that what I love about me is my faith. It keeps me grounded, gives me strength and sets me apart.

What do you love about yourself?

Casual Friday with Traffic Shoes-21 Casual Friday with Traffic Shoes-13 Casual Friday with Traffic Shoes-10

TJ MAXX tee
NORDSTROM RACK pants
ZARA backpack (sold out)
shoes c/o TRAFFIC

Talking about self love...

(shop a similar look below)
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GIRL MEETS CURL

Ever since I’ve cut my hair I’ve had quite a few strangers ask me what I use to style my curls. In case you too are wondering, I did a post about it here a while ago.

But I didn’t always know how to manage my curls.  In fact, through the years I’ve had a love hate relationship with my hair. You know, typical curly girl problems…

About 6 years ago, I chopped my hair into a bob and decided it would be a good idea to blow dry it and iron it everyday. After all, the pin straight look was in and hair was just hair. Right?

Wrong! After a year of blow drying my hair got so fried and damaged that I eventually started losing my curls. I kind of panicked! After months of deep-conditioning, hair treatments and tender love and care I finally had a girl meets curl moment.  The curls slowly began to grow back and I was enthused!

Since then I’ve only blow dried my hair once. Sounds drastic huh? Well it was, but I had finally embraced the fact that I was a curly girl and I loved it!

I may or may not blow dry it soon just to see how it looks. But for now, the only change I need is a fresh new cut!
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FOREVER 21 utility jacket (similar)
NORDSTROM pants
TOMS x Target  Collab shoes (similar)
KATE SPADE bag (similar)
FLAIR MIAMI tank
(Flair shop is temporarily down but email me for info on how to get the tank, info@flairmiami.com)

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“There are two things you can never have too many of: good friends and good shoes!” 

From one shoe-addict to another,  Carrie Bradshaw’s quote can be music to my ears…

But don’t get me wrong, I do think you can have too many shoes. Back when I was in college, my roommate and I had a wall full of shoes. We not only shared a room, a bed, but we also shared shoes. Hence, it made perfect sense to build a wall of 200+ shoes just between the two of us.

Did we wear them all? Who knows… All I know is that it was a little excessive. Okay, a lotta! Let’s just say we probably had at least five of the same shoes in different colors. (I know, it was pretty bad — don’t judge!)

Luckily, I can say that since then we’ve both de-cluttered and learned to not place value on quantity and things. Hoarding is never a good idea. It’s true what they say, less is more.

It’s easy to get lost in a sea of shoes and I mean they’re nice and all. But, do you really need one in every color? I don’t think so.

For today, let’s stick to basics. If I had to own only 10 shoes, I’d stick to one of each. There’s some for every price-range and every event.

Here are 10 shoes every woman should own:

Classic Black Pumps

Classic Nude Pumps


Ballet Flats


Ankle Strap Sandals


Casual Sneakers


Summer Wedges


Statement Heels


Ankle Booties


Riding Boots


Rain Boots

From a fun night out, to a day outdoors… I think with one of each, you’re pretty much set for any occasion! Which one do you need to add to your wardrobe?

WINTER FAVORITES

It finally happened! It was Winter in Miami, well at least for a week. Let’s see what next week has in store.

At the first hint of cool air, I snagged my winter favorites and wore them all at the same time. Do you blame me? It’s not often that we get to enjoy a breezy evening that reaches a low of 58 degrees. It was one for the books!

I grabbed my handy-dandy denim jacket. (I personally love denim everything and I had been searching for a good jacket for over a year. I must admit, this one was kind of a splurge but it fits so well.) I layered it over my H&M knit sweater, wrapped my favorite blanket scarf around my neck, and called it a day!

Since I was ready to browse around town, I paired the look with some adorable monogrammed accessories by MarleyLilly.

PS: If you’re on the hunt for a Valentine’s Day gift that says  “just for you,” be sure to see all of the adorable monogrammed options. They even personalize scarves!

WInter Favorites 2016-8WInter Favorites 2016-14 WInter Favorites 2016-6

HUMBLE CHIC blanket scarf
MADEWELL denim jacket
H&M knit sweater (similar)
VINCE jeans
OLD NAVY flats (similar)
monogrammed clutch c/o MARLEYLILLY
personalized leather wrap bracelet c/o MARLEY LILLY

WInter Favorites 2016-4

What are some of your winter favorites?

It’s that time of year where all we do is eat.

We meet up with friends to eat. We attend parties and eat. We celebrate holidays that center around a big fat turkey that we eat! Did I mention that we eat!? And we haven’t even gotten to Christmas or New Years yet…

Yup, we are officially in the holiday season and with all the festivities also come the (dare I say it?) extra pounds. Plus, is it just me, or doesn’t it feel like everyone likes to remind us about how the average American gains 5-10 lbs. during this season? I’m not sure how accurate that is, (or where in America these people live) but all I know is that I don’t want to be one of them. Not because I’m watching my weight but because I’d rather stay active and healthy.
Exercise Apparel

So, as we embark on the next few weeks here are a few reminders on how to stay motivated during the holidays:

  1. Find a friend. Maybe your goal is to stay active or to continue your regular workout regimen. Whatever the case, it is easier to stay motivated when you have someone to keep you accountable. Find a partner you can train with, or someone who can check-in on you to make sure you got your workout in. If you happen to go out of town, a jog/run is a great way to enjoy some time outdoors with family and friends!
  2. Keep it short. It’s no coincidence that getting in shape and losing weight are part of most New Year resolutions. When the holidays roll around our schedules get inundated with busyness and working out becomes quite a challenge. But, instead of skipping workouts altogether what if we maximize our time? Rather than planning a 45 min. or 1 hour workout, how about squeezing in a quick 20-30 minute workout during the day? Seems doable, right?
  3. Rise and grind. Start your day with an early workout. Trust me, I know this can take some getting used to — but the good thing about getting an early-morning workout is that it fuels you for the remainder of the day. Afterward, you’re free to roam and plan your day as needed. (I seriously have no idea how I used to wake up at 6am back in the day during my marathon training days.)
  4. Use your bodyweight. Maybe some of you have mommy /daddy duties to attend to in the morning, or you’re just literally too overwhelmed to even set foot in a gym. I’ve got good news for you — you can still get a great workout using your own body-weight! Just carve out 20-30 minutes of your day and get to it! Feel free to try this workout.
    Exercise Apparel SIX02 (5)Exercise Apparel SIX02 (13)
  5. Stick to colors.  As you find yourself ready to eat, when it comes to serving your actual plate try staying away from boring colorless items. You know, white or off-white foods like bread, rice and mashed potatoes. Instead, stick to all the fun bright colors on the serving table. Go for some delicious green beans, bright red tomatoes and even some orange carrots or sweet potatoes. PS. If possible, try to also choose an actual colored plate, according to Lifehacker, when the color of a plate matches the color of the food, people tend to serve themselves almost 30% more. Interesting, huh?
  6. Pick just one. When it comes to sweets, a little bit can go a long way. (Or so I hear.) Instead of serving yet another plate with mountain piles of dessert options. Try opting out of the sinful sweets and replacing them with a dessert-like cocktail. Little sips can help you get the sweet taste that you need, and it may even last longer. Plus, some cocktails can offer the savory sugar with as little as 45 calories. Okay okay, and if you absolutely must have some dessert, ditch the drink and get a small serving. But remember, just pick one!
  7. Walk it out. Post the big meal, (or even before) gather your friends and go for a walk. Maybe even start your holiday shopping and take a stroll down the mall. If you happen to be out of town, try sight-seeing on foot –if  the weather permits you can even go for a bike ride.
  8. Start a tradition. Sign-up the whole family for a holiday-themed run/walk. There are tons of family friendly options available, just search through the local listings in your city. Are you in the Miami or Florida area? Try the Turkey Trot or a any of these holiday run/walks.
  9. Keep it clean. The dreadful part of a holiday party is always the clean-up, even more if you are the one hosting. But if you get started on a few dishes, you may even burn off some of those unwanted calories. (About 100 – 130 calories. Hey,I said some…)
  10. Treat yo’self! No, not to to some extra gravy or another piece of pumpkin pie, but to some killer workout gear! If your budget permits, indulging in some athletic gear will allow you to not only feel good but also inspire you to look good. I don’t know about you, but I started off my holiday motivation with tip #10. I found these killer workout pants and a perfectly fitting sports bra and tank at SIX:02. As soon as I put them on I was automatically inspired to hit the gym. (Need a gift for a fit lady friend? How about some chic active-wear? I recommend visiting any of the SIX:02 locations. You’ll find perfect stocking stuffers and bold activewear providing both the style and comfort that you need. PS: My entire outfit was styled for me by the awesome and helpful ladies at the SIX:02 store in Aventura Mall, tell them I sent ya. :) PSS: I am absolutely in love with every piece, so much that I almost didn’t want to work out in it… Shhh. Don’t repeat that. It’s our little secret.)

Exercise Apparel SIX02 (8) Exercise Apparel SIX02 (4)

KORAL ACTIVEWEAR jacket, sports bra & leggings c/o SIX:02 (similar)
NIKE DUNK SKY HI sneakers c/o  SIX:02

Exercise Apparel SIX02 (1)Exercise Apparel SIX02 (14)Exercise Apparel SIX02 (10)

Remember, it isn’t about a number on the scale but about being a healthy and confident YOU! Don’t strive for perfection but rather start habits that you can incorporate into your day-to-day life.

Enoy the holidays!!

YOINS REVIEW

It’s no surprise that shopping online is not only a convenience, but nowadays it is also the norm.

Gone are the days of waiting in long lines trying to get your hands on that new item you’ve been longing for. These days, if you see something you like and can’t find it at your local department store —  you just browse the web and you’re pretty much guaranteed to find a similar piece online. Probably even at a lower price.

Well, that’s kind of what happened to me a few weeks ago. I was searching high and low for a black vest and a white cape. I really wanted to add both of these pieces to my Fall wardrobe but I didn’t really feel like spending a fortune on such trendy items. I tried on a few capes and vests at the mall and they were either too big or too expensive.

After my unsuccessful shopping trip, I decided to search the good ol’ world wide web and I stumbled upon Yoins. The name rang a bell because just days ago I had actually received an email from them asking me if I’d be interested in collaborating. Needless to say, it was perfect timing.

In just minutes, I found the perfect structured white cape blazer and decided to give it a go! A few weeks later the cape and vest (styled here) arrived at my door and I was beyond pleased!
YoinsYoins-4Yoins-2Yoins-3 CapeYoins-7

The fit, the cut and the quality was excellent! Plus, my cape was less than $40!

The shipment arrived way faster than I thought. Did I mention I lost my mail key? Good thing I’m basically besties with my mail lady because I guess she realized it had been weeks since I last checked my mail, she was actually kind enough to deliver the package to my door. Yeay!

Are you in the hunt for a trendy topper but don’t want to spend an arm and a leg? Give Yoins a try! I think you’ll be thoroughly pleased!

Yoins-12 Yoins-14

structured cape c/o YOINS
GAP cami
H&M faux leather pants (similar)
ZARA pumps
INSTYLE clutch c/o NINE WEST
TJ MAXX earings (similar & similar)
necklace c/o TAUDREY

Yoins-16

 

CAMEL SHIRT DRESS

It’s no secret that I’m a sucker for dresses and this season I’ve been particularly fond of shirt-dresses. They are effortless and flattering plus, they give off an “I woke up like this” vibe (in a good way) don’t you think?

I actually wore this H&M camel shirt dress to the Chevy Play Miami event and accessorized it with a leopard scarf. Needless to say, the scarf only made it past my front door and into the car door — then it just had to come off! I was too dang hot!

Since Miami-ans are still basking in 90 degree weather, I think it’s safe to say that even without the scarf this fanciful concealed buttoned-down dress is still this season’s must-have. Hey, at least it is still in the fall color scheme. ;)

PS: Since I have at least 3 of these shirt dresses I want to get creative and find different fun ways to wear them. I have a few ideas, but do you have any suggestions on how I can remix this look?

OOTD Forever 21 Dress Shirt-25OOTD Forever 21 Dress Shirt-13OOTD Forever 21 Dress Shirt-27OOTD Forever 21 Dress Shirt-37 OOTD Forever 21 Dress Shirt-41 OOTD Forever 21 Dress Shirt-5

FOREVER 21 sunnies
H&M shirtdress (sold out, similar items below)
ZARA wedges
PHILLIP LIM x TARGET bag

For someone that only knows me through the blog, I suppose it’s easy to assume that my life is filled with rainbows and butterflies.

I mean, why would you not think that? For the most part, my pictures look pretty and my life seems peachy. Right?

But can I get real with you? Today, I’m having a really hard time “working from home.” I don’t know if other people that work from home feel the way I do, but I get serious cabin fever. Sure it has its ups and downs… Sometimes I love it. Sometimes I hate it.

But at the end of the day I’m the type of person that needs to feel like I’m making a difference, I need to interact with others and I need to be reminded that the world doesn’t evolve around me.

As a blogger it is so easy to get wrapped up in frivolousness. In a ME world.

But at the end of the day, when I look up to the sky I know that I don’t live for me. I don’t live for you. I live to honor God and bring Him glory. Days like today, reading verses like Col. 3:23 reminds me to work willingly at whatever I do… “Work as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

Sometimes, soaking-up a little sun letting my toes touch the grass and breathing some fresh air is just the reminder I need to get back on track. Getting a chance to step outside to look at actual rainbows and butterflies reminds me that life is fleeting. We’re simply passing mists in the presence of a greater being.

On that note, I really want to start incorporating more stories of other people on the blog. Do you know someone worth highlighting? Is there someone facing a trial that could use our help? Leave me a comment or shoot me an email — let’s make a difference and actually make this blogging world a community.  Are you with me? Can you help me look?OOTD Midi Vest-5OOTD Midi Vest-6 OOTD Midi Vest-10 OOTD Midi Vest-8 OOTD Midi Vest-3

YOINS lapel c/o YOINS
NORDSTROM tank
FOREVER 21 shorts (sold out)
KATE SPADE bag c/o Sawgrass Mills (similar)
TORY BURCH flats

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