Author: Mitzi

FaceValue Med Spa

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the grand opening of FaceValue Med Spa in the gorgeous Image360 studios in Katy, TX. Y’all! Dr. C is the sweetest! She answered all of my questions regarding the different services that she offered (and I had a lot). Dr. C is a family Nurse Practitioner and she is the exclusive injector in the studios.

My main concern was my complexion. I had terrible acne as a teen and I do have some acne scarring as well as large pores. During my last pregnancy I developed melasma as well as another bout of cystic acne. It is something that I have always been a little self conscious about and I want to be confident about my complexion again! I want to be able to wear minimal makeup and have a smooth healthy glow. It also does not hurt that it will lessen the appearance of some of those fine lines that are starting creep in! Dr. C recommended that I go with a VI chemical peel tailored to my needs. The fact that she is offering $50 off until May 31 had me booking my appointment and willing to stay out of the sun for the first week of summer! (stay tuned for another post detailing my experience)

Dr. C also offers Botox, Juvederm fillers and Kybella. All are amazing and effective products for different needs and I also enjoyed being educated on the different uses of these injectables!

May 17, 2019
Mother’s Day without Mom

This year is my first Mother’s Day without my mama. I have to say that the closer we get to Sunday, the more emotional I feel. See, it isn’t just her not being here physically for Mother’s Day. Last Mother’s Day was the last time that I saw my mom alive and laughing. Josh bar-b-que’d a brisket for her (by request) and the whole family came over. We laughed and joked, the kids played at her feet, she held her youngest grand babies and great-grand babies, my kids all piled in the recliner with her and I took the last photo that I have of her. Unfortunately, she didn’t have her hair done or makeup on, so I can’t post it here because I know her spirit will appear to pinch my toes like she promised! I wish that we knew that it was our last visit, the last time my babies would see her alive. I wish I had known! Had I known, I would have had my babies hug her a little harder and love on her a little longer.

My mom with my youngest, Hayes

Grief is a funny roller coaster. There is no way to prepare yourself for the after. The first year of firsts without them. The last few months, I’ve felt at peace. I’ve embraced my butterflies and my random pink flamingo sightings. Tonight, as I was stuck in TJ Maxx during a severe thunderstorm, it hit me! That damn roller coaster that I was climbing decided to go over the steep slope and turn me upside down. I broke down into tears because I didn’t get to buy a Mother’s Day card this year. I didn’t get to buy anything with the word mother on it, because my mama is in heaven. I was angry that I didn’t get to buy her a night gown this year, the one that I had to go to three or four different stores on opposite ends of town to find, because she only liked a certain cut that was almost impossible to locate. In the middle of the gift wrap aisle, it hit me that the last time that we were all together and happy was on this day last year.

Saturday will mark 11 months since she gained her wings. This weekend will be hard, but I will enjoy it with my babies. I will love up on them until they tell me to stop, and then love on them a little more. I will focus on making new memories and celebrating all the years that I had with her here on earth. And mom, If your spirit is looking over my shoulder as I’m writing this through tears, please send us a butterfly on Sunday and know that we will be celebrating you here on earth.

May 10, 2019
My top 5 Summer Trends for 2019

I’m pretty sure that I should just keep everything and box it up by decade! The 90s have called and they are BACK! Seriously, I went shopping for an outfit to wear to the NKOTB concert next week and it took me 20 minutes in Target and that was mostly due to the fact that our store is under construction. I will have an entire blog post about the concert and my outfit next week! Now lets talk about some of my favorite trends that I can’t wait to carry into summer!

I am totally digging blazers to bring my look from mommy to date night. I picked up this linen blazer at TJMAXX a few weeks back and plan to wear it with a simple tank and a pair of dark denim. I did have it tailored for a more custom fit and it is perfect to toss on for a last minute dinner or girls night to take any outfit to the next level.

Linen Blazer

Next is Tie Dye! I may or may not have 2 dresses hanging in my closet from a trip to a “tie dye shop” in New Orleans. My best friends mom met us after a few drinks and took us to a tie dye shop and found the grooviest tie dye and initiated us into their crazy fun traditions! I didn’t know then that I was ahead of the game and I plan on styling those dresses this summer! I also love the more muted tie dyes like the pants below.

Vici Collection Uma Smocked Pants

Hats!! I’ve always been obsessed with these Judith March trucker hats, I love the designs and the vintage/distressed look of these hats. Recently, I’ve expanded my hat love for wide billed hats. I wear this hat frequently and am obsessed with it. I’ve dressed it up for rodeo and down for a day out with my boys (and lets face it, I can get away without washing my hair a few more days with the placement of a stylish hat). I recently purchased this straw hat and I’m excited to wear it this summer. I was in between sizes, so I did size up. It does feel a little big, but I would rather it be big than create an indention in my forehead because there is always a chance that I would need to take it off.

Brixton Straw Hat

Lets talk patterns! I am digging the fruit trend! I saw a few prints last year but they were not as bold as the prints that I am seeing this year! I love this crisp white dress with the subtle white flowers and the pop of the lemon/yellow! I’m stalking my email with the notification saying that my credit has been processed so that I can order this dress!!!

Vici Dolls Lemon Tree Dress

I am equally obsessed with the palm prints. The Judith March “Troop Palm Springs” Collection is to die for. I have had my eye on this dress since the images appeared on her Instagram page!

Judith March Troop Palm Springs Dress

Lastly, I have my eyes on these GGDB shoes. I’m not sure what draws me to them… I don’t usually go for the whole “dirty” look, but I want a pair of these shoes! I will be stalking several resale pages/apps to hopefully find a pair in my size for a good price (fingers crossed that its sooner rather than later). For now, I will continue to sport this budget version!

Golden Goose Sneakers

So there you have it! These are my 5 favorite trends for summer 2019! I love fashion and evolving trends, so I can promise you that there will be more favorites to come as the summer evolves!

May 7, 2019
West Texas Road Trip
Last summer was a blur. July rolled around and we made the call to take the boys on a road trip to West Texas to say our goodbyes to his grandfather as he was on hospice. We made the most of our time by driving into Waco and staying the night so that we could kick the first day of our road trip off with a trip to Magnolia Market and the Dr. Pepper Museum. They were literally one block apart and we had an absolute BLAST! We began our morning with the most amazing cupcakes and coffee at the Market and had an old fashioned Dr. Pepper for our snack before we hopped back on the road to our lunch destination!
My advice for those tackling these places with a time constraint, get there a little bit before Magnolia opens! Seriously, we parked with ease, strolled right into the market and hopped into the line for our cupcakes and coffee. We ate, I shopped, and the boys ran off a ton of energy and we were finished and walking out by the time it was really starting to get miserably hot. We walked over to the Dr. Pepper museum and used Groupon for our tickets. I was skeptical given the reviews that I had read, but we did like it. Mostly because my boys are all huge Dr. Pepper fans. I wish I were still a fan, but my first pregnancy ruined that (ha)!

Josh and I started the Texas Monthly top 50 BBQ tour a year and a half ago, so when it came time for lunch, we drove up through Ft. Worth and stopped in to eat at Heim BBQ. Their bacon burnt ends were amazing and the best that I’ve tried thus far! Of course once we hit Post, TX and saw our first Allsup’s, their chimichangas and burritos became our food group for the rest of our trip! We still have a huge stash of their taco sauce in our pantry!

We spent the majority of our trip in the small town of Vega, Tx. It is about 45 miles west of Amarillo. The boys loved seeing their great-grandpa’s farm and the homestead where their grandmother grew up. It is so important to Josh and I to let the boys experience the different parts of their heritage. We spent a day doing touristy things. We stopped at Cadillac Ranch , took pictures on old route 66, and then headed out to Palo Duro Canyon. We absolutely loved being down in the canyon!
This post has me thinking of other different road trips that we could take with our boys this summer. We aren’t huge fliers. Josh would rather drive than get on an airplane, and well airfare for 6 is just outrageous. This summer we are thinking a trip to Orange Beach, AL or maybe head back to west Texas and possibly New Mexico? Either way, we will make memories and have fun!

xoxo-

Mitzi
May 6, 2019
Mother’s Day Ideas
Katie Denton Photography

As I contemplate what I may want the hubby and my boys to get me for Mother’s day, I also have a surge of emotions that this is my first Mother’s Day without my mom. I remember going to mothers day mass every year and giving our donation for a red carnation corsage in honor of our mothers. Red for mothers who were living and white to honor those in heaven. That hit me like a ton of bricks, yall! This year would be my first year with a white carnation if our church carried on this tradition! I am so thankful that a dear friend of mine called me and told me that our family was coming over for brunch at her house for Mother’s Day. That she knew what I needed before I figured out what I needed because she has been there, and is there herself. Ultimately, being a mother is the best gift
however, if my husband was inclined to get me anything, well here is what I would like. (ahem, Josh…. take notes)
- I have to say that ultimately, the majority of us just want to sleep in late and wake up to a clean house. I don’t care if my kids are bickering, I just want the day off from cleaning and laundry.
- A gift certificate from my favorite med spa for that VI peel that I have been putting off for the last three years. My last baby gave me melasma on my face and I have acne scarring from my teen years that I would love to attempt to get rid of. Plus, thirty something mamas want the OK to buy good wrinkle cream or splurge on facials and peels!!
- This gorgeous mother Mary pendant from All the Wire. I love that Mary pendants are trending this season. I would seriously wear this pendant daily.
- This gorgeous Gold Soul stack from Luca & Dani. I was gifted the Cardinal bracelet and I fell in love with it. I love looking down at my wrist knowing that my guardian angel is always with me.
- This butterfly pendant from Free People. I love that it is made out of Mother of Pearl. I think anything Mother of Pearl is a classic and timeless symbol of motherhood. It is also my mama’s birthstone as well as my firstborn’s birthstone so it has an even more sentimental meaning.
- A mommy&me or a family photo session! Seriously, I will never turn down a photo session with someone else behind the camera to capture memories of our family. Always get in the picture! Someday, those pictures will mean the world to your kids and grand kids.
- ANYTHING HANDMADE BY MY CHILDREN! I love little tokens that they make for me. I treasure them dearly and love to look back on the things that they have created for me during all different stages of their life warms my heart.
Lastly, if your mama is nearby and you are able to hug her neck, give her a huge squeeze on Mother’s Day! You never know how many more you will have with her. If this last year has taught me anything, its to sit back and be present. Create those memories, say what you feel, give your kids experiences, and be present. One day all that will be left will be memories so make sure they are some good ones. To all of my readers out there who will be without their mama this year, you are not alone and I will be thinking of you!

xoxo-

Mitzi
May 4, 2019
Jo Malone Bubbles & Blooms

Hey y’all! If you haven’t noticed, flower arrangement events are so on-trend right now! Seriously, I have a black thumb and I am obsessed with these events! I swear, I always walk away with something gorgeous and manage to keep these arrangements alive for almost 2 weeks! Bubbles & Blooms hosted an event at Jo Malone this past Sunday and the entire experience was exquisite!

Anicea greeted us with welcome arms and helped us to find our perfect scents as well as gave us suggestions on how to layer and build our scent collection as well as pamper us with amazing hand and neck massages. She was a doll and a fellow Louisiana transplant. We bonded over last names, Louisiana ties and I cannot wait to go back for her to help me add to my collection!

Building our arrangement

Christy and Coleen pulled out all of the stops with this arrangement! Seriously, I thought the arrangement from the Lily Pulitzer event was pretty. This one was LUXURIOUS! I want to preserve it and keep it in my home forever. The sweet smell of hyacinth, the strong rosy scent from the pink rose, the beautiful bold tulips, ranunculus, bells of Ireland, hydrangeas, and the calla lilies. I’m not a huge lily fan, but these added the perfect amount of depth to the arrangement!

I won the sweetest door prize, a set of 3 bud vases with the prettiest lilies (and some other pretty “poofy” flowers) and Jo Malone gave us the sweetest little velvet pouch filled with sample scents! I highly suggest that you visit the Jo Malone location in River Oaks and let them pamper you while you personalize your scent profile. Ask for Anicea and tell her that I sent you!

Of course, head over to Bubbles and Blooms and follow these talented ladies! I can’t wait to see what event they will be hosting next! These ‘mompreneurs’ have an amazing portfolio and provide the floral arrangements in some of the most exquisite stores and restaurants in the Houston area! It’s always refreshing to watch other moms create new things and crush their goals!

xoxo-

Mitzi

May 1, 2019
Bloggers and Bouquets

Hey Yall!
This weekend was a packed one! I do have to say, after the weekend’s events, my house smells divine! Friday night started off with a fun girls night out at Always Floral Spring! We learned how to make a whimsical floral arrangement around a gorgeous farmhouse table. I was so proud of myself and learned a TON of different things about putting together an arrangement. I’ve attended similar parties in the past, but I swear, you learn something new every single time! I learned that I absolutely adore the way chamomile looks and smells and now I’m on a hunt for the plant for one of my pretty flower pots! I also love how Sabrina has her shop set up! It is very farmhouse/flower market chic! It was so interesting to see the two spaces intertwined when you walked in! Yay You’re Invited created a gorgeous balloon arrangement that made for an amazing backdrop along a shiplap wall. There was a very “Magnolia” feel to the entire night! If you are in North Houston/Spring/Woodlands area, definitely call and schedule your girls night ASAP! Plus, its directly across the street from Bluewater Seafood. Word on my local cajun pages is that it is some of the best boiled crawfish in Houston!

All images ©Billie Roche Photography

Bloggers and Bouquets

April 30, 2019
About Me

Hi!

I’m Mitzi! I had a blog eons ago when I started my photography business. One little blip and I couldn’t figure out where exactly I went wrong… but after 10 blog posts, I gave up on fixing it. I think that is why it has taken me so long to take this leap again. Well, here I am! All set up and ready to blog (and maybe try my hand at vlogging). Honestly, I just love sharing my tips for just about everything. Prior to baby boy #4 (yes, you read that right), I was a photographer. I love a good DIY project, my husband on the other hand will roll his eyes when he hears me mention this because it always ends up with him intervening because, well, his wife can’t handle any tool other than a screwdriver unless he wants to patch up holes. My mama taught me everything I needed to know about crafting, decorating, cooking and baking and all of it is my happy place. I’m a makeup and hair product junkie with a slight boutique clothing addiction. I’m a wife to Josh and a mama to 4 rambunctious boys who love to keep me on my toes. I grew up in the heart of Cajun country in a quaint little bayou side town that is known for their sugar cane fields, antebellum homes and lamp posts that guide you down the historical Main Street. We now live in a suburb of Houston and are trying our hardest to raise “texi-cajuns.” I’m a late in life child; my siblings are old enough to be my parents, I was an aunt at 4 and had the blessing of growing up with older parents. I’ve recently lost my mama, my first best friend, and trying to navigate through grieving and loss. And well there you have it; I hope you will follow along with the ramblings of this lagniappe mama. (Lagniappe is Cajun for “extra” and well, I’m a “little extra”)!

©Katie Denton Photography

Xoxo-

Mitzi

April 25, 2019