Been A While

Lately, with the two kids, we have been staying close to home or keeping our excursions pretty short, but here are some favorite shots from previous outings that we'll get back to one of these days.  From top to bottom: A meal out; the center of town in a small pueblo; a private beach in Acapulco; an Americano at an outdoor cafe.

A Place I Love (and I'm not the only one)

I am staying with my family in Florida for the next couple of months as I anticipate the birth of my daughter. One of the things I was looking forward to during our time here was visiting my aunt and uncle at their place on Pine Island. The property is enchanting (and a whole lot of fun for a one and a half year old). They also have a shop that sells local artists' work and fair trade products. My son and I had a lovely day out there this week and I got to check off some Christmas gifts from my list as well.

Personal Style

I tend to spend a lot of time considering my personal style, probably an unhealthy amount of time spent thinking about such a thing. I never seem to be quite satisfied with my ability to convey just what I am going for through my clothing choices. But then, going through photos the other night, I was surprised to find a couple where I actually like the image of myself that is portrayed. Knowing me, in a month's time I will probably think these are horrible, but for now I am somewhat pleased.

Our Spot in Mexico City

Life in Mexico City is happy. People are friendly and helpful, the weather is dry and not too hot, but not too cool. The food is flavorful, the sights are colorful and so are the sounds. There is a lot to do just walking distance from our apartment, which I am happy about, and spending time in the apartment is nice too. We have a lot of natural light from all the windows and the view is pretty. On clear days you can see mountains in the distance and the colors and shapes of the buildings along with green tree tops, cars going by on the street and planes flying by in the sky makes it interesting to look out at. On the inside the apartment is really coming together with all of the practical things we need to be comfortable and some just as important asthetically pleasing pieces from the artisan markets. Feeling like home.

Zingida on Etsy

I have started an Etsy shop! I only have a few things listed so far, but I am pretty excited about it. I figure while the baby and I are at home, this will be something else I can focus on. There is now a link on the side of this blog to items in my shop, so check it out!! And please give me some feedback if you have a moment - there is a link labeled "feedback" on the left hand side of my shop.

Avant Garden

On Saturday I got to be a part of an artist market and sell some of my jewelry. I joined my friend, Lisa of Birdie-Birdie, who was selling her stationary. Fun times.

Band of Bangles

I have a lot of time to myself these days, which has lead to branching out and doing things solo that I would normally not. Today I took a gander down to the French Market solo. I was on a mission to find some more interesting bangles to add to a few I already have and make a nice stack on my arm. I found just that plus a ring to go along. I was weaving in and out of the crowds setting my own trajectory and pace. I even tried haggling a deal for my finds, something I hate doing and don't think I am very good at so usually leave up to my husband. Turns out I think I got a better deal solo! Something to keep in mind. All in all it was a satisfying afternoon and I am very pleased with the way my old and new stuff looks all together.

Colombia

Tomorrow morning I head off bright and early for two weeks in Colombia, South America. We will be visiting my husband's family. I am so looking forward to this trip. Above are some shots from our last trip a few years ago. The middle one is of the mango tree in his mother's back yard, fresh mango juice...heaven.

Re-lax

This photo was taken last summer and it is actually me with the Mai-tie I talk about in a previous post. My husband is currently traveling for work and has our camera so I tried to find an existing photo to go along with what I have to say...I may be stretching it just a bit, but indulge me.

I have given myself the permission to have a little more breathing room and I put my notice in at work. I am pursuing my master's degree and my job was a lot of responsibility to have at the same time. I am thrilled at the potential to have more time to spend with my jewelry making passion as well!! It feels good. It was scary at first; actually taking the plunge and acting on what I had been plotting in my head, but ya know, it was the right thing for me and I am the only one who could come to that conclusion.

In an attempt to pull this all together...just remember, with all the pressures of life, everyone deserves a little chance to relax!

Cocktails Anyone?

Cocktails are just fun, the names of cocktails are fun, the fancy glasses and garnishes used to serve them are fun and usually once you've had one or two you are having fun. Maybe you have a standard cocktail of choice, or maybe your are influenced by your mood, the season, your company, or setting and change up your drink of choice accordingly.

I personally tend to prefer salty to sweet and recently decided that this is a rule of thumb that I should not stray too far from in spite of the season or setting. I was desperately wanting a Mai-Tie on a little vacation I took to a Key Largo resort. I ordered it and took it back to my lounge chair and was immediately disappointed upon the first sip, I should have known by all the sugary juices that went into creating it at the bar. It was the stereotypical drink for the setting I was in, but I would have been much happier with a Bloody Mary.

Lesson learned, but to continue, cocktails are so much fun they even have their own accessory, the cocktail ring. Slip on a huge ring that takes up half of your finger (which any true Zingida would own) and holding your cocktail becomes the perfect display for this statement piece of jewelry. So chin chin, and soak in the fun at the next cocktail hour that comes your way.

Maria, Maria

Last week we visited a family friend, Maria. She is in her 70s, but she is still a spry little thing who is absolutely hilarious. She speaks to me in Spanish even though she knows I can't understand everything, she is taking it upon herself to teach me. She is usually cooking when we visit her and last week was no exception. She whips around the kitchen, frequently getting the pockets of her apron caught on drawer handles, throwing her already somewhat wobbly balance off. It is too funny to witness.

The Jewels

Zingida

If you are wondering if "Zingida" has a meaning...it does. According to urbandictionary.com it is an Italian word akin to gypsy meaning a girl who wears too much jewelry, too much makeup, or too short of skirts. In my family (on the Italian side) the word is used a lot in reference to the "too much jewelry" meaning.

The number one Zingida is my Grandma Dolores. She used to run a consignment shop and she has countless vintage treasures. She puts them to good use - she always has the perfect accessory to any outfit. Occasionally she has let my cousin and I look through her vast collection, allowing herself to  part with a piece or two and giving us some Zingida flair. Although, she is not shy to respond, "Oh, well I still wear that one sometimes", if she is not yet ready to part with a piece we are admiring.

A story that has been told time and time again of my Grandma's run at the consignment shop is that one day a man tried to rob the shop. My Grandmother just looked at him and said, "You don't really want to do this", and the man decided not to go through with the robbery after all....adventures of one brave Zingida.