Friday Favorites

TGIF everyone.  Another work week has come and gone.  While I thought this week was going to go be quickly I was sadly mistaken.  Thursday seemed to drag on forever.

First I am very pleased to announce that I have a new baby cousin.  She is absolutely beautiful (I may be a little biased)  She has the biggest cheeks already and a full set of red hair.

Even if the week did drag on I am thankful that it was a four day week and one week closer to summer vacation.  This means mommy can sleep in an extra half hour!!

Madeline had her try outs last night for her recreational cheerleading squad and she made the 95/youth prep team!! Gooo Broncos.  In addition I get a break from cheer for a month.  Double favorite right there.

(Right after try outs and of course Jonathan was there to support his sissy!)

Today at the office we were given a wonderful breakfast as a thank you for all the work we did through out our schools accreditation.  Not only did we get a delicious breakfast but we got a $50 American Express gift card.  Pretty good way to start the weekend.

I can't help but be happy today because I get to leave work a little early, pick-up Madeline which is a treat in itself and go to the chiropractor to get a message.  It is truly one of the biggest reasons why I go to a chiropractor.  Those messages make my week.  Grant it is a waste since tonight I go to boot camp and make my relax muscles sore all over again.  

Wednesday Workout

This past week because of Madeline's cheerleading I was only able to work out four days.  At least it is something right?  Last season during cheerleading some of the other moms and I would walk the track and get in two and a half miles.  Right now unfortunately we haven't been able to get back to that.  I'm hoping once season does start and I'm not doing cheer mom duties I can get back at it.  I also saw that the park where the girls practice offers a boot camp.  I want to investigate more and convince the other moms to join me.  Since I knew I wasn't going to be able to go to my usual Tuesday night boot camp the girl's coach and another mother and I grabbed some workouts off of pinterest and started doing them on the field.  I'm sure we were very entertaining.  Our workout consisted of a 45 second plank, 50 squats, 15 push ups, 15 dips, 20 sit ups, 20 leg raises, and 1 minute of jumping jacks.  I always try to remember that even if it isn't a full workout its something.  

Last Friday I was able to do my usual boot camp and I always feel like if I haven't been able to make a workout it makes up for it.  Boot camp this time was made up of six stations.  Each station lasted two minutes with a minute break in between.   The exercises were kettle bell squats with either a 25 or 35 pound kettle bell, jump squats with an eight pound weight, pushups, sprawls, burpees, and ball slams.  The entire time I was thinking for boot camps this was a pretty easy one.  How mistaken was I.  Right when we were getting to our last station the instructor informed us we would be going another round each station being only a minute.  He also happened to switch up the exercises.  Round two consisted of kettle bell swings, burpees, v-ups, arm raises with the medicine ball, jumps over the parking bumper, and arm swings with a weight.  We were supposed to do a minute of the workout and a minute of sprints.  As usual I left drenched in sweat and barely able to move.  Overall a great workout!

Saturday I thought our kick boxing class wouldn't have any of the exercises we used the night before because the instructor had been in the boot camp with us.  I was very wrong! My legs were on fire.  I had every plan on making up my missed workout on Sunday but my legs were begging me to take the day off.

Monday my gym was only having an early morning class because of the Holiday.  Usually when there are classes on a Holiday my lovely instructor kicks it up ten notches and the class lasts at least an hour.  He did not fail us, his mentality is that we are going to eat a little more and drink a little more so this way we wont feel so guilty. I guess I really should be thanking him...

Weekend Round Up...Memorial Day Weekend

Happy Tuesday everyone!  It is so nice to start the week of already one day in.  Lets hope the week goes by as quickly as my weekends do.  I have to start off again with thanking all the men and women who have sacrificed their lives to give us our freedom.  With out them we wouldn't be able to have these long weekends with our families.  I come from a military family so I can't help but appreciate all the hard work and dedication these amazing individuals have given.

We kicked this holiday weekend off by attending a few parties on Saturday.  Madeline had a birthday party and then we had a BBQ at a friends house to go to.  My mom was kind enough to take Jonathan with her to see Rio 2 so that I would actually be able to chat with the other moms and enjoy myself at the BBQ.  I was a little bummed out because it was Jonathan's first time going to the movie and I missed that.  She said he did great and I am excited to take him to see How to Train Your Dragon!

The rest of the weekend we spent at the pool.  Sunday we went to my aunt's house to use the pool and have a BBQ there.  I love Sundays because I can actually "sleep in".  Having back to back parties no matter how fun they are is pretty tiring.  We enjoyed our breakfast and then slowly got dressed.  I was able to sneak out for a bit and went to get a mani and pedi.  After grabbing the necessities for the BBQ we got to my aunt's around two and the kids went straight to the pool.  Jonathan is starting swimming lessons next month so for now he uses little floatys.  He has zero fear and jumps right in.  The kids staid in the pool till dinner time.  After a long day in the pool everyone passed out the minute we got them into the car.

Monday, I woke up early to go work out since they were only offering a morning class because of the holiday.  I got home and everyone had just woken up (lucky them).  We had another lazy morning until we got up and decided to go to the pool for the third day in a row.  You can definitely tell summer is on its way here in South Florida.  Madeline asked me if it was already summer because it felt like we were in a desert.  Oh how I am not looking forward to full blown summer.  The Llanos family will be found all weekend long at the pool.

To keep it simple we decided to make tacos for dinner.  Instead of making the turkey for the meat I ran to Publix and grabbed two of the rotisserie chickens and just pulled the meat of the bones.  That with all the fixings made for a quick and delicious dinner.

Hope everyone had a good weekend that this week goes fast for everyone.

Friday Favorites

It's Friday and it couldn't have come sooner! I saw another one of the blogs put a list of what they enjoyed most about their week. I loves the idea and thought I would do one of my own. 

I am for ever grateful that it is a long weekend! There is nothing better then a weekend other then a long weekend. It seems like we will be having a jammed pack weekend of fun. Can't wait to post about it on Monday. 

Two I'm loving my latest finds from Homegoods. I took a stroll through one the other day at lunch and found this ring/bracelet holder and this jewelry box. I had been looking for a glass one since last time I was in Homegoods and the one I found was cracked. 

Third, I am excited for my new thirty-one bag to arrive. A friend of my hosted a party at cheer practice so that all the cheer moms could get a bag like hers with our family name and a megaphone. I ended up getting the large utility bag since come August I'll be going from soccer games directly to football games. 

(I may topple over while using toting this around. I got ours in navy with orange lettering to go with Madeline's team colors)

I  was also happy that my Mother's Day gift arrived. The hubby got me a necklace that has the kids month and date of their birthday. They are both on the 28th so it worked out well.  

Finally. I am just happy to be able to spend time with the family. I swear every day they get bigger and bigger and before I know it they are going to be in college. 

Hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. This weekend wouldn't be possible with all the amazing men and women who sacrifice their lives for us. Also. Special thank you to their families who do not get to spend these long weekends with their loved ones. 

Thursday Trends: Workout gear

I have been slacking on my Workout Wednesday posts.  So this Thursday Trends
I thought it best to combine the two.  For some reason when I wear
cute clothes to work out it makes me want to go even more to the gym.
I also find myself buying more and more gym clothes then regular clothes.

For the most part when I work out I just wear black leggings/shorts that way all
my shirts will match.  Below I have posted a few cute shirts with saying which are
my favorite to wear to the gym. I also added a fun pair of pants that would look
super cute with a plain white tank.  We can't forget a good sports bra and why not
have one that is pretty AND functional.

The most important accessory in my eyes when going to the gym is a good pair of
sneakers. When I go running I wont wear anything other then brooks or asics.  I
tend to overpronate my foot so I need a supportive sneaker and brooks and asic
work best for me.  For kickboxing I like something like and flexible so I use the
Nike Free.






I love these asics because a portion of the proceeds 
goes to breast cancer research.







His and Hers matching Nikes








Lately I have been so busy with Madeline and her cheerleading that I have only had
the opportunity to work out five days a week.  I shouldn't complain because at least
I am working out at all.  I did all my usual work outs last week except for my
Tuesday boot camp because we had cheerleading.

Friday I made up for it for sure.  I was beyond proud of myself because the point of
boot camp that day was to increase each rep by five until we got up to thirty and
I did! We basically had to do suicides with the base of the punching bags which are
filled with sand.  After doing that the length of the room we had to do jump squats,
burpees, v-ups, jumping jacks, and push-ups in any order.  We started at five
and increased each round by five except for the pushing of the bags.  I finished
with seconds to spare but I finished!

Saturday morning when I went to kickboxing of course the instructor did all
of same  workouts in between the punches. I swear they must talk to each other
and try to find the best way to torture me.  But at least my outfits look cute while
I'm being tortured because I definitely look like a hot mess!




Workout gear by alexandra-llanos featuring forever 21 pants

Weekend Round Up

Happy Monday everyone! I am sure everyone feels the same ways but my weekends just go by way to fast.

My Friday was pretty boring.  I am pretty sure I was asleep by eleven.  Boot camp that night kicked my butt.

Saturday, I got my workout in early.  We traded in our car the week before and my new running boards finally came in so I had to do that.  Thank goodness for free popcorn and the Disney Movie app because I had an hour wait for the dealership to install the running boards.  The kids had a blast looking at all the cars and pretending they were at a movie eating their popcorn and watching Pirate Fairy.  The kids had a slumber party with my in-laws and the hubby and I went out with friends that night.

If you live in South Florida and like burgers although they have a ton of other stuff you should definitely try Rosie's.  

Sorry for the blurry picture but it's hard to get a three yr old to stay still. He was jamming to the music at the dealership. 

Sunday, since the children were at my in-laws I was able to sleep until eleven!! It was amazing and very long over due.  I literally sat on my couch and watched trash TV until they got home at two.  Then Madeline and I were off to the last Girl Scout meeting of the school year.  

The school year is quickly coming to and end and we are getting ready for summer.  Living in Florida I have to try and come up with some in-door activities because it is ridiculously hot.

Hope everyone has a good week.

Thursday Trends: Sunglasses obsession

Hi my name is Alexandra and I am addicted to sunglasses.  I may or may not have 99%
of these sunglasses, but I can't help it I just keep buying more.  Living in Florida
where it is sunny almost every day-maybe not all day excluding those five minutes of
torrential down pours-but overall sunglasses are a must.

Out of all my sunglasses, my favorite ones right now are my new green mirrored Ray Bans.
The red DG ones are a close second.  I got them now for the summer because they just
look so fun and vibrant. Even though they are red they look great with everything and
make any outfit more fun.

I am dying to get those black Prada sunnies to top of my collection (for now).  They
are calling my name!!  To bad no more holidays are coming up.  I'll just have to
find some excuse as to why I should purchase them.

What is your obsession? Would love to hear from you all.





Sunglasses obsession by alexandra-llanos featuring gradient aviator sunglasses

Weekend Round Up

Happy Monday Everyone!! For all you moms I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day.  My weekend over all was very relaxing which was a reprieve after my crazy week.   May in general looks like it is going to be a slow month except for all the birthday celebrations.  

Friday I delivered Madeline's teachers their gifts for Teacher Appreciation week. They let me take her early since they were done with all their class work. I picked up Jonathan and dragged  went with my mom and the kids to the mall hoping to buy my hubby's birthday present before the stores got crazy with all the last minute Mother's Day shopping.  I lucked out and was able to get his gift in the first store I went into.  I was even able to do a little shopping for the children.  Summer is coming up and I wanted to stock up on t-shirts and shorts for them.  Madeline will be going to summer camp where she can wear regular clothes so I like picking up t-shirts whenever I see them on sale. 

(Inside I put a gift card and a may or may not have added a bottle of Bailey's for those extra hard days.) 

Saturday was pretty uneventful.  We went to lunch and to get a gift for my cousin and that really was the most exciting thing we did.  I started to get a sore throat Saturday night so I took some medicine which I rarely do but I really did not want to wake up on Mother's Day feeling sick.  

Sunday, thankfully I woke up feeling fine and I was able to go breakfast with the family.  We came back rested a bit and since we didn't do much Saturday I felt the need to get out of the house even though I would have loved to lay in bed all day and watch the marathon of Property Brothers that was on.  I took the kids to the pool and park to get some fresh air.  My cousin decided to combine her birthday with mothers day so we all went to my aunts house to celebrate an early birthday.

Overall it was a nice and relaxing weekend which is just what I wanted for Mother's Day.  The hubby didn't think a relaxing weekend was enough so he got me a beautiful necklace that has the children's birthdays in roman numerals.  I love anything personalized and I since it is simple enough I can layer it with other necklaces so it truly was a perfect gift for me.  

Thursday Trends: Teacher appreciation week

I am a little behind on my Thursday Trends this week.  It has been one of those weeks.
As a mom you know exactly what I mean.  This weeks trend is in honor of those
amazing people who mold our beautiful children's minds, Teachers.  They are
truly amazing and extremely under paid for all that they do.

Below are a few ideas that I saw on Pinterest. (How I love you Pinterest!)
For Madeline's teacher and teacher's aid I ended getting them refillable mugs from
Dunkin Donuts with gift cards and a little tag that says "Thanks a Latte". I was able to find a free printable tag thanks to Pinterest.  I figured if I
need a coffee to survive these Saints women need a lot more to handle 22 terrors angels.

Some of these gifts are quite simple and do not cost a lot to make.
It isn't about the money just showing your child's teacher how much we do
appreciate all their hard work.


Teacher appreciation week by alexandra-llanos on Polyvore

Workout Wednesday

I feel like I am almost back to my workout schedule.  Last week was the first week in a while that I was able to get my six work outs in.  Even with doing some sort of physical activity it still wasn't my usual.

Friday I was able to make it to my usual boot camp.  We were split into groups of two and had to make it rotate through four different stations.   Each station last ten minutes.  One minute of workout one minute of jumping jacks or jump rope (Both suck equally).  The four stations consisted of pushing the base of the punching bag( which is filled with sand) back and form from one end of the room to another, jump squats, push ups, thrusters, and my favorite burpees.  To say my butt was sore the next day was an understatement.   I still dragged myself to kickboxing that following Saturday.  

One of the things I love about kickboxing  is that it really is a full body workout.  Throughout the class the trainers incorporate other exercises into the punching routine.  Last Saturday all the exercises that we were required to do were luckily all the ones I had to do the night before.  I was very happy with my Sunday rest day to say the least!

Monday was my mother in laws birthday so once again I wasn't able to go to my usual kickboxing class.  It was beautiful out and I ended up going for quick run.  I was able to get in two miles which is better then nothing.

Tuesdays I now have cheerleading practice with Madeline.  Usually my hubby comes along with us which allows me to leave early to go to my boot camp class.  However, last night that wasn't possible so I needed to find an alternative.  I have heard a lot about these Orange Theory Fitness classes and wanted to try one out.  They offer a free class for first timers and at least at the location near me offers a great schedule.  They offer classes seven days a week and at several different time frames.  I definitely enjoyed it and would do it again.  The class lasts and hour and they put a heart-rate monitor on you so you know if you are in the target zone to burn fat. The fact that they have classes on Sunday is nice because if I ever can't make a workout during the week I can make it up there.  

Food wise nothing much has changed.  When I went out to eat for my mother-in-laws birthday I had my trusty Cesar salad with a sweet potato.  Since it was Cinco de Mayo I treated myself to a skinny margarita.  Last night because I did not get home till super late I had my go to smoothie with kale.  Lately my go to sweet treat has been a caramel rice cake with peanut butter.   Tonight we are having Turkey Chili one of my favorites.  My daughter unfortunately doesn't eat that so I will be making something simpler for her.  I hate that we need to make multiple meals in the house.  If anyone has any suggestions please feel free to leave me a comment on how to fix that.

Weekend Round Up

This past weekend was amazingly uneventful!!  Weekends like those are far and few between. Although looking at the calendar the month of May is looking kind of quite for the Llanos Family.  (The week days are a whole other story-Thank You Cheerleading)

Friday, Madeline didn't have school.  It worked out great because Thursday like I said earlier, was the start of her cheerleading season.  The girls stayed after practice and played a little extra afterwards because they were so excited to be back at it.  My mom had staid with the kids on Friday so by the time we were heading home Jonathan fell asleep on me in the car.  Thankfully he did not wake up and slept through the night.  

Saturday, was just as uneventful.  I had Jonathan's 3 year check up, which he passed with flying colors.  It started pouring around noon and didn't let up all afternoon.  We spent a lazy day at home watching movies and the kids playing together.  The joys of having two kids-in house play dates twenty-four seven!  So we wouldn't be coup up all day we went out for dinner.  

Sunday, is my one day to sleep in! The kids allowed me to sleep till almost nine which felt amazing.  Madeline was supposed to have her bi-monthly Girl Scout meeting but it was cancelled early on in the day.  True to Florida weather it was a complete 180 from the day before which meant it was a beautiful day for the pool.  We slowly got up and dressed went to eat lunch with a girl friend and headed for the pool.  My mom took the kids home for me and I went grocery shopping alone.  A treat when you are a mom!

Its Mother's day this Sunday and my hubby's birthday next week so I really need to get up to date on my shopping.  Hope everyone has a good week.

'Tis the Season

Yesterday marked the start of my daughter's recreational cheerleading season.  She could not wait to start back up.  While I am very thrilled for her, this means my most of week days and Saturdays are gone until November. What we moms do for our kids!

 We had tried the competitive cheerleading during the off season and it just was not for us.  Some of the girls that were on the team that had been on her rec team loved it and actually staid on rather then return.  So it really just depends on the girl.  It is definitely tougher then rec.  The teams are out to when and things need to be perfect.  If your daughter can handle the stress of it I would recommend it.  It teaches the girls responsibility and it is a heck of a workout.  

Madeline isn't one of those girls and its fine.  She is a bit more sensitive and doesn't take well with people yelling at her to do something better.  It was really hard for me to finally come to the decision to take her out before the season was over.  I did not want to teach her it was OK to quite something that she already had made the commitment to.  Her father and I finally decided to do it when Madeline was spending most of the practice crying and crying the entire way to practice.  It was horrible seeing my baby girl go through that.  

Now we are back to our happy and welcoming recreational team with most of her little friends from school and we couldn't be happier.  Here is to long summer nights and hot Saturday games!

Thursday Trends: Forever 21 Kids

I am inching towards my limit of being able to shop in Forever 21.  However, lately
I have been finding myself going in for a whole other reason...their children's
clothes!!  I have become slightly obsessed with their girl's line.  They have the cutest
little outfits and the prices cannot be beat.

Obviously, their quality isn't that of Baby Gap but for these prices and
the way kids grow its perfect.  Madeline constantly has something to go to
and come summer time when she goes to camp I don't want to send her in clothes
that I am afraid she will ruin.  With these items I don't mind.

Madeline already has a few of these pieces like the panda shirt, the perfume shirt,
the Aztec print dress, skirt, and like blue jean vest.  You can see Madeline in the blue Aztec dress in this post here. They fit true to size and fit well.
I'm dying over the little peplum top, Aztec shorts, and jumper.
I may be having to go to my local Forever 21 soon.




Girl clothes by alexandra-llanos on Polyvore