Tuesday Favorites- Nicole Paloma

Currently I work along 30A in Santa Rosa Beach, FL.  This is a vacation spot for a lot of people that I went to college and high school with since it is only a few hours from Mississippi.  I do feel blessed that I am able to live and work in Florida, even more so now that family has moved over here, and that Drew and I are meeting and making more friends in our area :).

I constantly have people come into the shop I work at, Design On the Gulf, and ask where are cute clothing shops, where is a good restaurant, what is there to do besides going to the beach?  30A is nestled along the water and is hidden along 98 (you seriously would not know anything was there unless you decided to turn down 283, 395, or 30A).  It is directly in between Destin and Panama City Beach.  I actually had never heard of it until I started looking for an internship in college.  I ended up landing a job in Rosemary Beach, FL.  I fell in love with this perfect, aesthetically pleasing, urban-beach community.  Being naive I was ready to sign a lease to live in a 400 sq/ft studio apartment until I started looking at the price...  Drew and I ended up in a wonderful community in Freeport that we absolutely love, but that is for another blog. 

One of the greatest things about this area is all of the locally owned small shops, (my dream one day!).  I find that people really do not advertise in the area you find everything by word of mouth.  There is something extremely exciting  about stumbling upon a great boutique, consignment shop, restaurant, you name it.  The folks are extremely nice and I always end up feeling like a found a secret treasure.  This same thing happened yesterday, and instead of keeping it a secret I want to let y'all know where to go when you come into town ;). 

One of my BF's Kati, who just opened a great boutique in Ocean Springs; is a search engine genius.  She always finds the greatest stuff and seriously everyone should follow her on Pinterest.  She has gorgeous taste and seems to know where to go (a great travel buddy).  She came into town yesterday for business and a little shopping.  She really wanted to go to this place to look at clothes in The Shops of Grayton Beach, and am I happy we went.  The name of the shop is Nicole Paloma maybe you have already heard of her and this is old news, but as soon as we walked in the door I was in love.  I wanted one of everything.  One of the greatest things about this little treasure is that Nicole is at the store making the clothes right there.  How amazing is that!?!  Everything is Handmade (not to mention American made) reasonably priced and beautiful.  Since I can't buy one of everything I opted for a beautiful cotton wrap (The Flora).  Check out the picture below.

 

I can honestly say this is one of my favorite pieces of clothing in my closet right now, and I have already gotten so many compliments on it.  A little bird told my that Abode Design in Ocean Springs is going to start carrying her clothes so if some of my old high school friends live in Ocean Springs please follow Abode on FB here, Kati will update you when they come in.  I promise you will not be disappointed.

Tristan and I will definitely be back over there soon; since he loves flirting with the girls in the store.  BTW- Nicole Paloma does make little girls clothes, too. 

They are absolutely adorable! 

I also bought this little taupe mini (found on the sale rack and love it).

I am obsessed with porch swings right now.  You can imagine how excited I was when I went to Nicole's website and this beauty popped up.  The pillows are in the colors I am using on my porch.  More inspiration and motivation coming my way ;).



7 Month's Old!

Tristan turned 7 month's old on February 16th, and guess what!?!  His first bottom tooth came in!  We were all so excited thinking that it would offer him some relief, but instead he is still hurting.  I still haven't actually seen the tooth, because every time he opens his mouth he sticks his tongue out (thanks to Drew). I have felt it and it is a nice, strong, sharp tooth!  Both Drew and I have enormous teeth so Tristan will probably be one of those kids that smiles and all you see is big teeth.  Oh well we all have our awkward moments, but unfortunately for Tristan, Mommy keeps a blog to document all of it.

Another milestone Tristan has accomplished this month is moving to the sitting position all by himself!  He is so proud and gets the biggest grin on his face.  He is also holding himself up on furniture, the pack and play, and his crib.  This will last about 10 minutes before he plops on his butt.  I can not say Tristan is officially crawling yet, but he is somewhat crawling.  He gets on all fours, moves his legs forward, kind of moves his arms forward, and then I think he is going, and we are crawling, until he moves to "downward facing dog position," which leads to face planting on the ground...  He gets from point A to point B, so I am extremely proud of him.

Vocally Tristan is amazing.  That child has some strong lungs.  He squawks, hums, sings, and screams.  He loves it when you copy him which causes him to get louder and louder.  You should see us at the grocery store (I get some crazy looks), but we are just communicating.  He loves his chats with Mommy.  His newest thing is to fake cough.  The first time he did it I wasn't sure if he was really coughing or not.  There is not a term like "God bless you," so I pretended to cough back which lead to him coughing twice and waiting for me to copy him.  When I didn't copy him he looked at me and coughed again.  This turned into a game which he loves and causes him to burst into laughter.

Speaking of laughter, Tristan gets the uncontrollable giggles.  It is hilarious.  Last night, for instance, Drew and I made up a funny dance that we were doing to entertain him (these dances will never be performed for anyone but Tristan's viewing pleasure) and he was laughing so hard which caused me to laugh to tears.  I love nights with my family like that :).

Moving on to February updates our friend Kati came into town last weekend, and took some family pictures for us.  Check out some of my favorites below.

 

Our friends Mindi and Joey took baby Everett to have an MRI done on his birth mark and they were given wonderful news that he was 100% healthy, what a wonderful answer to prayers!  God is so good. 

This month Drew and I also had a patio built in our backyard!  We absolutely love it and have had some new friends over to enjoy it with us :).  I am currently working on turning our screen-porch into my "Florida Dream Haven" so I will not post pics until I am done, but take a peek at my inspiration board.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Tina V

6 Month Check up!

Oh my goodness!  I can not believe it has been over three months since I last posted!  I have been extremely busy between, being a mom, wife, and working!  I am so thankful for the help I have and have had from my Mom, and Marcia my mother-in-law.  I really would be struggling without y'all!

Since my last blog a lot has happened!  Tristan our sweet mister was Baptized November 11, 2012.  My Nana and Papap were in town for the Baptism.  I loved that they were able to come visit us, see Tristan, and meet our zoo!  We had a very full house of animals, because Sadie and Davie (my mom's dog and cat) were staying with us as well.  Lauren, Rin, and Jeremiah came down from Atlanta, and Tara and Kati came over from Mississippi.  It was such a blessing to have our close friends and family in town for such a special occasion!

One of my favorite pictures from Tristan's Baptism!  I love my family :).

The Holiday's were a blast and went way to fast, but I am ready for warmer weather and longer days!  January went quickly between being busy busy at work and trying to plan and prepare for some upcoming trips!  Drew, Tristan and I went to Jackson, Mississippi to visit with our good friends Mindi, Joey and their baby Everett.  Everett is 4 months old and absolutely adorable, check out his story here.  Stephanie, Michael, and their 10 month old, Madison, drove over from Philadelphia.  Madison is the same size as Tristan and is 4 months older (I have a big baby)!  Tara and Craig came up from Daphne, Alabama; it was so much fun getting together.  We had a great weekend just hanging out and playing with the little ones.  I kept on thinking how our get-togethers have changed.  A few years ago we would probably be getting ready to go out for a night on the town, but we were all perfectly content staying in and playing with the babies.

Everett and Tristan seeing each other for the first time!

 Tristan and Madison!  I think Tristan was starting to get tired by this point.

 Baby Boy trying to crawl!  Thank you Tara for the great photo's!



Currently Tristan will be 7 months on February 16, but we just had our 6 month check up yesterday.  Here is the low down on Baby T.

Weight: 21lb 10.7oz

 We are in the 90th% big growing boy with chunky baby legs. 

Height: 26in

Only the 25%. He may end up being short like Mommy and Daddy.

Head Circumference: 17 3/4in

He has a perfectly round Charlie Brown head.  I absolutely love it!

Milestones:  We are rolling back and forth.

Sitting up by ourselves for almost 5mins.

Holding our own bottle and pulling it in and out of our mouth.

Reaching for anything and everything to put in our mouth.

Almost Crawling (We get so frustrated because we haven't quite figured it out.)

We love the sounds that come out of our mouth and sometimes shriek just to hear our own voice.

Yummy in my Tummy: We have 2-3 8 ounce bottles a day.

We love fruit and oatmeal.  We tolerate vegetables, although green beans are good.

New Milestones Doctor approved:  We were told yesterday that Tristan can move to having meat, and get this...  Also eat regular people food!  Tristan can also start using a Sippy cup.  My baby boy is becoming a big boy!

At the beach at 6 months old!

Loving Life!

We finished up our Doctor's appointment with his 6-month shots.  I tell you those shots do not get any easier.  My mother-in-law came with me this time; so I was trying to be strong, but it is still heart wrenching to hear your baby cry like that.

I am going to try to be a good blogger and go back to blogging at least twice a month; it has been far too long!  Have a great day!

Tina V

Prayers

With the election behind us.  I felt that I should share these prayers for protection.  Please pray for the President that our country has elected, pray for our children,  the protection of our people, country, and wisdom for all.  May God continue to bless us and most of all protect us.

Prayers for God's Protection

As I arise today, may the strength of God pilot me, the power of God uphold me, the wisdom of God guide me. May the eye of God look before me, the ear of God hear me, the Word of God speak for me. May the hand of God protect me, the way of God lie before me, the shield of God defend me, the host of God save me. May Christ shield me today. Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lay down, Christ when I sit, Christ when I stand, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.

O Lord, support us all the day long of this troublous life until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. 

 ThA Prayer for Children

God, Our Father, we pray that through Your intercession of St. Nicholas You will protect our children. Keep them safe from harm and help them grow and become worthy in Your sight. Give them strength to keep their Faith in You; and to keep alive their joy in Your creation. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

SPIRITUAL ARMOR PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we ask You today for Your truth as a belt tight around our loins. We put on the zeal to announce your good news of peace as shoes for our feet. We put on Your righteousness, O Christ, as our breastplate, And the hope of salvation as a helmet for our head. Father, we take up faith as a shield which is able to put out all the fiery darts of the enemy, And the sword of the Spirit, which is Your Word, O Lord. Father, may the love with which you have loved Jesus be in us, and may Jesus be in us. We ask You for the grace of a servant heart. Amen.

Prayer to Vanquish Satan and his Agents

All you great number of enemies of the Holy Death of my Master Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary, the prince of darkness and iniquity, the father of all liars, I stand on the death of my Master Jesus Christ and offer His pains, Wounds, and the Precious Blood from His left Hand to the Eternal Father for your downfall, your destruction and your scourging. Amen.

Precious Blood of my Master Jesus Christ - reign in me and in the lives of all men. Amen.

~~ from Devotion to the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ: The Greatest Devotion of Our Time

Prayer for the Protection and Unity of the Flock

Eternal Father, I offer You all the Wounds, pains, and the Precious Blood from the Sacred Feet of Your Son, Our Lord and Master, for all Your children who are wandering like sheep without a shepherd in this terrifying forest. Protect them against wild predators and give them peace that they might be one, and united in the same way as the nail held fast the Feet of my Master and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Precious Blood of Jesus Christ - reign forever. Amen.

~~ from Devotion to the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ: The Greatest Devotion of Our Time

Prayer for Refuge in the Sacred Side of Jesus Christ

O Loving Father, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Who protected the Israelites of old in His Holy Wings in the dryness of the cold and hot desert; I offer You the Holy death of my Master and Savior, Jesus Christ, for the protection of Your people who are scattered all over the world. May the Blood and Water wash and strengthen, save and cleanse us that we might find home in the Sacred Side of Your Son which opens for all men. Amen.

Sacred Side of Jesus Christ - be our home for safety. Amen.

~~ from Devotion to the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ: The Greatest Devotion of Our Time

Prayer for Sustenance of the Faith

Omnipotent and Omniscient God, God of Elijah and the prophets, look at the Sacred Head of Your only-begotten Son and have mercy. Arise and save Your people. I offer You all the shame, the pains, the Wounds and the Precious Blood from the Sacred Head of Your Son for all Your children who are living in these perilous times. Strengthen our faith through the mockery of Your Son Jesus Christ and save us through the Precious Blood from His Sacred Head. May we, through the sufferings of Your Son Jesus Christ, learn to suffer in You and die in You. Amen.

Holy tortures of Jesus Christ - increase our faith. Amen.

~~ from Devotion to the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ: The Greatest Devotion of Our Time

THE CHAPLET OF PROTECTION
(pray on regular rosary beads)

On the Crucifix - The Apostles' Creed
On the large bead - 1 Our Father
On the group of 3 small beads near the Crucifix:
On the first - 1 Hail Mary, in praise of God the Father
On the Second - 1 Hail Mary, in petition
On the third - 1 Hail Mary, in thanksgiving,
with confidence that your petition will be granted.
On the next large bead- "Holy God, Holy Omnipotent One, save us who dwell in this land."

Every Decade, on each of the 10 small beads -
"Jesus Savior, merciful Savior, spare your people."

On each large bead- "Holy God, Holy Omnipotent One, save us who dwell in this land."

At the end of the 5th decade -
"Son of God, Eternal Son, thank you for the things You have done." (3 times)

Oh St. Agatha, who withstood the unwelcome advances from unwanted suitors, and suffered pain and torture for your devotion to Our Lord, we celebrate your faith, dignity, and martyrdom.Protect us against rape and other violations, guard us against breast cancer and other afflictions of women, and inspire us to overcome adversity. Oh St. Agatha, virgin and martyr, mercifully grant that we who venerate your sacrifice, may receive your intercession. Amen. St. Agatha, pray for us.

Prayer For Guidance And Protection To Those I Love

O heavenly Father, our Protector and Guide, You are the greatest Friend and Joy we have! To be able to come to You in prayer like this is the most beautiful part of our lives!

It is not for myself that I want to pray today, dear Father, but for those who are near and dear to me and about whom I am worrying. You know what they are facing, dear Father. And You know most of all the deepest reasons why these things have come upon them!

And You know how I want to help. Truly I think it would be easier if I could only face what they are facing. But You know how helpless we are to help another even though we know what is just and right.

Only You are left, dear Father. Do be with them in all things at all times. Protect them from enemies and evil, my Father. Forgive them their sins and put love of others in their hearts.

Do make them happy in their lives at home, dear Father, and help them live as You would have them live. Above all, put love in their hearts for You.

And thank You, my Father, for Your goodness to them and to me. Thank You for Your love and guidance and protection! May we honor you all the days of our lives. And be happy and uplifted even as I feel right now! Amen.

Prayer for Protection
~~ from the Church's night prayer

Visit this house, we beg you, Lord,
and banish from it the deadly power of the evil one.
May your holy angels dwell here to keep us in peace,
and may your blessing be always upon us.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for Endurance through the Coming Chastisement

Merciful and Loving Father, Your wish is that all men should be saved. Kindly look on Your rejected and condemned Son Who suffered many tortures and will suffer many tortures through the sins of Your people. Look and see what sin has done to Your only-begotten Son. I offer all people who are living in these ungodly and wicked days, all the tortures, pains, rejections, and shame of Your son Jesus Christ to You, for faith to withstand trials and patience to withstand long tortures. May they, through the sufferings of Your only Son, fight to the end. Amen.

Our Lord's torture - increase our faith. Precious Blood of Jesus - save us. Amen.

~~ from Devotion to the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ: The Greatest Devotion of Our Time

Prayer for the Reign of Glory on Earth

O Loving and Merciful Father, all knowing and all powerful, the Alpha and the Omega, the Eternal Father Who created all things, that You should forsake Your children, Your nature forbids. Look kindly on Your begotten Son Jesus Christ Who came to save men and bring Your Kingdom down on earth. We offer You all the agonies, tortures, pains, and the Precious Blood of Your Son Jesus Christ for the defeat of all the enemies of the Holy Cross of Salvation, the Antichrist and the Red Dragon who are fighting against the truth now and in the end of the age. May they, through the Precious Blood of our Redeemer and His last breath on earth, disappear like foam exposed under the sun, so that Your Kingdom may quickly come on earth. Amen.

Precious Blood of Jesus Christ - Thy Kingdom come. Amen.

~~ from Devotion to the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ: The Greatest Devotion of Our Time

Eventful Weekend

This past weekend Tristan and I traveled over to Mississippi to support Kati in the opening of her store during the Peter Anderson Festival!  Abode Design is beautiful, and I know she will be very successful.

I love going to the Peter Anderson Festival every year, the food is delish, and I love seeing all of the artist and vendors.  Unfortunately, when Tristan and I arrived in Ocean Springs it was starting to storm we took refuge in Kati's shop where several of our friends had the same idea and were already there.  Poor Tristan was fussing because mommy was trying to get to O.S. so quickly, and that left him starving (poor baby, I know terrible mother...)  We relaxed, had a bottle, diaper change, and then the rain let up enough for us to explore.  I knocked out two Christmas gifts and ran into several friends that I had not seen in a while and was able to show off my handsome son.

Yesterday Tristan and I went back to Abode for Kati's advertisement photos, visited my Dad and toured the school he is teaching at, and then headed to Spanish Fort to shop for his upcoming Baptism!  We had another fun weekend!

Today, when I arrived at work I found out that one of my prior co-workers, Josh Bruner, was killed in an automobile accident on last Thursday.  I called Kati and we reminisced over the fun we had with him and what an incredible person and artist he was.  We are both still going through the initial shock of the news.  It leaves me with the feeling of nothing less then how precious our lives are.  Even though I only knew Josh for a short time he holds a special place in my heart.  Rest in peace friend, and I know when I see the sunset tonight you will have added your artistic touch to it. 

Give your loved ones a hug,

Tina 

October Highlights!

I woke up this morning feeling very sluggish, maybe it was because of the candy I should not have had yesterday, or maybe this past month is finally catching up with me!

October is by far my favorite month of the year, and now that I have Tristan I know it will become even more fun with Fall Festivals, Costume Parties, and Trick or Treating.  This year October has been busy busy busy between traveling for friends and events I think I have been home only 1 weekend this month!  This exhaust me just to write it.  I have had so much fun, but I am glad November is here and there is far less on my calender.

Yesterday Tristan and I played it low key and just handed out Halloween Candy.  He was a cute little pumpkin and was a huge hit with the trick or treaters.  My Mom, Nana, and Papap are in town so we sat out front on my tiny porch, handed out candy, and drank wine.  I purchased 15lbs of candy!  I get a ton of trick or treaters because of our neighborhood.  I think when I walked back into the house I only had 20 pieces left.  It is so much fun seeing the crowds of people walking down the street and it really made me think about how much fun it will be to take Tristan next year!

Here are some highlights of the fun month we have had!

 Dressed up for the Wedding!

Kati and Luke's Wedding

 Jeremiah's Baptism

Two pumpkins in a pumpkin patch!  Cousins hanging out together!

Sisters with our babies.

We were hoping for a win against Alabama!  

We still believe 7-1 Baby! 

Kati's beautiful shop!  We are so excited about her opening!

Tristan as a pumpkin!  "Next year I will be walking and can trick or treat too!"

Tristan is almost 31/2 months old!  He is a big baby weighing (I am guessing) 15-16lbs!  He is wearing some 3-6 months, a lot of just 6 months, and some 6-9months!  Tristan's hair has almost fully come in and it is tow-head blonde (he looks bald still, ha ha).  He has big bright blues eyes, and a perfectly round Charlie Brown head!  He eats 8-10 ounces of milk in one sitting (hopefully the Pediatrician will give us the okay to move to food this month!)  He is so sweet, and GOOD, God could not have blessed us with a better baby!  He is holding himself up, rolling (likes to sleep on his side), sleeps in his own room in his crib from about 9pm-5/6am depending upon the day (mommy and daddy are loving this!)  Entertains himself with all of his toys, his hands, his cartons, you name it!  He can focus his attention and not too much bothers him (I personally think we have a genius on our hands!)  He makes baby squeaks and will hold a conversation with you!  When he gets upset his bottom lip sticks out, but he is easy comfort!  Tristan you make parenting seem easy, but I know it is just how sweet you are!  You make me want 6 of you, but I don't think they will all be this good ;).

It is a beautiful day in Florida.  I really just wanted to stay at home with my little-mister-Trister and my family but alas I need to pay the bills!

Have a great November 1st!

Tina V

Ocean Springs Fun!

One of my best friends, Kati Lockley, is a talented designer.  She has worked in Fort Lauderdale on yachts, Santa Rosa Beach (in the beautiful area of 30A) on gorgeous homes, and is now expanding her services to Ocean Springs, Mississippi with the upcoming opening of her shop Abode.

Her shop is located in the quaint downtown area of Ocean Springs.  It will be the place to furnish your home, get design ideas, bridal consultations, or hire her to create a beautiful space for you to live.  She has access to GORGEOUS lines that no one else does in that area:  Lillian August (love love love!), Precedent, Visual Comfort, Cooper Grey, Ro Sham Beaux, Low Country Originals, the list goes on and on.

Check out the sneak peak of her shop below:

Her Grand Opening is the weekend of the Peter Anderson Festival!  Please stop by and say Hello and check out her amazing shop!

I am so excited for you Kati!