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For the Love of Self Care
Mommy | Lifestyle

For the Love of Self Care

by aformentin
written by aformentin

Hi beauties, Happy Monday!

I hope you all had a great weekend and indulged in some time for yourselves. As mothers|women it is very easy for us to put ourselves on the back burner and forget about our needs. I know for a fact the first time I became a mother, I totally lost who I was as a person. I knew exactly who I was as Max’s mom but not a clue who I was as an individual. The scariest part was I didn’t even realize it until Max was about 4. 4 years of having no idea who I was, what my interests were and what I enjoyed other than being a mom.

As soon as I realized I slowly but surely started getting to know myself and exploring to find out more about myself. One thing I learned pretty quickly is that I have to take care of myself first so that I can be the bet version of myself for my kids. Self care is super important for me and figuring that out for myself was was extremely enlightening but always came with a lot of guilt. I enjoyed doing things for myself but wouldn’t because of how guilty I felt when I wasn’t with the kids or wasn’t around to take care of them.

Slowly but surely I began to feel resentment because I knew exactly what I needed to do to feel better but I wouldn’t. At the end of the day the only person that could change that was me. I had to stop thinking what people thought or I assumed they thought and do what was best for my mental health. Self care for me means doing my hair and makeup, running errands BY MY SELF, girls night out, literally anything that I can do in a relaxed manner thug doesn’t involve me repeating myself 100 times, yelling or putting myself last.

I also enjoy doing things for myself while being home, like a nice bath after the kids’ bed time. A hot bath, some aromatherapy, a nice candle and some wine will always do the trick! I recently incorporated exfoliating to my bath time and let me tell you, Life’s Butter Exfoliating Body Scrub does not disappoint! You can use it on your face & body (which you guys know how much I love multi-purpose products) and it helps fight acne, fades scars and cellulite and also helps with stretch marks. Best of all it smells like coffee! If your interested in trying any of their products you can use my code “ALESSA10” for $10 off of your purchase of $40 or more.

Now don’t get me wrong, my kids’ well being and their health is a priority and I love being a mother, it’s probably the one thing I am most confident in. But I am not just a mother, I am my own person. Everyone needs a little break and there is nothing wrong with that. So stop the mom shaming & carry on!

xx,

Alessa

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Pink Champagne Margarita
Home | DIY

Pink Champagne Margarita

by aformentin
written by aformentin

Hi loves, long time no talk!

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, this is the perfect cocktail to enjoy this year! We all know alcohol is preferred these last few months!

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups Tequila (I used Jose Cuervo Blue Agave)
  • 1 cup Triple Sec (I used Charles Regnier)
  • 2 cups Champagne (I used a brut, for a dryer flavor)
  • 1 cup Lime Juice
  • 3 cups Pink Lemonade (I used Trader Joe’s)

First things first SALT YOUR RIM! How do you do that? Grab a lime and cut half way down the middle and run it around the rim of your glass. Gently place into a plate of course salt, I used Pink Himalayan Sea Salt because you know, aesthetics right?!

Once you are finished you are going to add all of your ingredients to a pitcher and stir. You are able to make it stronger or less depending on your liking. by simply adding more tequila or more pink lemonade. This recipe can be made for 3-4 cups.

There you have it, now enjoy! Nothing like a classy, pink drink that screams Valentine’s Day!

xx, Alessa

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Fall Fun | Weeds Orchard & Winery
Mommy | Lifestyle

Fall Fun | Weeds Orchard & Winery

by aformentin
written by aformentin

Hey lovebugs!

Long time no talk! I have seriously been so MIA with homeschooling, housebuilding and trying to survive this crazy last month but we finally were able to do something fun and go apple picking this past weekend in Warwick, NY at Weeds Orchard and Winery. It was the most beautiful fall day and we enjoyed ourselves so much!

We decided to arrive early because they don’t take reservations and we obviously didn’t want to be turned away. We arrived shortly after 11 am and the timing was perfect (not too hot, not freezing.) The lines were fairly short and we were able to get right on in with an admission fee of only $3 for everyone over the age of 2. Once we got there we quickly realized there was no way Esme was going to want to walk and thank you to Weeds we were able to rent wagons for $5, talk about lifesaver!

Once you’re in the orchard you’re able to start your day with picking or their amazing Apple Cider Sangria. It was so good, I’d go back just for that! As we walked we found there was other produce available to pick such as tomatoes and peppers. As we picked the kids played on their jungle gym and enjoyed themselves.

Once we picked all of our apples and took advantage of all of our photo opps, we decided it was time for some adult fun! We headed over to the bar that was equipped with beer, wine & sangria and settled in to hear the live bands that play music every weekend from 1-4 pm (see schedule here). Although we didn’t eat there they do offer outdoor dining with farm to table dining. I will say lines were long, but totally worth it for their fresh, warm apple cider donuts and the bakery smelled delicious!

Aside from all the fun stuff I know everyone wants to know what businesses and activities are like with COVID Regulations. The orchard states masks must be worn at all times unless seated. We wore our masks and only took them off for our pictures and to drink our drinks. There are some amenities that are not available at the time such as wine tastings, flights, hayrides and corn maze. With that being said I hope next year when things are calm we can return to have the whole experience. Since tables are on a first come first serve and there is no time limit, Weeds does suggest and insist on families bringing chairs and blankets to be able to make their own seating.

If your looking to go apple picking in the next few weeks make sure to check out Weeds Orchard & Winery and click here for more information!

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Nu Image Lip Fillers | Part II
Beauty | Fashion

Nu Image Lip Fillers | Part II

by aformentin
written by aformentin

Hey guys!

Long time no talk! How are you guys holding up? We are slowly but surely trying to get back into the swing of things after Covid. In Jersey, we are no longer quarantining for the time being, just wearing masks and practicing social distancing. Although nerve-racking, it is just part of a new life for us so we have no choice but to get used to it unless we want to continue staying home and let’s be real that is no way to live! With getting used to new things, Nu Image was one of the first public places I visited for a second treatment of lip fillers.

My first visit to Nu Image was back in January which if you guys know was a great experience! Well, let me say as nervous as I was, Nu Image made sure to go above and beyond to ensure they followed proper protocols and make their guest feel safe.

Upon arrival, there were no other clients in the waiting room and I notice immediately everyone was masked- my temperature was taken and I immediately was taken to my room where my service would be performed. I met with the one and only Dr. Raquel (the ONLY person I would allow to touch my lips, lol) and she was masked as well. Obviously, this was a procedure that did not allow me to leave on my mask so I did have to take it off but if you are getting a procedure that does not require that you will be fully masked for the duration of your service. We spoke a little about the look I wanted to achieve and she got right to work. My lips were not completely dissipated from my first service but I decided I wanted the a bit fuller than the previous time so I went with half a syringe of filler again. I also decided I wanted to have a more pronounced cupids bow which she also did great. Little no pain, and the best part is I did not have any bruising during the healing process! When I tell you Dr. Raquel is amazing, I’m not lying. If you are looking to get lip fillers, make sure you visit Nu Image and ask for Dr. Raquel.

Once again, recovery time was little to none- 2 days of swelling and no bruising. I look forward to visiting Nu Image again in the near future! If you are looking for more information and pricing check out my first post here.

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Mommy | Lifestyle

How To Optimize Your Instagram To Make Money Online With LadyBossBlogger

by aformentin
written by aformentin

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As most of you know I have been on my blogging/instagramming journey for a little over a year. It has been a year full of excitement, disappointments, ups, downs, and everything in between.  

Whoever says being a successful blogger and influencer is easy lied to you! Although this started out as a hobby it has slowly but surely turned into a brand that I’m so very proud of.  Yes, I love it but I also see how much work and time I put into it and was ready to start making a steady income for my time.  

Now, don’t throw any shade and suggest if I love it so much I should want to continue creating for free. I know many makeup artists & freelancers that love their career and guess what, they are not doing it for free!

As you all may know, when researching certain topics and learning about them it can get very overwhelming very fast. I have done research for months and have definitely learned and made some money on the side but I have never been able to create a steady and passive income. 

I want to say thank you to LadyBossBlogger & Elaine Rau for sponsoring this post and having so much useful information in one place for me on her How To Make Money As An Instagram Influencer course.  

The course is designed for beginner to intermediate influencers wanting to get to the next level. That’s me!! I was very excited to get started to say the least.

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know

I was able to download the link through Teachable and get started right away. I’m always skeptical about courses because I always felt I could find what I needed via search engines, boy was I wrong. 

Elaine outlines this curriculum with an endless amount of information and resources. I never knew how important affiliate marketing was to start making supplemental income! I never knew how in-depth we could get into influencing as a business until she started talking to me about taxes and LLCS! I was shook!! 

It took me about a week to get through and a notebook full of notes for me to go back on and start implementing her techniques and advice. I’m thrilled to get started and start seeing results and I will definitely follow up with you all.

Free LadyBossBlogger Resources

Elaine, a blogger, influencer and BOSS BABE herself offers two other courses as well as an endless amount of resources such as:

40% Off Promo Code

If any of you boss babes are interested in investing in yourself you can use my code “ALESSA” for 40% off any Lady Boss Blogger Courses. You also have the option to pay in six months, two months or full – so that’s super helpful. The promo code works with any payment plan! 

I’m also excited to let you all know we have partnered together to bring one of you lucky readers a chance to win a FREE course!

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LadyBossBlogger Giveaway

IN ORDER TO ENTER TO WIN YOU MUST

Good luck :)! I look forward to following up with you babes in a few weeks to let you know which information and tips I have implemented so far!

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Outdoor Living |Landscape For Beginners
Home | DIY

Outdoor Living |Landscape For Beginners

by aformentin
written by aformentin

This is a sponsored post, but as always all opinions are my own. 

It’s no secret that life around the world changed in the blink of an eye earlier this year. School’s were shut down, employees working from home, no outdoor dining. It really made most of us appreciate our homes and family life more. I’ve always said that your home is your temple, no matter how big  or small, new or old you should always walk into your home and feel content with it.  Loving, comfortable, and catered to your style and needs. 

In Jersey, the weather has been warm for a few months now and with everything shut down we have already spent so much time in our yard. I am so grateful and feel so blessed that we do have an outdoor area for the kids to run around and get some fresh air.  Thank goodness, because without the outdoors and wine i would’ve totally lost it during the quarantine. 

As some of you may know, we are in the process of building our new home and with public places just starting to re open in our area my hopes of going on an actual vacation are slim to know. So I thought, work with what you got – I want to turn our yard into an oasis for us to enjoy all summer long.  

I know I wanted to go with a professional company because let’s face it  – I hate bugs and my husband isn’t a “get your hands dirty kinda guy.” That’s when I found Onorato Landscaping LLC in Bergen County. They offer landscaping and hardscaping for both residential and commercial properties. With over 10 years of experience I know I can trust their information and direction. The best thing I read about Marc is that he is skilled in developing projects to be implemented in multi-season phases to accommodate everyone’s budget. 

Like many things, poor curb appeal grinds my gears and for the first time (since we are now homeowners) I will be able to design our outdoor landscaping. Talk about exciting!! So I decided to get some research done and figure out what exactly it is I wanted because the options are endless but it gets VERY expensive VERY quickly. Did you know that you can add as much as 15% of your home’s value with just landscaping?! I sure didn’t, but what i did know is I want to get the best bang for my buck (as always). 

Here are a  few things I learned that stuck out to me:

  1. As much as you are worried about what your landscaping looks like from the street view, you should pay attention to how it looks like from the inside of your house. 
  2. Check out the perennials that will work in your area and climate. Perennials are flowers or plants that will grow again year after year without you having to replant them. 
  3. Buy RUBBER mulch. It lasts years, you don’t have to replace it every year like regular mulch (waste of money) and it is a great way to recycle. 
  4. Add LED lighting elements wherever you’d like some spotlight. In the last 10 years lighting has become very affordable thanks to LED technology, some even come solar powered. 
  5. Lastly, I knew I wanted to find flowers and plants that deer won’t eat.  I live in Morris County and the deer is out of control! I found that Ferns and Wildflower are just a few of the most common ones that will keep deer and other animals from snacking. It would be a shame to pay so much money to have them eaten overnight, don’t you think?!

Image: Onorato Landscaping LLC 

For most of us when we think of outdoor landscaping we think plants, flowers, and grass but let’s not forget about the hardscaping. If you are looking for a less maintenance yard you should look into hardscaping. These custom Bergen County fire pits can be designed and built right on your custom patio area.There are many factors that come into play when designing a fire pit such as placement, will you be using it for cooking or just decoratively, stone or stucco, etc. So it will be a lot for you to take into consideration before designing but it will definitely become the centerpiece of your property.

I can not wait to see my vision come to life while putting all to use this information I have gathered. If you are doing home renovation projects and revamping make sure you enjoy your outdoor view as well! It’s just as a part of your home as the inside. 

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