One of my besties just got married!!

Ashwak and Sergio had a beautiful Chicago wedding that hubs and I specifically planned a trip for. I lose track of the years but Ashwak and I have easily been friends for over 15 years! Making her practically my sister! Ashwak and Sergio had a Muslim/Mexican wedding and mixed both cultures and traditions oh so beautifully! For starters, they had a pre-wedding celebration featuring a Henna Party on the Odyssey Cruise in Navy Pier, Chicago. Ashwak wore a stunning burgundy bridal Kaftan covered with embroidery beads and adorned with a matching hijab. The dinner cruise was the perfect setting for the couple to unwind, soak in the views and even capture beautiful photos; that I was lucky enough to be able to add to a wedding guestbook that I gifted them.

I actually purchased the guestbook from one of my favorite Etsy journal shops and simply personalized it by adding photos and embellishments. Jean at PaperJeansCo. makes the most beautiful journals and accepts plenty of custom orders. She was able to find coordinating papers to be able to create a guestbook that perfectly matched the wedding theme and colors. There was plenty of space within for journal for guests to be able to write their best wishes for the new Mr. and Mrs. I had a lot of fun creating something special for the couple and hope they love it and cherish it in the years to come!

Ashwak and Sergio’s wedding was oh so beautiful! They were able to blend both cultures so smoothly. The couple had a traditional Muslim Zaffe grand entrance followed by a Mariachi ensemble during dinner. Ashwak looked absolutely flawless! I’m talking about drop dead gorgeous! It was so much fun to see both families in union celebrating the couple. The dance floor was always full, regardless of music genre.

I am so happy that I was able to be there for my besties wedding! Witnessing them together on their special day was pure tenderness in my heart. I wish them a lifetime of wedded bliss and plenty of little babies. I love you girl! Mashallah y que vivan los novios!

Love,

Mama Bear Mimi

---

Sarmiento Wedding Guestbook

We’re already deep into our summer break but I just had to share this mini album that we gifted Sebastian’s preschool teacher on the last day of school. If you read my previous post, Sebastian – The Preschooler, you already know that we had an amazing school year and that Sebastian Bear absolutely loved his teacher, Ms. Joy!

So we purchased this little mini album from One Crafty Mess on Etsy and personalized it! It’s a great way to show appreciation and of course it’s the perfect way to preserve memories. You know me….the mamarazzi, memory keeper, journal writing, crafty nerd had to do it. HA!

See the pictures below to see how fun this came out! It was super easy to put together. I simply printed some pictures, added some stickers and journaling and VIOLA! Easy peasy lemon squeezy…like Sebastian always says!

Time to find the next album to flip. (Any HGTV fans?)

-Mama Bear Mimi-

Rosalia is celebrating her first Valentine’s Day with the cutest message on her onesie….Daddy is my Valentine!! Yup, this year and next year and the year after that…etc… daddy will be her sweet Valentine! I’m already loving the bond they are creating and am so excited for what’s to come with them.

I’m excited for all the beautiful moments that they will share. Unique to the moments that I can give her. I have no doubt that they will be beautiful because that is the nature of our relationship as parents. Naturally I have a special bond with our kids because I’m home with them and see them all day but daddy’s bond is a unique special bond because his time at home is limited and we all cherish it to the fullest.

We had this impromptu at home photo session this morning. A cute outfit, construction paper hearts and an iPhone. Simple yet effective because the center of attention is the beautiful 6 month old Rosalia. Happy first Valentine’s Day sweet Rosie. Thank you for filling our hearts with joy.

Love,

-Mama Bear Mimi-

---

Rosalia Villa

6 months old

 

Daddy is my Valentine Onesie and romper – Amazon

Hair bow monthly subscription – Mocs and Bows

 

I made my first wreath….ever! It was so much fun to make! I pin them on Pinterest all the time but have never really attempted to make one until now. I think I’m going to start making one for every occasion…you know like Christmas, Easter, birthdays, anniversaries, back to school, Sunday fundays, Taco Tuesday….yeah pretty much just any excuse to make one now. HA!

I was actually inspired to make a wreath by cousin Emma. She made a beautiful fall wreath for her home and inspiration instantly kicked in! We’re supposed to make one for Christmas together and I already have so many ideas. Can’t wait!

Everything I used for my wreath was purchased at Michaels and Dollar Tree. I chose colors that coordinate with the my home decor. Not that I have much of any decor but it’s a theme I’ll keep going with. I only spent about $30 on supplies minus a burlap bow that I already had. I know I can easily buy a completely decorated wreath for about the same price but I enjoy making things myself and being able to customize projects. There’s satisfaction and pride behind any DIY project to be able to say “Hey, I made that!”

While browsing at Michaels, I decided to use a 24 inch wreath frame and a fall garland, instead of a bouquet, as the floral substance. I felt like it would be much easier to manage the garland around the wreath and would just need to fill in the gaps with ribbon to make it look full. It worked!! Now I have to find the proper way to store it during off season but I say I nailed it.

Enjoy the process pictures below and kindly share any of your DIY wreaths and ideas with me! I’d love to see what everyone uses to decorate their front doors!