Alexander Turns One

June 05, 2016 by Rocio Williams in Lifestyle, Bebé

Happy first birthday my love!!

Alexander turned one on May 6th! It's hard to believe its been a year. Time sure does fly.

The past year has been truly amazing. Our lives have been filled with nothing but true joy, excitement, gratitude, smiles + lots of belly laughs, and appreciation for the big moments, the small things, and everything in between. I have been so blissfuly happy and extremely grateful to have our baby boy in our lives and for the life we are building together as a family.

Its been wonderful to watch Alexander grow + learn, develop his own personality and become a more independent little guy. I am also proud of myself for surviving my first year as a mommy. Yay! There have been no shortage of challenges and self-doubt, but I have chosen to embrace everything + I wouldn't change a thing. I have learnt so much about myself (and life in general) in this pass year and for that I thank my son.

As Xander's Birthday month approached, I was extremely excited to celebrate this huge milestone, but I was also feeling a bit nostalgic because my bebe is growing way too fast. Time please slow down!

Birthday Letter to Mateo | May, 6th 2016

Today we celebrated your first birthday. You woke to snuggles, hugs + lots of kisses. You spent your day with people who love you dearly, you laughed, you played, you hugged, you cried, you partied, and you danced. You loved eating the raspberry cake and raspberry ice cream Mami made for you. You pretty much had a blast and so did we. Tonight Mami snuggled you extra long and extra tight. Baby boy take advantage of each and everyday because time really does fly!

Love,

Mami

Recipe | Kale Chips

April 29, 2016 by Rocio Williams in Food

Crunch is my jam... and I LOVE anything kale. Whoever come-up with kale chips is pure genius. Below I share the three simple ingredients that make this tasty, crunchy, healthy and delicious snack.

Ingredients

Kale, Olive Oil + Sea Salt

5 kale leaves

2 table spoons of olive oil

a pinch of sea salt

Prep

1. Wash & de-stem kale // easiest way to de-stem kale is to pull the leave away from the stem

2. Break-up kale // use hands to roughly break up kale leaves into bite size pieces

Assemble

1. Place kale pieces, olive oil and salt into a bowl and use your hands to combine ingredients & ensure kale leaves are evenly coated with a thin layer of oil

2. Place and evenly distribute kale into a baking sheet

Bake

3. Pre-heat oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit

4. Bake kale for 5-7 minutes on each side until crisp

5. Let kale chips cool down before enjoying

Enjoy!

You may also add ground pepper, chili or garlic powders, tahini or even grated parm cheese to kick the recipe up a notch or two!

Xx,

Rocio

Happy Earth Day + New Traditions // 10 Easy Ways to Reduce Our Carbon Foot Print

April 22, 2016 by Rocio Williams in Lifestyle, Inspiration

Happy Earth Day!! Today is Xander's first Earth Day and we intend to celebrate it by planting a tree. It's important to me to raise a respectful, kind and conscious human being and by planting a tree, I am hoping to plant those seeds. Xander and I had so much fun at the nursery that I intend to make planting trees our newest family tradition.

Enjoy the images from our little adventure and see below for additional ways to love up on mother earth.

1. PLANT TREES // Trees are earth's purification system-- they improve our air quality by reducing emissions. Trees are little miracle workers, see why here. Partner with Arbor Day Foundation to source affordable trees and shrubs here

2. LOCALLY SOURCED FOOD // Reduce emissions by cutting down transportation miles and reduce unnecessary packaging. Whether you grow a food garden or source from your local farmers, be sure to favor growers who do not spray their crops with pesticides and other petri-based chemicals as these erode the soil and end up contaminating our water supply. Find a local CSA (community supported agriculture) in your area here

3. DITCH BOTTLED WATER // Help reduce waste by investing in a water filtration system and reusable bottles

4. REUSABLE SHOPPING BAGS // Replace all your shopping bags (paper and plastic) with reusable bags

5. CLEANING SUPPLIES // Use biodegradable cleaning products or even better make your own. Replace paper towel with reusable towels

6. PACK LUNCH // Pack your lunches and snacks in reusable containers

7. ONLINE SUBSCRIPTIONS // Sign-up to receive monthly statements and magazine subscriptions electronically

8. PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTATS // Program your thermostat accordingly while sleeping or away from home

9. REDUCE WATER CONSUMPTION // Take shorter showers, shut off the facet while brushing teeth or washing hair, and water your lawn in the early morning or evening to minimize water evaporation

10. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION // Use public transportation and ride sharing as much as possible. Biking and walking are also great ways to reduce carbon emissions

The key is to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. When possible void packaging or purchase items with the least amount of packaging, support environmentally friendly companies, buy second hand, repurpose, donate, and recycle. For more ways to reduce your carbon foot print visit The Nature Conservancy here.

Happy Earth Day!! How are you getting involved?

Xx,

Rocio