Throwing the Party of the Lifetime (Literally!)

July 10, 2019

For two years I have been planning on throwing an epic “Decades Party” because so many loved ones in my family were born ten years apart. This was the year to celebrate all my family members born in 1949, 1959, 1969, 1979, 1989, 1999, and 2009! What a great opportunity to get everyone together to celebrate life and love.

Celebrating Milestones — Celebrating 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70!

Last year we collaborated with the Odyssey and set off on a memorable lunch cruise. After seeing the Amethyst Deck, I set my sights on Lake Michigan for the party. Coordinating the details of the event was easy thanks to my events coordinator. As far as cost goes, the brunch cruise is a great deal for what you get – good food, amazing service, and the best view of the city from the water.

We ordered 5” cakes for each birthday which made for a fun centerpiece to the room. I also ordered these printouts from Etsy along with these buttons. Between all that and the décor of the room itself, it was a really beautiful celebration.

Since time truly is the greatest gift, there was no better way for us to spend time together than on the Odyssey! No stress, no planning, no cleanup- it was a dream!

A very special thank you to the Odyssey staff for making this special occasion so memorable. We will be back!

Thanks for checking out this post!

Your Chick,

Rina

Take a peek at our video from the lunch cruise last year.

Lifestyle

To Work Or Not To Work – A Stay At Home Moms Dilemma

May 29, 2019

As a stay-at-home Mom, I had the luxury of being able to choose to stay home with my children over my career. A choice, that is not for everyone. Prior to having kids I was a high school history teacher. I eventually got my masters in counseling which led to a position as a high school guidance counselor.

My Legacy

Deciding to pick my children over my career was not an easy choice. I was blissfully unaware that the loss of my “identity” would be a part of my journey deciding to stay at home. In the first few years of motherhood, I found peace in knowing that my identity and legacy was going to be how I parented my beautiful children. While I continue to be fulfilled by this, their full time school schedule opened up more time to do me!

Suddenly I found myself in a crossroad, I went from being a full time mom while they were babies, to a part time mom while they were away at school. It’s impossible for the kids to not always be top of mind, but I now had the opportunity to consider my own creative outlet, like our blog. After careful consideration of the bigger picture (lifestyle, finances, etc.) my husband and I decided me staying home was the best option. Most days I’m grateful for the opportunity to be home, but I would be lying if I said there were days that I wished I used the wealth of knowledge I gained in my academic career becoming a teacher and counselor.

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Save up to 50% during our Half-Yearly Sale! Now through June 2 at NORDSTROM.

The Takeaway

Learning to be OK with my life journey has taken some time. I know that it will continue to evolve as I get older. The flip-flopping of my desire to go back to work versus feeling blessed to be at home feels so much a part of my daily emotional roller coaster. As I write this, I find it empowering to remind myself, and those around me, that OUR journey is special and unique. You don’t need to fit your life into a specific check box of either working mom or stay at home mom. Doing “you” in whatever capacity allows you to be the best version of yourself, and in turn the best version of a partner and mother.

Rock on Mamas!
Your Chick,

Sonia

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Fashion

Sonia’s Tips For Shopping On Amazon

December 3, 2018

Ahhh, Amazon. When you used to think about the word “Amazon” you probably thought about the rain forest. Now when you say the word you’ll likely think about the online shopping site. I have been a prime member since it’s inception. I can’t even tell you how much I love Amazon and their 2 day prime shipping! Hallelujah.

When I initially joined their website, I was shopping for things like diapers, pacifiers, teething toys etc. Now I shop for things like kids sports gear, shoes, socks, underwear, household items and more….. you name it and I’ll order it! While I am certain that my husband doesn’t love all the charges on our credit card bill, I realize that the time I save going to the store has been invaluable.

As a mom, I frequently put my family first. It wasn’t until recently that I realized that Amazon had an Amazon Fashion Store. As an avid Nordstrom shopper, I was leery about purchasing anything on Amazon. I started my first purchase with an off the shoulder white dress for a boat party that I was hosting. I spent $30 on this beauty and it did not disappoint! Thank goodness my first purchase was good, it set me on 2 day prime shopping journey that has taught me so many things about how to navigate Amazon fashion that I want to share with you today!

Levis | Slouchy Sweater | Tie Neck | Favorite Lipstick |

Hanogram Phone Case (Use code: RINASONIA for $$ off)

The Tips:

#1. Check if it is a prime item. For a nominal annual fee ($99) you can become a prime member and it will give you free shipping on anything that comes from Amazon. It saves time and $ depending on how often you plan to use the site for shopping.
#2. Make sure you look at reviews. Chicksandsalsa is in the top 1% of reviewers on TripAdvisor, so you know we love our reviews! Shoppers (and ChicksAndSalsa) will help you determine quality, sizing and durability
#3. Know where the items are coming from. Often times I have ordered in haste and not paid attention…items that ship from international locations take much longer than something that is shipping domestic.
#4. In complete honesty, only about 4 of 12 items will be keepers. I have not had full success in my shopping with Amazon. However, with free shipping back, I’m always willing to take a risk in the comfort of my own home to try clothes on and send them back as needed.

The Finds

Here are a few of my favorite Amazon Fashion purchases.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

Did you know that we have a shoppable Amazon store? Check us out here.

I hope you find this helpful, feel free to reach out and ask any questions you might have about the Amazon fashio n store.

Your Chick,
Sonia

Fashion

Dare To Bare Your Shoulders This Summer With These Trendy Tops

May 28, 2018

If you have been following us on Instagram, you know that we are gushing over tops that bare your shoulders – tube tops, one-shoulder tops and open shoulder tops are quickly becoming a favorite! This style makes us feel trendy while feeling practical.

With the long weekend upon us and the summer around the corner I anticipate a lot of family outings and these shirts are casual, cute, and comfortable (the essential three C’s!).

These two from Revolve prove that when it comes to quality clothing, you get what you pay for. These are not bargain buys per se, but they are extremely well made and have a unique design that I have not been able to find anywhere else. Definitely worth the price.

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This black one shoulder t-shirt fits well along the neck line so that you don’t have to worry about it slipping down your arm. It’s lightweight so it won’t be too hot for the summer and shows just enough to be youthful while still maintaining a certain level of modesty. I am wearing a size medium in the photograph.

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This mauve colored peek-a-boo shoulder top is comfortable and form fitting. It has a double knit layer that hugs the body perfectly! With its high neck and long length, I don’t need to worry about showing too much (see my post of bodysuits here). This one is also a size medium and true to size.

These both can be dressed up or dressed down. Shop these looks and others on our Like To Know It page.

Thanks for checking in!

Your Chick,

Rina

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