weekend vibes | summer rain

we had an epic storm roll through on saturday evening. woke us all up at 2am sunday and we ended up camped out in the living room. it was gone by sunday afternoon and left behind puddles galore in our back yard, the kids wasted no time jumping in. 

i change my thoughts | i change my world

i feel like i have been on some sort of soul seeking journey over the past few weeks. which is weird, because at 28 you would think you would have it somewhat together, or not. i tend to let others actions consume me and define me. which frankly, is pretty sad. i know who i am, i know what i believe in, i know where i came from and yet i still let others words rip me apart. 

i feel like i found a new sense of self. that my worth does have value and i should be proud of that. we all should really.

i have started meditating to help release any negative thoughts and emotions. which has brought me a whole new light of thinking, not only about myself but of others as well. i can't hold any anger towards others for being who they are, i can't change them. but i can change myself and not allow what others say have any sort of effect on me other than to push me to be more positive. 

i came across this mantra while researching meditation:

" i change my thoughts, i change my world"

 - Norman Vincent Peale

when i find that i am having any negative thoughts towards anyone or any situation, i repeat it over and over in my head. and over the past week since finding this, i have had so many positive doors open for me. i would have never thought that a quote could be so life changing in such a short time, and it was just that.

i learning to start my days with positive thoughts and continue to keep it up as the day goes on- sometimes it's hard for sure. a few deep breaths help me center and carry on. and while this is all still a new way of thinking, i am determined to stay on this positive path and just grow as much as i can in all aspects of my life- as a wife, a mom, a friend, a daughter, a sister, a person...

"your vibe attracts your tribe"

i have become more thankful for new friendships that have brought me new adventures and value the meaning of a true friend. even not seeing them everyday, we are able to pick up where we left off like no time had passed. i look forward to coffee dates and photo adventures, being with those who enjoy my company as much as i enjoy theirs.

a s p e n /\ s u m m i t

side note: these candles just came in the mail and i can't stop smelling them. can candles be life changing too??? i literally said "HOLY SHIT THESE ARE AMAZING!" when i opened the box. they have such a crisp and clean scent- it reminds me of a hip urban store with hardwood floors and clean white walls selling lovely handmade items. so stoked to have these in my home!

weekly grams // mine + yours

mine

yours

@laurenscotti

@sarah.kathleen.leader

@aspensummit

@emilyjcover

childhood unplugged // escaping the heat

we ventured down the coast yesterday to escape the heat and enjoy some ocean breeze. the kids were stoked, might have been because new sand toys. we don't live that far from the beach and this is going to sound crazy, but we've maybe been to the beach 4-5 times since the kids were born. YIKES! trying to make a point to venture out more. i think they are ready to go back now actually, so we will be planning another trip soon!

rocksbox

 I recently discovered a new subscription box and I have to say I am in love. A box delivered to your door with beautiful pieces of jewelry to wear until you have decided you want to send them back and switch-out for new jewelry. 

Hello Rocksbox!! A monthly jewelry subscription that delivers a cute little package to your home with 3 beautiful pieces of jewelry to wear on loan, when finished you can either purchase 1 or all of these pieces at a 20 percent discount just for being a member.

I love how easy it was too. Simply sign up  for an account, fill out their style survey- which is always fun. The lovely stylists then curate a box based off of your survey and send it to you. This is what I needed! I am so bad at investing in nice jewelry or even buying it for that matter. So this will be great to help build my collection or even just add some freshness as I need it and then decide if I want o change it up. Especially because it's only $19 per month to enjoy some beautiful designer jewelry. 

Want to give it a try?? Use the code antlersandrosesxoxo to get your first month of Rocksbox free!! Kind of amazing right!? Can't wait to share what I received in my first box... And I am excited for future boxes to come!!

Gorjana /
Alma Cuff

Jules Smith /
Delicate Pavé Circle Ring in Gold

Moon & Lola /
Marseilles Necklace

her questions

This one.

She is my thinker and a dreamer.

Her soul is so deep and pure, and at times I feel that she is wise beyond her years.

She keeps me on my toes most of the time too, asking questions that really make me think. 

She doesn't take simple answers either.

She has a desire to know more- her how's and why's are usually never ending.

glasses // firmoo review

I have a funny story for you.

When I was in high school I wore glasses. And not for the reasons you would think.

I wore them because I so desperately wanted to. I was envious of others who had an actual need for them.

One day at a random teeny bopper mall shop I found the cutest black rimmed glasses (no perscription of course), and I couldn't resist getting them. From that day on I wore them EVERY.SINGLE.DAY!!

I think I eventually convinced myself that I actually needed them too.

young living essential oils // lemon

Lemon Essential Oil Uses:

1) Produce wash. After heading to the local farmers market or grocery, bathe your fruits and veggies in a bowl of water with a drop or two of lemon oil to remove harmful bacteria and chemical residue.

2) Get your skin ready for summer with a lemon body scrub by mixing 1/4 cup of coconut oil and 1/4 cups of sugar with 8 drops of lemon. *Lemon is photosensitive and should be applied 12 or more hours before going out into the sun.

3) Add 1-2 drops of lemon oil to your glass of water, Ningxia Red or iced tea for a refreshing drink that also helps energize you and supports a healthy digestive and immune system.

4) Help clarify skin and reduce the appearance of blemishes by adding lemon to your favorite natural nighttime moisturizer. *Lemon is photosensitive and should be applied 12 or more hours before going out into the sun.

5) Add lemon oil to your favorite dessert or mixed drink recipe to boost the flavor and add a touch of d-limonene, a beneficial nutrient believed to help support a healthy immune system.

boho wonderland // styled shoot

Ever since I attended that lovely photography work shop a few months back, I have been dying to put together some fun styled shoots. They are always a great way to keep things current and fresh, plus gives you more creative freedom.

I invited the girls from the workshop to join in too, because the more the merrier! Decided on a 'Boho' look for this one and I have to say I am so in love with how it all came together. My girlfriend Jesse from Lovelychic Weddings did the hair and makeup plus made these amazing crowns for us. And after stressing about outfits for a few weeks, I found these amazing dresses at of course... Target! Snagged the hat and jewelry from Target as well. And this location, I mean come one!! My girl Nikki of Nikki Marie Photography said we have to go here, and I am so glad we did! San Simeon and it's views are just breath taking!!

I am so thrilled with how it turned out and I can't wait for our next one, which is already in the planning process!! You can see the rest of the photos at my new photography website >>> Antlers + Roses Photo <<<

aquarium

Yesterday was such a whirlwind and all together amazing day. We have been trying to plan a trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium for over a year now, the day finally came. We told the kids about 2 weeks about that the trip was on, but of course 2 weeks to them felt like an eternity. Every day they would wake up and ask "How many more days!?" When out and about they would inform friends and even strangers how many more days until our trip to the Aquarium. On day "4 more days" my mom and I had to decided to go the day before we were originally planning due to possible rain. But we decided to not tell the kids. So yesterday when they woke up- "How many more days!?" "You still have one!" Got them all loaded into the car to go pick GiGi up because "her car wasn't working so we are going to drive her". Then we hit the road- this was our long road trip with them and they were such troopers.

lately

I feel like I have neglecting this space lately.

Not a whole lot of posting and such.

Getting back into the swing of things and working on some fun posts, including a weekly series that I am really excited to share. 

This is life as of lately. The weather has been so nice (except for the unexpected rain this week, which I love and we need). The warmer weather has been drawing us outside and keeping us out there until sun down. My Husband is restoring a Land Cruiser right now, so he is out there tinkering around on it every chance he gets. And the kids love "helping". They "drive" on adventures all over and ask my husband a million and one questions about life. I am excited for them to learn how to drive in this vehicle, reminds me of when I was younger learning how to drive the back roads home- I look forward to those days.

 

"We do not remember days, we remember moments."

Cesare Pavese

mamas + coffee

 We all enter motherhood with this preconceived notion of what motherhood is going to be like because of what others have said or what we see in the mainstream media- but in reality motherhood is so special and different to us all. Motherhood is not perfect and it's not easy. And while our journeys might all be different we still all have the same goal, to make it through it all feeling accomplished and proud of what have done. Other mother's (families) choices shouldn't define our own because that isn't our journey to live, but we can most definitely show them love and support as they navigate through their own. 

2 weeks ago I was driving home thinking I wish there was some little group of moms that I could keep in touch with to just talk about life, motherhood, kids and whatever else. Being a mom it is sometimes hard to find the time to escape from the house to have regular coffee dates with other moms to play catch up and just talk. I got to thinking and decided I would just create a little facebook group and invite some of my mommy friends to join (some who are spread across the US) and then we can just have a space to talk and share what ever was on our hearts. 

"Sometimes we need someone to simply be there. Not to fix anything in particular, but just to let us feel that we are cared for and supported"

So was created 'Mamas + Coffee'. I dreamed of it to be as if we were all sitting together where it be a cozy living room or a fun coffee shop- we all have our warm mugs of goodness just chatting away, sharing pictures of our littles, seeking advise, giving support. Nothing but a positive environment, cause lets face it's hard to find a place where negativity isn't brewing. 

It's been 11 days of pure inspiration and support, mixed with love, laughter and sillyness. It's become a place where mom's are asking real questions that they might have not asked for fear of judgement. Moms connecting with new moms whom they might have not met otherwise. It's been so amazing to sit back and watch this simple idea turn into something bigger than I ever expected!

We have even planned for meet ups, the first one was local to my area but I am hoping others will start to plan their own all over. This past meet up/play date we had all the mamas bring a new children's book or toiletries to be donated to the Children's Hospital Los Angeles and the Ronald McDonald House. What better way to spread more positive vibes than by giving back to others. 

I am excited to see this Mama community continue to grow!

he's four // lumberjack party

 

 

I have to say, for pulling this party together last minute (in about 4 days), I am pretty proud of the outcome. All the details came together perfectly and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves- especially the Birthday Boy! I tried to make it as easy as possible with as much time as I had, because the less stress the better- am I right! So here it is, our Lumberjack Birthday Party!

 



 

 

I picked up this tree round (that's what I am assuming they are called) from Michael's. I had plans for a 9 in round cake like this one, but misplaced it since the last party. So on the fly, I found a 6 in pan and opted for cupcakes for the rest. You got to work with what you got sometimes.

I was so glad these stainless steal bowls, that I already had, worked out perfectly for displaying the snacks. It helped tie in with the grays in the G and the cement planter holding the marshmallows on the stick.

Because marshmallows- enough said.

 

 

I had plans to make a banner and completely forgot to make it by the fabric store. Luckily I happened to have a roll of packing paper and made it happen. Washi tape and fun bakers twine to finish it off!

 

 

If you didn't know this before, cold brew coffee jars make the cutest vases- you're welcome!

 

 

As the 'Thank You' favor, I thought a trail mix bar was such a cute idea (Thank you Pinterest!) A local vintage shop had this plaid blanket which made for a perfect tablecloth and paper berry baskets and metal buckets helped display the trail mix treats. My talented girlfriend just started up a banner and party décor business, The Modern Market, she made this black and red circle banner for me with such short notice- thank you Kelli!!

I found these adorable invites on Tiny Prints, they were such a hit. I loved that the font had a chalkboard look to it, perfect next to the chalkboard signs.

Mason jars were on display for the thank you favors. I customized gift tag stickers to go with the lumberjack theme, Mountain Man Trail Mix.

Made some chalkboard signs with more wood rounds and some handy Martha Stewart chalkboard paint- I have back stock so it's always readily available!

This was my favorite!! I love a good smore. So naturally a smores bar was a must!! I have enjoyed a one... or a handful of them!

The birthday boy, before the sugar rush and chocolate face.

 

Most of you know that I am an Oiler. I diffused some White Fir and Jade Lemon to give it a nice fresh woodsy aroma. It was actually really refreshing and everyone loved it.

This Super Hero showed up.

Success!!!
I still can't believe my little guy is four now... And now to start brainstorming for my daughters birthday... She's going to be 6, excuse me while I go cry for a week.