​It is amazing how time goes by so fast.  I feel like it was yesterday that I found out I was pregnant with my third baby boy and guess what, I started my third trimester nearly panicking that I have not bought anything for him or the nursery.   So this week I started to do some research on new products that are on the market as my kids are now 9 and 8, definitely things have changed besides, there are so many options in the market compare to back then.

In the last years, I been very focused on eating healthy and exercising so I been blessed to continue with my Pilates classes that help my back and flexibility as well as prepared me for labor  (hoping for a third time natural birth), I also walk twice a week so I have full energy to keep up with 2  very active boys.

So regarding the nursery, I have invested in furniture that will last for a while and it is not theme oriented.   I am using neutral colors so It can be changed to a kids room quickly when he grows. My favorite store is Restoration Hardware Baby and Child all so neutral and zen. 

I am going for a full natural approach for him, natural fabrics that are eco-friendly, love Aden and Anais line for swaddles and bibs.

This time around being super practical is a must, as my experience and instinct have kicked in so I am only buying items that we really need and use.  One of them is the ToteSavvy and insert for tote handbags, so I can still use all my bags and be organize.
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Below a link to my favorite items so far.

This month I really had a lack of inspiration to write or post anything on the blog.  I think without being aware of it,  all my energy is focused on my pregnancy, my kids which, I want to give all my attention before the baby come, my husband and the dog that is so attached to me.     Maybe this shift has happened in a subconscious level as I been more sensitive to the energy and vibes of the persons surrounding me from family members, exercise peeps, friends and just people on my day to day life.   Most of the time I feel love and great energy, but this feeling has made me live more in a shell as I come to realize that there are people with a loss of values and awareness of what is really important in life. 

I appreciate love, life, health and happiness and I am thankful for everything in my life.  Nonetheless  even if I I want to share all these feelings with more people, indirectly I had put a barrier that does not allow me to let my emotions out, which is not really who I am as  I strongly believe that life will flow more if us as humans will give more love and show our affections than if we don't.  I think it also has a lot to do with cultural differences.   In conclusion, my only advice is to always express your feelings as you do not know the impact you can make in someone's life.​This month I really had a lack of inspiration to write or post anything on the blog.  I think without being aware of it,  all my energy is focused on my pregnancy, my kids which, I want to give all my attention before the baby come, my husband and the dog that is so attached to me.     Maybe this shift has happened in a subconscious level as I been more sensitive to the energy and vibes of the persons surrounding me from family members, exercise peeps, friends and just people on my day to day life.   Most of the time I feel love and great energy, but this feeling has made me live more in a shell as I come to realize that there are people with a loss of values and awareness of what is really important in life. 

I appreciate love, life, health and happiness and I am thankful for everything in my life.  Nonetheless  even if I I want to share all these feelings with more people, indirectly I had put a barrier that does not allow me to let my emotions out, which is not really who I am as  I strongly believe that life will flow more if us as humans will give more love and show our affections than if we don't.  I think it also has a lot to do with cultural differences.   In conclusion, my only advice is to always express your feelings as you do not know the impact you can make in someone's life.

​A couple of weeks back I enjoyed a few days away from kiddos for my husband holiday party.   We stayed at the beautiful and well located Hyatt at the Belleveu in downtown Philly.  I am amazed by how much this city has to offer, lovely restaurants, by the way, my favorite is Osteria and nice and cozy Italian place with great pasta and one of the best pizzas.   We also enjoyed the bar at the XIX (nineteen) on the top floor of the hotel where you can have amazing city views.   The beautiful Christmas Village is a must which brings you the magic of an authentic German Market in the city.    The Philadelphia  Art Museum is an authentic gem, the building itself is a beauty and the collection includes work by Cezanne, Rodin and Vicent Van Gogh's Sunflower among many other famous world pieces.   Last but not least you can also take a picture with the famous Rocky statue located very close to the Museum.  My husband and I really enjoyed the city which is only 2 hours from NY so you can easily combine both trips.

​I consider myself a very organized person, but this year has gone so fast for me that I cannot believe Thanksgiving is in a couple of dates, and then officially shopping season will start.    By now I am on top of my game and had my shopping carts full just a click away to purchase all my holiday presents, however, I am so late this year.   So I am playing catch up and have attached a few of my family favorites from Christmas decor and presents and my favorites recipes for the season. Hope you enjoy them!

​When I used to live in the USA and Europe for nearly 10 years of my life, I always love fall.   There is something so invigorating as the feeling of leaves changing colors or the chills that make you want a put on a sweater at sundown.  It just makes me feel like it is a new start.   

Rhode Island is one of my favorite states to see the leaves foliage, spending there two years of my life, this state is close to my heart, literally.  Love how the smallest state in the USA offers so much and in a short driving distance, you can see the most beautiful landscapes.  

Ok so now to my favorite things about the season if you have kids apple and pumpkin picking is a must. Fall brings many seasonal desserts apple and pumpkin pies, spice coffees and teas are a treat.   Being a tea lover my favorite for the season is Masala Chai from Teaguy.   The aroma that prevails in my house is the one of English oak from Jo Malone,  it reminds me of the English country during fall.  Also, in my diffuser, I add a few drops of wild orange and marjoram essential oil from Doterra.

In my couch, bed, and chairs,  it is a must to have lots of throws so my kids and friends can just grab them when it gets a bit cooler.   The ones from Zara home are very neutral and made of 100 % cotton or wool depending on your preference.  For me, the final touch is a nice Wreath for your table or door, I love the ones from William Sonoma, however, if you have a flower shop close to your house you can have them custom made.  

​Doesn't it happen to you that sometimes you have the need to withdraw?  Recently, I had the feeling that the universe wanted me to pause and disconnect from the everyday routine.  Do not take me wrong, I love my life and I am very thankful for all I have, but I suddenly had no inspiration or new ideas in my head and I was feeling the blues.  I felt like I was just in survival mood in my day to day, pretty much stuck.  I had to seek balance and thanks to the spiritual guides I  have found in my life I came to realize that   I had to retreat from everything and go back to basics, the things I love and cherish since I was little.  In my case from songs that lift my spirit or as simple as sitting and enjoying a cup of tea without being interrupted.   Further, to spend quality time with the persons that fill me up and lift my spirit.  I had an outpour of emotions and changes in the last 4  years that had accumulated since moving back to my hometown after a long time abroad (the hardest move ever, promise I will have a write a whole post about it),  that I learn my lesson take time  to recharge and appreciated how thankful we need to be for the little things in life.   

​It is amazing how easy is to cross borders nowadays.  My family and I had the chance to go to Nicaragua on a day trip while staying in a beautiful property in Costa Rica,  Dreams Las Mareas.  

We left around 7 am and in 20 minutes we were at the border, the immigration process was fairly simple, a stamp and off we go. As a tip, we went on a Sunday so there are fewer people at the cross point.  Our first stop was the Mirador Catarina, a magical place with a stunning view of the Apoyo Lagoon.  There you can buy a lot of ornaments and local crafts from the region.  

Next stop was to see the stunning and active Volcan Masaya, the tour guide explained to us that there are day and night tours.  We had the privilege to admire the Nindiri Crater and were lucky enough to see some Magma.  It is impressive and so worth visiting.

Our tour included a fantastic lunch at Hotel Dario in Granada, the city of Granada is just a beautiful colonial town.  It has great restaurants and boutique hotels, a little gem that deserves a longer visit.   We enjoyed a great cup of Cafe Las Flores at a beautiful coffee place around the plaza

Last but not least, our day ended up with a boat tour in the beautiful Lake Nicaragua where we could spot monkeys and different kind of birds.   I hope you enjoy the pictures.