Thanksgiving 2011

Hey there! I apologize for the delay of my Thanksgiving post, but I think I just recovered from the food coma I was in for a day or two. No not really, it just seems that there is something about feeling lazy the day after the Thanksgiving feast, do you all get that feeling too? Yesterday, I don't think I changed out of my pajamas, until I took a shower in the late evening-time. It was a total- lie on the couch, eat leftovers, watch Christmas movies, snuggle and veg out kind of day and I wouldn't want to spend it any other way. However, I did manage to convince my husband to pull the Christmas decorations out of our garage. So yesterday, we spent the day putting up decorations, listening to Christmas records and cleaning up the house along the way. We took a break from the turkey overdose, with a nice home-made lasagna dish and a relaxing glass of red wine for dinner, then finished off the night with a good old game of categories (Romeo's favorite).

I have so many things that I am truly blessed with and completely grateful for. I could go on and on about all of the family, friends and experiences in my life that have touched my heart, but that would be a long list. I just know this; life is a very funny thing, full of people, places and situations (happy, hard & sad) that cross our paths. For some reason or other, they are all connected and shape us into the person we become and the relationships we gravitate towards and develop. We surround ourselves with those people, places and things, and when we stop to reflect on our life thus far, we are thankful!

Here are a few at the top of my list:

I am thankful for this little man! It doesn't seem that long ago, that I was a 19 year old mother, scared to death to raise this little boy. I had no idea what I was doing, or where to even begin, but my faith, family and friends surrounded me with love and support. He is now almost eleven years old, on the verge of becoming a teenager. I am not trying to toot my own horn, but I couldn't have asked to raise a more well-rounded, talented, sweet, loving, smart young man (so far). For example: He said, "you are never to old to wear a turkey costume, especially if your Grandma made it!"

Proof of that:

I am thankful for my life partner and soul mate, my husband of ten years and partner of seventeen (junior high sweetheart). We were only children, all of twelve years old, when we became sweet on each other. I am thankful that we are still going through this life together and standing strong to this day, in a healthy and happy relationship. Lifelong best friend, I could not have been more blessed to know you and have you in my life all these years. Thank you for completely and selflessly immersing yourself in our family through the up's and down's and almost a lifetime of stories to share (one of these days we will write that book). You are a wonderful husband and father, and to be both is truly a blessing.

Thanksgiving Day 2011

I am thankful for my Mother, who suffered a life threatening stroke in 2009. Mom, I am thankful that you are still here with us, to spend another Thanksgiving feast sharing the kitchen together and laughing till our stomachs hurt. You have taught me so many valuable things in my life, I can't even begin to express my gratitude for showing me how to become the woman I have, but most recently you taught me how to live one day at a time, full of love for life, others and with total grace. It can all be gone from one day to the next, but the way you have loved and touched others will always be with that person. I know you are always with me.

Pretty happy about the pumpkin pie!

Thanksgiving 2011

I am thankful to be blessed with a genuine family that is loud, silly and tells it like it is (good or bad). Not ever afraid to express our thoughts, dreams and even mess-ups, but to rest in the comfort knowing that no matter what we do, we will always be loved, supported & encouraged.

Some brother love on Thanksgiving day!

Many friends have come in and out of our lives through the years, but I am thankful for each relationship I have had the opportunity to know. Friends, you know who you are and that you are all a special part of our lives. Old and new, young and old, thank you for thinking that we are worthy of your company and support. We are so happy to share so many awesome things in common with you and grateful for your lifelong friendships.

I really feel like we should give thanks for these blessings everyday and not just on the 24th of November, don't you?

Just a few more Thanksgiving day photos to share....

Our feast

Thanksgiving day skirt (I thought it was quite appropriate, don't you?)

A happy girl, reflecting on all my blessings.

If you are still reading this after a long-long winded post, THANK YOU! For taking the time to share my Thanksgiving memories and thoughts with me......

xoxo~syd

Editorials

Better late than never......

Here are some of the images that I styled for the October fashion editorial at Black Cat Vintage titled, "Gothic Chic"

Photographer: Stacia Lugo (Moxie Mae Photography)

Fashion Stylist & Creative Director: Sydney Balllesteros

Vintage Wardrobe: www.blackcatvintage.com

Model: Jessica Zindel

Hair: Courtney Stanley

Makeup: Adriana Fontes

xoxo~Syd

Riding Boots and Capes!

Would you believe…. that I found this amazing cape a few months ago at my local Buffalo Exchange. I couldn't believe that nobody had swiped it up! I guess it was just waiting to come with me and find a new home in my closet. I love the fact that it is a below the knee length cape, a plaid pattern in brown & black, AND has this amazing structured cut-out in front. All of this for only $15.00 folks, that was a successful day for treasure hunting, if I do say so myself.

I got to play with this cape a little bit when I was in Austin in November. The second day we were there it was around sixty degrees outside. So yes, that is cold where I come from. I was thrilled to be able to dust off my brown leather riding boots, my beret and THIS amazing cape! And not look ridiculous doing it. In Arizona, sometimes November can still mean desperately longing for fall fashion and trying to wear these things in eighty plus degree weather.

 Details:

Cape: Buffalo Exchange {Tucson, AZ}

Black Turtleneck: Target {Mossimo}

Pants: Target {Mossimo}

Riding Boots: Vince Camuto
Messenger Bag: Vintage Coach

Belt: Seventies Vintage {Desert Vintage- Tucson, AZ}




xo~syd

Back from Texas! Part 1

Hey Ya"ll,

Ya, I said ya'll, I was bit by the bug! After spending a week in Austin Texas, it's only natural right? That was such a friendly and awesome city! I had never been before and always heard from others about it's funky charm, creativity, vintage aesthetic and grassroots vibe. So we decided to take a spur of the moment road-trip, out to see our friends and spend some time seeing for ourselves (best idea ever!)

There is undoubtedly inspiration on every corner in Austin. From the great vintage typography and signage, to a plethora of food trucks, music, art and local shops. Not to mention the beautiful rolling hills and green trees that surround the city. That is a really big deal for me folks, due to the fact that I was born and raised in the desert. Here are a few things that caught the likeness of my eyes!

There were quite a few pictures, so I decided to break this post up into two parts, enjoy!

An appreciation for vintage signage everywhere!

I spotted lots of Vespa's, which I can never get enough of.

I think I went back to get a cupcake more than once....

More vintage salvage and signage, I love it!

A beautiful, serene place to lay your head and a quick pose in front of the gates of the San Jose Hotel.

Wish that was the front door to my house!

A quick jaunt down to San Antonio, to experience the River Walk. It was a beautiful day and we had a nice lunch on this patio.

Romeo didn't waste any time finding his local spot. This circus themed candy store and old fashioned style soda fountain was just too cute for it's own good!. 

I am already planning another trip back soon and I can't wait to get my second dose, of what I missed the first time around. There are a few more food trucks on the list to hit up for sure! I don't think I would ever run out of places to eat. 

xoxo~syd

p.s.- stay tuned for part 2