Hello, I’m Michelle!
“Love shines brightest when it is shared in the present moment” – Yung Pueblo
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Panama Family Trip Part 1- San Blas
We embarked on this approximately 4 hour long journey to the island early in the morning from our hotel. We used the tour company San Blas Dreams for both this tour and another one we booked while in Panama (I have not been paid or received compensation with this company).
The trip was via a 4×4 down an hours long road that was full of potholes. We were told the road has been like this for years but is scheduled to be repaired soon. Once we arrived at the end we were then picked up by a boat and the ride was about 40 minutes to Ina Island. I selected this one in particular since the island would also include us getting to island hop for the day at a few other islands before returning for the night to sleep in a hut. While there I have to say we saw many people doing just a day trip to the islands but knowing the long amount of time it would take to get to San Blas and back, and with kids and grandparents, it really just made sense to stay overnight at least for us.
While on the island were able to experience some local Kuna food (the Kuna are the indigenous people of the Guna tribe), embrace the lack of wifi and technology, and live out every moment on the screensavers I pick for my work computer. We participated in a tour to visit some other islands all of which were equally beautiful. There was one that was so small in size with the tiniest sliver of land that you would walk down the strip and have water washing upon it from both directions. It was heavenly to feel like you are out in the middle of the ocean yet safe on this small island.
While away I was a little nervous taking such young children and Raul’s parents however, everyone enjoyed it and I have to say we all needed the break and with little to focus on but the views, it was a much needed break from work and the everyday.
A few tips if you do this trip- pack lightly. We put all of our stuff in a small carry on suitcase since it was for the three kids and us and that worked but if you are traveling solo or just a couple, an overnight duffle is best. Don’t forget bug spray, sunscreen, toiletries, a towel, a flashlight or small collapsible lantern for night time, a card game or some activity to do at night after the sun goes down with kids/friends, and if you have young kids don’t forget to bring baby wipes and some of the small diaper/pull up plastic bags. The island is very rustic and minimal….but so worth it and so hard to leave.
Thank you for your response. ✨
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Home Updates Part 3
West Elm for the Win (Mostly!) So if you are anything like our family…your living room took a huge hit during the Pandemic with all those hours of family time, Netflix and chill, and toddlers running and jumping all over the place! By September we had enough with our old couch and set up and visited West Elm. We ended up selecting the Harris Sectional (very durable especially with the fabric we picked out) and allowed us to maximize our apartment space which is at at premium in Brooklyn. We needed some show stopping art (I don’t care what anyone says- art makes the space and we needed some big pieces to break up the large wall behind the couch). We also accessorized the space with a rug (similar to the top one) that had some texture on it and could very honest hide some of the crumbs and dirt that three kids bring into any space. Lastly, a few textured throw pillows for the space. The above picture has our actual art and couch but similar types of rugs and pillows.
Right after the couch was delivered but before the artwork came in 
Finally all done! Artwork- West Elm Running Man and Double X
https://www.westelm.com/products/framed-print-double-x-w2703/
Couch- West Elm Harris Sectional
https://www.westelm.com/products/harris-2-piece-terminal-sectional-h4618/?pkey=charris%20sectional
Round Storage Ottoman- Home Goods What an amazing ottoman- we had to replace the other one not just because we had it for so long but the shape would not work with this couch set up. This one has so much storage in there despite it being round I swear it fits all of our extra sheets/pillows/towels for when guest sleep over.
Rug- Home Sense
All Throw Pills- Home Sense (Tip from me to you- bring a swatch of the couch material around with you until you find pillows that bring you joy) These ones ended up being perfect because they are not only different textures but depending who is over wants more or less back support)
Lamp- Home Goods (Still want to replace with an arc lamp but not with 2 toddlers running around!)
Thank you for your response. ✨
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Upcycling a Candle Jar
Did a quick project last weekend once this amazing candle was finished. I love the smell of the Anthropologie Angel Food Candle and upon finishing I wanted to try to save this beautiful ceramic jar. I poured boiling water into the remainder of the wax, let it sit for a while and the wax came out pretty easily with a little scrubbing around he top part that had some black soot on it. I put on my desk to hold some sharpie’s and done!
Thank you for your response. ✨
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Spiked Coffee Recipe!
Its totally not what you think! For my second (maybe third cup some days) I venture out to grab a cold brew coffee. When I get back I add in my paleo/whole 30 approved Califia Almond Milk, a scoop of collagen fuel, and get a 2 for one beverage; some much needed caffeine and protein! This drink has about 6g of Carbs, 8g of Fat, and 21g of Protein (depending on how much of the almond milk you put in). If you want something with a little more protein, grab a Starbucks sous vide which will then up this to 17g of Carbs, 24g of Fat, and 38g of Protein.
This drink works well with just about any kind of protein powder ( I was previously using the Orgain Vanilla) or you can use flavorless Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. Just take note of how it may blend. I use a Vitamix so it has many settings and can blend very easily.
Thank you for your response. ✨
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Fathers Day Gifts!
Clockwise: Banana Republic Traveler Jeans, Apple Headphones, Sports Ice Cubes, PS5 Almost forgot to post about some gifts to get for Father’s Day… these are not for any old father!
First up is the Banana Republic Traveler Jeans/Pants- Yes they look like denim and dress pants but wait for it- they are as comfortable as sweatpants! Raul has many pairs of these and swears by them for comfort and style without looking too relaxed wherever he goes. https://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=536787002&cid=1021453&pcid=5389&vid=1&grid=pds_14_119_1#pdp-page-content
Apple Headphones- Raul originally got these as an update to his old beats ones. However, the noise cancellation is amazing and we frequently joke around that we should have these in the car to block out the kids on long drives! https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-airpods/airpods-max/space-gray?fnode=2bfd99595c8afe2f2821766e33ef8ee0c170320f3b6a5376bf817c3f4999ae649fdcca8431e6b73c7365da8a3138866c5277f881c5e5e8824820c0595ee2070bce01390cc894e95e9055b7c27eed1b0c4473e96ad1d0d56cc829bd430b9bceb7dd9a58237e2dc9f2573677602760bd06531f5426cc640c3d97d330abcb830e79
Sports Ice Cubes- We are always looking for large ice cubes for drinks so it does not water it down but does cool it. https://www.amazon.com/Tovolo-Football-Shaped-Stackable-Sports-Themed-Dishwasher-Safe/dp/B08MBCKHRT/ref=asc_df_B08MBCKHRT/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=475793364221&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12851287233291292764&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9004358&hvtargid=pla-1034844111054&psc=1
PS5- What do I need to say… this is what every man wants and has been a total upgrade from the old system. https://www.playstation.com/en-us/ps5/
Unfortunately, the gift that the father of the year to these three boys is getting can’t be posted because I know he will be reading this but I will post the gift he is getting after Fathers Day in case anyone needs a belated gift!
Thank you for your response. ✨
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Home Upgrades Part 2
Mirrors, Evil Eye Protection, Capri Blue Candles, Hotel Collection Bath Sheets Continued…. A few more home essentials! Mirrors are amazing to reflect light and super important for that last look before heading out the door. We picked up our current one (not the one pictured but it is round, gold, and this is a good alternative), from a new store called At Home. There is such an amazing selection of literally everything you can imagine that includes furniture, accessories, and even unique housewarming gifts. I always believe in keeping at least one evil eye in the house to protect and watch over us. I picked ours up when we went on a vacation in Istanbul so they also feel so symbolic to me as an adventure we took together. Capri Blue candles from Anthropologie give such a great light but fresh scent all over the house. I am a huge fan of the diffuser oil as well. Lastly, how could you talk about upgrading your home without considering new bath towels. We have had these Hotel Collection Bath Sheets for a few years and just recently purchased a new set. Besides them being extra long, they dry relatively quickly, are absorbent and super soft.
Mirror- At Home https://www.athome.com/35in.-simple-gold-metal-mirror/124321433.html?nav=tile_nav
Capri Blue Candle- https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/capri-blue-ombre-faceted-glass-jar-candle?category=SHOPBYBRAND&color=097&type=STANDARD&size=One%20Size&quantity=1
Hotel Collection Finest Elegance Bath Sheet- https://www.macys.com/shop/product/hotel-collection-finest-elegance-bath-towel-collection-luxury-turkish-cotton-created-for-macys?
Thank you for your response. ✨
About Me
The sky is not completely dark at night. Were the sky absolutely dark, one would not be able to see the silhouette of an object against the sky.
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