What makes Christmas, Christmas!

Christmas is almost every child's favorite holiday, between the presents, cookies and Santa, it was what every child looked forward to every year. Now, at the age 25, Christmas holds a different meaning to me. Of course I still enjoy opening gifts, however what I enjoy most is having my family come together. I know, it comes off as super cheesy, but I mean it. There is no better feeling in the world when you're in the same room with the people you cherish the most. Laughing, sharing stories and a cup of coffee -- it makes you all warm and fuzzy inside.

This year we had two celebrations, as usual one with Jorge's family then with mine. But this Christmas was extra special, it was our first Christmas as husband and wife. We weren't really prepared for Christmas this year, it may have to do with the fact that it didn't feel like Christmas. With people starting to decorate in November (before Thanksgiving) and our wedding that was 5 weeks prior to the holidays, we didn't have much time to prepare for it. I mean, I was still able to put the tree up and decorate the apartment, but it still felt like something was missing...

Nonetheless, when we invited Jorge's and my family over for dinner and that's when I found it. My family is what made Christmas feel like... well Christmas.

Didn't make the cut

Today, I tried taking our Save the Date photo. Well, not tired, more like I did. However, I wasn't happy with it. It's a cute photo of Jorge and I, but it was missing something. It wasn't a Save the Date worthy photo. After staring at our picture for a few minutes, I knew exactly what I wanted for our Save the Date cards. I'm not going to spoil the idea I came up with... you'll just have to wait and see. But for now, I will share the photo that didn't make the cut.

Wedding Procrastinator

I'm a procrastinator. This is a known fact and I've come to accept it. At first, I thought I was lazy person, I didn't understand why I always left things to the last minute -- and that's when it dawn on me. I like the added pressure, I work better with it. Weird, right? But it works for me. Maybe that's why I enjoy photographing weddings so much. It's the pressure and excitement I feel from it.

So now that we all know I am lazy a procrastinator, I decided it's time to organize myself for my own wedding... which is 5 months away! Don't worry, the main items have been taken care of; my venue, the dress and the photographer. I think now, it's focusing on the details, which takes a lot of work and patience.

Part of trying to organize myself, I gathered my bridesmaids for lunch to discuss the future plans and what I may need help with. Everyone was so supportive and attentive. I absolutely love them. Wedding stress? Pfft. How is that possible when I have the best support group ever?

Check out more of our bridal brunch!

Brookdale Dog Park

For a long time now, we wanted Lulu meet and play with other dogs. The only problem is, we don't know any dogs on our block. So my family and I usually end up as a chew toy for our dog. And let me just say, she has more energy than a kid on cake! It's hard to keep up with her.

I heard it's important for a dog to socialize with other animals. Just how it is healthy for humans -- it's healthy for animals too. So this weekend, we took Lulu to the Dog Park in Montclair. It was a nice, clean and extremely spacious. My friend, Alex, told us about the park since it's where she takes her dog, Tank (Thank you, Alex!). When Destiny set up a play date for Lulu, I was genuinely happy and excited. Now Lulu can meet and play with other dogs and that means less scratches and bite marks on my legs! Yay! 

4th of July

Our pool has been under maintenance for some time now, something about a new pump. And of course it would be unavailable on one of the most hottest freakin' day this summer. I refused to let the heat prevent me from enjoying outside! In the end... the heat won. Our small BBQ consisted of us scarfing our food down our throats then rushing into the oh so sweet conditioned house. But I had the last laugh since I still got to see my fireworks, mwahaha!