♡: anniversary gift

Last weekend my husband and I went to get our rings cleaned and inspected and while they were examining our rings, Gabe asked me what would I like for my 10 year anniversary gift (next year), update my ring or something else. So, I replied and said maybe change the head of my diamond to a bigger size. I tried on some new rings but I didn't feel comfortable to change my ring entirely. I was content to just change my diamond. My husband's reply was "good to know". So, we had to wait a few days to get our rings back since the inspection showed that some of the pave diamonds were loose. Gabe was gonna go back after work to pick them up. Turns out, my sneaky husband replaced my 1/3 carat diamond to a 1 carat diamond! He said he wasn't going to wait a year to do it because I would be expecting it. His plan all along was to do it for our 9 year anniversary! This man is simply AMAZING. I feel like I just got engaged all over again...staring at my ring every chance I get, haha!

♡: my makeup vanity

I am so excited that I finally have a vanity. ehhhh!! I've been wanting one for a few years now and we had the chance to get one. My husband was so spontaneous about it and told me 'pick out your vanity' while we were shopping at Ikea. I wasn't expecting that, so it was a nice surprise. Right away, I was decorating my area and bought that mirror at Hobby Lobby (50% off) and bought the drawer organizers at Marshall's and TJ Maxx.

I really love that this vanity has enough storage to put all my beauty supplies.

♡: workout regime

I've been asked by a few, what is my workout regime. Before I was denied to workout, I worked out 5 days a week, right before bedtime. That was the only time in my day I could fit in a workout. I feel like my workout routine is the simplest, most minimal full-body exercise. I can't do vigorous workouts since I suffer from chronic fibromyalgia. But what I did was good enough for me. So, here it goes... Oh, I almost forgot to mention, whenever I do any of my exercises I tighten my abs. I believe it helps to have better results. And drink lots of water. Very, very important! Stretch before and after your workouts, as well. 

tricep press: I usually use a 10 lbs dumbbell - 2 sets of 10 reps then worked my way up to 3 sets of 10 reps.
 

Triceps extension: 10 lbs dumbbell -  2 sets of 10 reps

wall push-ups: If you're just like me, I'm awful at doing regular push-ups. So, I use the wall lol and I come to find out people actually do this. I thought, I was making up my workout lol 2 sets of 15 reps.
Bicep curl: 2 sets of 15 reps
 

tiptoe squats: Again, another workout I thought I made up but people do this as well. Instead of your common squats, Im on my tiptoes and squat. I started off 2 sets of 10 reps (slow) and now, I do 3 sets of 10 reps (fast) You'll feel the burn!
 


Exercise ball: glutes excluding the weights. 2 sets of 10 reps.  

back stretch: This feels amazing. My back is messed up but I do feel better when I stretch my back like this.

Ball crunch: 2 sets of 15 reps


leg swings: 2 sets of 10 reps
 

leg raise: 2 sets of 10 reps
 

And this is me now (taken on September 24, 2013): I haven't workout since February 2013. I still need to tone up and I really miss working out thoroughly because it helped me emotionally and of course physically. Hopefully soon, I can workout again. I still try fit in a tiny workout but only my legs and glutes (maybe 1 set of tiptoe squats and walk on my tiptoes) since ab workouts is clearly out of the question. And to think I was self conscious of my body. The last time I wore a bikini was before I had my second child back in 2009.
 

♡: online shopping

I just ordered this dress and I honestly, can not wait to try it on. I'm planning to wear this on my 9 year marriage anniversary (12.22.13).  I love to buy things in advance and not wait for the last minute. 

Now, I have to figure out what to buy him. Guys, are hard to buy but this man of mine its even more difficult. 

♡: Panama City Beach

Long overdue! Im cross-posting from other blog.

Our trip to Panama City was amazing. And we miss it already. We may do this every year or every two years. The kids enjoyed themselves. And this lady right here, got super dark. And me, likey lol. It was a big group of us that split the cost of the beach house and it worked out very well (the beach house has 9 bedrooms). I formed better friendships, which made this vacation even more amazing.

This little mama loved, LOVED the beach. No fear what so ever! The waves knocked her down and she got right back up as if nothing happened.
I've seen one of the best sunsets in Panama City.
Paddle boarding was such an exhilarating experience. I would love to do it again. We were 20 feet away from dolphins, we saw a huge sting ray and a few small ones. The waves were gentle and the slight breeze was just perfect.
 
It was our best friends 5th marriage anniversary. They pretty much eloped because they weren't able to have the wedding they wanted but now, they will have memories that will last a lifetime.

beautiful sunrise

   

summer plans*.

I'm happy that this summer, we are making a list of all the things we want to do. We already put a down payment to rent a beach house in Panama City on September. July, we may go to Orlando, Fl. to visit family and possibly go to the theme parks. August, my sister and I are going to the backstreet boys concert ❤. And we have VIP!! I am so excited. We will be driving up to Charlotte, NC for the concert but we will be there the day before the concert...it'll be a mini getaway with my sis. Yay!! Sister bonding time ❥

Soon, we would like to visit Ruby falls. The caves & waterfall looks breathtaking.

Surprise visit from great grandparents*.

My grandparents surprised us and decided to visit us as they were driving back to NY from my cousin's wedding that took place in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. I was so happy, they decided to stay with us for a few days. Even though, it was a very short visit, we tried to make the best of it. We took them to GA aquarium and then took them out to eat. They had a wonderful time with their great grand kids.It was nice just catching up and reminisce about how things were when I was a child. 

It makes me miss having my family around. I'm very family oriented and my husband, well he's the opposite. And Im okay with that because we have our own little family and we can make beautiful & fond memories together. Plus, I can try to visit my family in NY a little more often, hehe. 

Allatoona Lake*.

3 weeks ago, a close friend invited us to aboard on his boat and took us out to Allatoona Lake. It was so  nice being out on his boat, breathing in the great outdoors...the lake, the breeze, admiring the beautiful views and enjoying some wonderful company. 

my shadow taking a picture of Mimi

Little man was running around at the beach with his friends.

The kids loved the beach

I love this photo of my babies! Im definitely printing this one.

*beautiful sunset

Instagram Scavenger Hunt

For about 3 weeks Gabe told me he has been planning something for me but I wouldn't know when to expect the surprise. He said he wanted me to look forward to it. Honestly, it made me feel a little anxious not knowing the day this surprise will happen, haha. I love surprises but I tend to get curious if I know it's just around the corner. But this man of mine, went above and beyond with this over the top surprise.

Last Wednesday, I woke up by my sister's phone call. She told me to get up and get dress and to read the note Gabe left me on my dresser.

          Envelope contains following message: “Good morning the kids and I are already gone so don’t worry about us. It’s time for you to get ready, proceed to dress up in some comfortable jeans, top and a good pair of shoes. Pick shoes that are versatile, can be dress up or down. Please put on 5 minute make up. You must be downstairs by front door no later than 8:40AM. Once you see what’s on the table in the entrance and proceed to immediately open Instagram and post a picture of the display.

He made an instragram account for our close friends & family & his coworkers to witness my all day adventure. And now, Im sharing it with you all :D

BTW, he used family members & my best friend to leave me clues/hints for me next destination after I post each photo.

(CLICK TO ENLARGE PHOTOS)

He such an extraordinary man and I feel truly blessed to have him as my husband. He told me he did this because he wanted to show me how much he loves me *swoon.

This is his letter he sent to family and friends:

Hello Ladies,

Yup it’s almost 4AM and I’m still trying to iron everything out for later this morning for Yuki’s scavenger hunt. I’ll text you all this morning to make sure you all are awake. Please see the attached document and use it as a guide. Please let me know if you cannot participate in any of the sections I listed your name. If you don’t happen to do it I’ll step in to do it. Remember you must hit refresh in Instagram so you  can see the most up to date information.

Thank you so much for any help you can provide.

Gabe