TACO BOUT LOVE

We hit our first 30 days in the house and as the weather started heating up we knew it was time to officially warm our house with friends and family. Cinco De Mayo fell on a Saturday, and even though we had to sacrifice sharing the date with an event half our friends would be at we decided to let the games begin! 

According to my DNA test im not a single bit hispanic, and with Jose's Puerto Rican and Native American background it was only fitting to theme in the most appropriate way! We didnt care if one person showed or a hundred we were excited to host this fiesta. 

I had been purchasing small decorations here and there for a few weeks but when I got home Friday after work and saw a BBQ being build in our living room I was ready to prepare for the preparations. Saturday morning I was up at 5 am to clean the pool and tackle a work meeting. And after dealing with a car sitch we were off the Ranch Market for carne. 

The final touch was cleaning the floors with Fabulosa and as I began to dash the Tajin on the fruit salad the first guest arrived. From there is was a whirlwind. No tour without a drink, no drink without a shot! House rules. Our guests kept cool by enjoying the pool and full by feasting on nachos, tamales and a taco bar! 

Proud wifey moment was seeing all my guests stuffing their faces with the delicious BBQing Jose did! WOW! Everyone ate too much and drank too much. And shout out to those who did the dishes before leaving you are the real house party guest MVP's! We look forward to manny more bashes in the new casa! 

THRIFTING

Stop what you're doing right now and mark Saturday April 21 in your calendar. Then mark every other Saturday after that. For this glorious day is Goodwill 50% off day and every store in the Valley of the Sun discounts everything in the store half off. (Except Christmas, Rugs, and Mattresses and snacks.)

This ritual was first for filling my closet with the most unique pieces to complement my Dead Lady Collection aka DLC. Next it was feeding my obsessive compulsive disorder to collect maps/globes and Monet prints. Now that I have have been blessed with a four bedroom house to fill this Saturday was nothing short of habit. 

By 9 am I was at my FIRST Goodwill of the day, Tempe (Rural and Guadalupe). Great for books. I bought a corner desk but after spending 20 minutes not being able to fit it in my car it was dead to me. Our next store was closer to home, Phoenix (7th Ave and Camelback). This is a newer location and I was in furniture heaven. We immediately found a vintage army green file cabinet and said sold. Then I saw out of the corner of my eye an old record table with cabinet. 

After pinning re purposed cat litter boxes (see example here), I had imagined an antique record player that I could gut and make the most elegant poop box. Now my dream was coming to life. We loaded in each piece of furntature along with some nick nacks and headed home. 

You never know the treasure you find from one man's trash. After exploring the weird section of Craig's List aka the Free Section we received a flat screen tv and entertainment console. It took a bit of gas and elbow grease but well worth it. What we have been discovering lately are estate sales and as the Finding AZ Engagement turns into a Royal Wedding we hope to find unique treasure to share. 

TRADING SPACES

My favorite show from 20 years ago finally is back on the air! Trading Spaces! I remember running home from school because the episode was on at 3pm and I had a date with my mom to watch it. Climbing into her big water, I would lay next to my mom and we would comment about the crazy decor Hildi was putting in or the amazing ideas Genevieve comes up with. Even at 8 years old I was motivated to decorate. From copying an exact IKEA showroom for my childhood bedroom to redesigning the bathroom on my Spring Break, I have always been practicing for my forever home. 

After we bought our house in Phoenix we told ourselves to take it slow and only make purchase on things we need! So needless to say it took 15 days before an IKEA trip was needed. Over this past weekend we wanted to tackle 2 rooms and with all the materials in our hands all we needed was the motivation. That is what we have each other for!

We stuck together from the first coat of paint to the last throw pillow in place. No arguing, no half ass work, no unexpected purchases. Thankful for an Ace Hardware .5 miles down the road we got to work on our sanctuary room and the podcast studio! 

I came across an amazing article that the small world of Phoenix revealed to me was photographed here locally. The Mind Body Green Article you can read here focuses on the interior design of creating a peaceful space and that exactly what I wanted our den to feel. Grounding, gratitude, energy, motivation and joy are the 5 areas of focus. 

From our rainbowed bookshelves to our record player there is a wealth of knowledge to motivate and inspire. The yoga mats and floor pillow suggest connecting with yourself and the earth. We also call this space the cartography room and you can feel the joy that surround the travel memories. 

After the Saturday project we decided to double down and work on the Podcast Studio. This was a priority because after a guest and a few intros we needed more soundproofing and aesthetics for photos. We found a gallon of paint called "Silvery Moon" and took a dare. Ask me it looks blue ask Joe it looks grey, but either way its gorgeous. After loading in art piece by art piece for the gram all our local artist's work we were ready to shut the light off on this project too! 

Now, its time to catch up on another episode of the All New Trading Spaces and envision the next room! 

MOVE IN DAY

The alarm went off at 5 am on a Friday morning and I joked with Jose, "Should we just sleep in." He laughed. It was signing day and after a long learning experience we were ready to move on to the next chapter into our forever home. 

After meeting our team at the title agency and signing our life away we proceeded to a champagne toast at 7:30 am. I'm not sure if it was the bubbly or the experience but I was feeling great! 

The moment came: keys in hand, Jose swept me off my feet and carried me into our new home. It was a perfect moment that I will remember forever. (Watch it on the gram here) Once we were in it was time to clear it out! The previous owners had history in the home that we were aware of and wanted to clean the energy in the space. New beginnings, new juju. 

T.S.P. for the walls. Fabulosa for the Floors. Every fan blade, air vent, electrical outlet and cabinet was cleaned, fixed, replaced. Sage Smudging began at 11pm on that first move in day and we new everyday after this one was ours to create in our forever home.  

Saturday was moving day with both sides of the family on deck! We had our apartment cleared out in a matter of a few hours. By lunch time we were having Subway sammys at our kitchen table in our new home. 

After lunch it was time to put on the homeownership hats and learn about the electrical system in our house. Does your home have 2 prong outlets? Need to ground them? Were qualified now! After tackling the electricity side we learned about pool maintenance and HVAC. Many trips to Ace, Loews, HomeDepot and Costco (for more vodka) in 72 hours. Many phone calls to electrician friends. Late nights turned into early mornings and after day 5 it was time to say goodbye to the Fam from San Diego and spend our first night alone in our new home.  

The buying and moving process couldn't be talked about without saying THANK YOU to everyone who had a hand in it. Whether you made us smile, offered assistance or just send your good spirits our way we appreciate you and understand the importance of people helping people. Cheers to more of that and the pool parties to celebrate it! 

THE BEST WEDDING EXPO YOU HAVEN'T HEARD OF

February 26th was a life changing day. It was a chilly, Sunday morning: there was frost on the grass. Normally, a Sunday you wouldn't find yourself roaming the downtown streets before dawn, but we were shooting with THE Jen Jinkens and channeled our inner models to brave the cold. We had a busy day planned: podcast, photo shoot, yoga, brunch, and a bridal expo, all before another podcast photoshoot at 3pm. 

As much as the day had in in,  I remember every memory distinctly. 

Jose and I were on our way to a unique local market featuring wedding vendors from the valley. Jose was down because it meant podcast networking and I was excited to possibly get impulsed on the thought of planning a wedding. Then, a phone call came in through the bluetooth and not having a caller ID we both looked at each other (don't worry, Jose was at a red light) and knee who it was. 

12 Hours prior we docusigned an offer on a 4/2 Mid Century Home in Phoenix and our realtor was calling to tell us it was accepted! We were smiling from ear to ear and this car ride just become a literal vehicle to our future. 

Pulling into the Farm at South Mountain we were very open minded because not only have we both never been to any bridal expo, let alone this one,  but also couldn't see it from the parking lot. The tickets were digitally purchsed online for $5 each and upon check in we each recived a tote, map, bridal mag and local vendor booklet. #lovelanguage

The Marry Mart utilized the huge space and it was filled with gorgeous pop-up display vendors featuring everything from beignets to bridal gowns. Each station was the entrepreneur themself(ves) or a close relative who shares the same passion. Each story was different, there were no two the same. Each space inspired us to want to make our special day using the amazing local creatives of the valley. 

When this event comes to fruition again next year defintely make your way whether youre a bride to be or not it is a great chance to meet passionate creatives in the Valley in a gorgeous space tucked away! 

UNBOXED

I'm a subscription box snob. I have subscribed to 6 in the past and currently have ZERO on auto pay. I tried the meal plans, but my picky eating and need for a larger portions was not a good match. I dabbled into skincare and cosmetics, but I don't beat my face as often as the box requires. My favorite box was a crystal collection, and I subscribed until I started getting repeats in the box, only 4 months in. 

As a newly engaged woman, I thought it would be a great experience to "box." With little idea on where to start or what to do, I figured a box could offer guidance and speak my love language. From Miss to Mrs became the box for me. 

The ad jumped out at me, so don't knock indirect marketing too much. I was scrolling through the gram and came across a saving grace. A monthly box to guide me in my journey to be wifed. 

I ordered the box right after the engagement, but didn't receive it for 8 weeks.  The box was damaged on the outside ..... and inside. But upon opening my excitement went from over the moon to mild. 

Pamphlets about the maid of honor? List of things the bride forgets on her day? Cool, but all stuff Google can provide. Faux Diamond pens and a notepad, cuz the target dollar spot didn't have me stocked up enough? Paperclips! For what? I am not sure, but they are cute for my office. A reusable plastic (not BPA free) cup with a broken straw. How does the straw ship broken? A gold plated necklace with a diamond emblem.  Last..... but not least........2 balloons! "LOVE" and a DIAMOND RING balloons for any event, but air/helium extra. 

My subscription has been cancelled and I didnt mean for this to turn into a product review, but just an honest experience. If you want to see perfect unboxing you can go on YouTube for that. We always bring it to you real and raw. 

HOUSE HUNTERS

He's a landscape architect by trade and podcast host. She's a small business entrepreneur emphasizing in marketing, sales and management. Their budget is 260k. 

On this episode of House Hunters, newly engaged couple Britt and Jose look to find their forever home in historical Phoenix. With 6 months left on their rental agreement they begin the process of home ownership. 

After feeling like we were drowning in terminology we finally found some footing and got excited about the prospects. 3 months of Trulia, MLS data bases,  and 17 houses later I walked into what I had manifested. 

I saw this house online, fell in love. I showed the listing to my mom, business parter and close friends. We had our realtor preview it a day we could not get out of appointments and meetings and fell in love. The morning of me stepping inside the Roma House I attended a Tranq yoga flow and mainfested it. 

I imagined how it feels pulling up in my driveway, walking up the path to the door to the right while smelling blooming garden roses. I enter the through the classic original wood door right into the great room. From the living room I can see the kitchen to the left and feel the sunlight from the open windows. Leading to the pool in the back an open kitchen and den give me a hug. The bedrooms are off to the right and each one has its own floor plan, design, and character. 

But the backyard, the backyard is where I will say "I do," to the man of my dreams. I can see us walking down the isle, then chasing our new puppy up and down the yard and putting up the approved fence around the pool for the future little ones.  

Everything I had imagined feeling was felt. After physically being in the home and introducing myself as the new neighbor and sharing some "homemade" cookies  we asked everyone to send good JuJu to the universe to lock down this property.

Twelve hours from putting in an offer for full asking price on this mid century historic neighborhood home it was accepted. We were driving to Marry Mart and got a call from our realtor. Josh calls and begins with small talk and I all can think is SPIT IT OUT! It still feels like a dream and my cheeks hurt from smiling.

How cute is this photo by Jen Jinkens taken after the offer was put in and before it was accepted.

MEET THE FOCKERS

San Diego was the scene for a 2018 remake of Meet the Fockers staring the Acevedo Family and the Johnson-Dolan Family. A tale of two families spending a weekend experiencing each other's lifestyles while their offspring begin to plan a wedding.  

Unlike the 2004 classic movie, our parents had met each other prior to the weekend retreat, but for only a few hours. My parents were visiting Arizona for a weekend and we were invited to a "Meet the Parents" BBQ in Peoria. They immediately clicked and it was hard to separate them. 

After staying connected on Facebook our families needed a more in depth get together since Jose popped the question. What better way to realx and let loose than a weekend in San Diego. 

3 days & 3 nights in America's Finest City. My parents live 1 mile form the Pacific Ocean and with an itinerary of brunch cruises, Mexico border trips, and yard games it was set to be the best trip ever. 

And it was. We went to the dentist: no cavities, extra guac. We went on the cruise: flowing champagne and harbor tours, yes please! We played Washers till we found a champ: Congrats, Tony! 

But the never ending Wedding Questions hurt my head. "When's the date? Where? What do you mean its not a destination wedding?" I am ready to go to the courthouse and call a taco truck for a backyard party, but Parents are not ready to hear that. 

This weekend brought our families closer together, but me further a part from wanting to "plan a wedding." Help! 

ADVICE FOR LOVERS

February, the LOVE month, is here. To get in the spirit at the office I themed this month's company magazine appropriately. Aside from the 2 page spread on crystals, my favorite page is the "Advice for Lovers."  

These 4 quotes really stood out to me because they capture a little of everything. From kissing and making up to sharing goals and ambitions together this advice can help any relationship from 4 months to 4000 months in.

ADVICE FROM RACHEL S.

"Be with your best friend, you’ll spend more time as friends than lovers."

ADVICE FROM ADI T.

"When people show you who they are believe them. You shouldn’t have to convince yourself that their actions and their intentions are two different things. If you SAY you love someone you need to SHOW them. It shouldn’t be a guessing game because love is absolute and you should be too.”

ADVICE FROM PUNEH N.

"Say you're sorry fast. Mean it. Say it once. If you screw up, as you undoubtedly will, man up, own it, and apologize. But only do it once. Make it a good apology. Followed by a really good kiss can't hurt."

ADVICE FROM CARLEY P.

"I think its really important for your sig other to know your priorities and goals for your self come first. to me love is pushing one another to be the best versions of yourself."

THE ART OF A LOVE LETTER

How perfect is that letter? Jose sent this to me after our 44th President of the United States expressed his love to his better half during his final speech as the Chief. 

When we fist met, exchanging notes were a constant thing. Its juvenile, but lovely how a post it would be stuck to my office door and I would leave a reply stuck to his car handle on my way out. 

When is the last time you wrote a note to someone you love? 

There is no RIGHT or WRONG way to do it. Start with a greeting and follow the past, present a future rule. Why is your past so amazing because of this person? What do you presently look forward to everyday because of them? What future do you envision with them? 

Love Letters are the original "Thank You" cards. 

To this day we take the time to write terms of endearment out to one another to find in passing and turn any moment into a memorable one.