A Mexico Babymoon. Part 2.

After spending two days in Puerto Vallarta, the hubs and I decided to head south to Sayulita, our magic place. We were married in this gem of a little town a year and a half ago, and have the fondest memories of our wedding week here.  We were so looking forward to being back, reflecting on our wedding, and now having a baby to look forward to in the new year.  There couldn't have been a more perfect place for us to take one last vacation before life really changes...

We spent a week relaxing in the most heavenly house, Casa Dos Chicos, a place designed by a Chicago architect that's nestled in the green hills of Sayulita.  There are three levels to the house, four bedrooms, a swimming pool and a roof top spa, and best of all- hammocks to nap in while you take in the view on the top floor living room.  It's straight out of a travel magazine.  

When we weren't napping in hammocks we ran around the town reliving memories.  Taking pictures with Sarah here, eating lunch with our friends there, drinking margaritas in that spot...  It was wonderfully nostalgic and insanely relaxing at the same time.

And no trip to Sayulita would have been complete without a stop by Villa Amor, the actual location where we got married.  We stood where we said our vows, climbed the million stairs to where our reception was, and even snuck into the honeymoon suite where we stayed to look around again.  

The trip was perfect (if not a little sweaty and humid), but we spent much time sitting by the pool, drinking mocktails for me and margaritas for him, and enjoying some quiet time in our magical place.  We can't wait to go back with our little one in tow!

Once Upon A Time, I lived In A Hacienda.

Mexico.  My perfect place in the sun.  Where I can relax and let go and time stands still for a few days.  The hubs and I recently took a quick trip south of the border for a little 'babymoon'- one last getaway before our new addition joins us in this world.   We were so excited to head back to the area where we were married a year and a half ago.  It was the perfect spot to reconnect, reminisce, and talk about our rapidly approaching future.

I had read a great deal about the gem of a hotel called Hacienda San Angel and knew it would be the perfect place to spend some time while in Puerto Vallarta.  And wow, did it live up to its reviews.  The property once belonged to Richard Burton and from the second you enter the courtyard through the carved wooden doors you are in heaven.  It feels like a beautiful old rambling house with tiny candlelit gardens, rambling staircases and chandeliers hanging in nooks around every bend.  There are three small pools tucked into the property, bathtubs on rooftops, and balconies that overlook the beautiful landmark Puerto Vallarta church.  Each room is furnished with hand carved antiques and old sculptures and the softest white linens you've ever felt.  We dined by candlelight, fell asleep to the tolling bells of the church, and awoke to see the sunrise from our private balcony.  We could have moved in.  

Should you ever find yourself in Puerto Vallarta, don't think twice about staying here.  Truly heavenly and the perfect spot for us to begin our Mexico babymoon.

House & Home.

Head on over to Glitter Guide today to take a peek into my house and home!

And thanks to my girls at Joielala Photographie for all the lovely photos!

xo,

T. 

{Joielala Photographie}

For My Husband.

Happy Birthday to you.  Happy Birthday to you.  Happy Birthday to my dear husband, Happy Birthday to you.

Here we are another year later- stronger for many reasons and blessed for countless others.  How lucky I am to have found you those years ago.  My best friend, companion, soul mate.  The person who cries beside me in times of sorrow, holds my hand in times of uncertainty, and helped teach me that I'm stronger than I ever thought I was.  Words that aren't taken lightly- I know not every one is blessed to have someone like you in their life and I am so blessed to have you by my side.   I can't wait to see where this next year takes us.  On our biggest adventure yet, that is for certain.  How glad I am to have you with me on this journey.  

I love you madly.  

xo,

T.

Loss.

I'm in the middle of something very personal... the loss of someone I love very much.  My heart is aching to say the very least.  I've lost a lot of people in my life and attended my share of funerals.  This is different.  I watched her go.  I held on for her last breath, and a part of me died with her.  There is an emptiness and a hollowness to my soul right now that I never saw coming.  This is the hardest moment I have ever been through.

I was asked recently about posting these sad things on facebook, twitter, and if it made me feel better.  And now, what is my motivation posting here? It's that I've always been an open book- someone that expresses myself and lives by my heart not my head.  A very broken heart doesn't change that.  And I'm not ashamed of my aching soul that is seesawing now.  Of the way it's spinning now that she's gone.  For my sadness is as beautiful and tragic as her loss.  It means I'm alive and that I've lost myself so much in loving someone, that now, I've momentarily lost my way without her.  Someday, if we've all loved fully, we will all be here.  This bottomless pit of aching and love.  Fear and pain.  An empty hole where her beautiful life was.  So I know that's very personal for here, but it's my truth, and this is who I am.  Someone that has loved so fully that I'm left empty yet full of tears.  She was everything that is beautiful and tender to me.  My constant.  My best friend.  And she's gone. 

Last week I read this amazing post by photographer Charley Star, and wept.  For her loss, and for mine that was upon me.   I found great comfort in her words.  In knowing I am not the first and not the last.  If only it could bring her back.  I'm sure there may be judgement on posting something so personal in such a public place, or for how I'm mourning, but we all handle these things in different ways.  Love and loss.  This is my truth and I'm proud of my aching heart.  She deserves it. 

xo,

Tori