February 2016 | Andie Ibanez
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #UniquelyMine #CollectiveBias

For those who don't know, I work out of my home office full-time. I have to change up my work space often to keep things interesting. I usually decorate with things that I find around the house or that I up-cycle. We're big on reusing, recycling and up-cycling in my household. Thus, this desk decor DIY was inspired by the new Diet Coke "It's Mine" cans!
Everyone who knows me knows how much I love Diet Coke. My friends and family never have to ask me what I want to drink when we're out and about. Which makes the following even more exciting! Coca-Cola came out with new and very unique bottles and cans. The Diet Coke "It's Mine" bottles are so unique that no two bottles are the same! I think its a perfect name, mainly because that is exactly how I feel when I get a Diet Coke...IT'S MINE!!
Here is a little backstory:
I make frequent trips to my local Kroger. Let's be honest, how often do you remember everything on your shopping list? Of course I had forgotten a few ingredients for the dinner I was preparing that night. But shopping at Kroger is so easy and convenient that it wasn't a big deal. So I went into the store, picked up the last few things on my list and decided I should reward myself for "adulting." Does this sound familiar? Please tell me I'm not the only one who rewards herself for being a responsible grownup? Well, I went to go grab a Diet Coke in the soft drink isle of Kroger. However, I noticed something different with the design...
They all looked like miniature works of art! I love colorful things so I knew I had to get a case! They have glass bottles, mini-cans, aluminum bottles and cans. No two glass bottles are the same! How neat is that? The Diet Coke "It's Mine" cans and bottles are only available for a limited time. Get yours before they run out!
I like to switch up my decor often. Since I work out of my home office, my desk is always my first target. These cans added a nice pop of color to a colorless work area. 
What you need to get this look:
Diet Coke "Its Mine" x2
Twine
Wild Grass 
Paper
Scissors
Tape
Sticks
Flower & Pot
1. Wash your Diet Coke "It's Mine" can or bottle. 
2. Tie twine to the tops of both cans as well as the flower pot. 
3. Add the wild grass. I used artificial wild grass but you can use the real stuff as well if you'd like.
 4. Use the paper to cut small triangles. 
 5. Tape them to the twine and tie the twine to the sticks.
 6. Put it all together! Viola!
Boom! You can make pretty decorations from anything. These cans aren't just useful, their fun colors and design inspire and encourage more creativity!

You can learn more about the Diet Coke "It's Mine" cans here.
Stay creative, Loves!

Xo - Andie



Leggings and sweaters are so my jam. Its pretty much like wearing PJs that are socially acceptable to wear out and about. 
I'm a huge fan of leggings. In my opinion they are totally pants. Don't let the haters get to you. If you want to rock leggings as pants, you do just that!

These burgundy leggings are from Forever 21. They aways have leggings for a low price! I picked up a few colors because they were only $3.90!! Check it out and pick yourself up a few pairs!

My earrings are from Kendra Scott. I went to an event a few weeks back and they were in the gift bags. I am loving them!
You can get get a similar style from Kendra Scott below:

Oh and check this out -> This sweater is on sale at Target right now!!! They have a few colors and I would LOVE one of each!
I'm not sure how long they'll be there. Just in case, here are a few adorable sweaters I have my eye on. They are all on sale!!

Here is another fun find. I got these boots at Target for $11!! Marie's mom is a Target pro and ALWAYS finds the best deals! They let me know they were on sale and I picked some up the next day. Such a good deal!
Here are some similar styles:


Of course Milo hates being left out...
Confession time...
I sing love songs to Milo...
All. The. Time.
I'm currently OBSESSED with the Hamilton soundtrack. Dear Theodosia makes me cry like a baby every time! 
Really not much beats comfy & cute clothes and signing love songs to a snuggly puppy. 
Hope your week is going great so far! Thanks for following:)

XO - Andie & Milo








If you've ever been to Disneyland and have tasted a Dole Whip Float, your life was probably changed. They are so delicious! We seriously get them everyday that we're at the park. However, we have withdrawals for days after. So the solution is just to make them at home, right? Well, most of the dupe recipes call for an ice cream maker or a million ingredients and I'm not about that life. I'm all about those quick and easy treats, especially when they have a few ingredients. In fact, most of our dinners have 5 or so ingredients. More posts on those to come!

But I know you're here for these bad boys!
Three Ingredient Dole Whip Floats

Frozen pineapple chunks
Milk
Pineapple juice 

Blend the frozen pineapple chunks and milk in a blender. You want to use more pineapple than milk. We do about a 4:1 ratio and add more milk as needed. This creates a soft ice-cream like substance. Then just add Pineapple juice!

Seriously thats it.

They aren't as sweet as the original and obviously healthier. If you want to add more sweetness you can add a little sugar, lime/lemon and vanilla. I like it as is. Sometimes I'll just blend the frozen pineapple and milk and eat it as an ice-cream treat. We seriously gobble these up in our home. Since we don't use super fatty ingredients like sweetened condensed milk, or actual ice-cream, we feel better about eating these often! They are SUPER easy and quick to prepare!

Let me know if you have any questions or how you like them!

Long live Disneyland and Dole Whip Floats!! Oh and guess what?! It looks like we're going to Disneyworld in the next few months! Time for me to get some Disney gear for me and Daniel! What do you like best?

His:

Hers:

Xo - Andie



There is something about wearing all black. It makes me feel good. I mean I feel like a total champ. Is that weird? Either way, I'm totally for it!
You know those cute stylist girls that wear all black at their salon? I've always thought they had great outfits and pulled it off so well.

Black is such a flattering color for pretty much everyone.
Peplum tops are so fun. I like how girly they make me feel. They give a slight hourglass appearance. I'm not really blessed in the curves department, unfortunately, so I'll take all the help I can get!
Here are a few similar styles:

I got these pleather pants from Cotton On about 2 years ago and they are still going strong! I feel great whenever I put them on! If you don't have some of these bad boys, give them a try!

I've been obsessed with these shoes for a while now! I'm 5'2" - but I usually just round up to 5'3" ;) so I'm a fan of heels. My husband, Daniel, is also 6'4" so the height really does help!

My earrings are these black leather studs from Wild Grae, an adorable earring shop on Etsy! Check out their shop, here!
This sporty varsity jacket makes me feel like a baller. I got it from Wet Seal and love wearing it!

Do you like rocking all black? Let me know how! I love reading your emails and seeing pics!
You can leave a comment or send me an email at andrea.ibanezswain@gmail.com :)

XO - Andie



Daniel and I celebrated 4 years of marriage a few days ago (you can read my cheesy love story post here.) So to celebrate, we wanted to unplug, unwind and get away for a few days. Well, we found the perfect place!
We spent the weekend at the Satchidinanda Ashram-Yogaville. It is located in Virginia near the Blue Ridge Mountains and James River. It really is a beautiful place.

Yogaville is a spiritual community built on the precepts of Integral Yoga as taught by Sri Swami Satchidananda. Yoga, meaning Integral Yoga combines the 6 branches of yoga into a comprehensive life style.
6 branches of Yoga

Hatha Yoga: Focuses on the physical aspects through asanas (postures), pranayama (breath control), mudras, kriyas, yogic diet and deep relaxation.

Raja Yoga: Balance and control of the mind through ethical practices, concentration and meditation.

Bhakti Yoga: The path of devotion, by constant love, thought and service of the Divine. Bhakti Yoga can be practiced by everyone.

Karma Yoga: The path of action and selfless service. Serving without attachment to the fruits (or results) of the action.

Jnana Yoga: The intellectual approach. Through the knowledge of what really exists, that is, what is not changeable, one who engages in the Path of Wisdom realizes Oneness with the entire Universe.

Japa Yoga: Japa means repetition of a mantra - a sound structure of one or more syllable which represents a particular aspect of the Divine Vibration.



Here are a few of the activities that were offered during the weekend:
Guided mediations
Hatha Yoga (different levels, different classes)
Daily Puja
Yoga Nidra
Laugha Yoga
Deep Relaxation Class
Joint Free Yoga
Saturday evening Satsang
Talks
Ashram Tour

I will admit that I am terrible and meditating! Sitting still and trying to clear your thoughts is a lot harder than it seems. We had many opportunities to meditate both guided and on our own. One of the coolest experiences was noon meditation at the LOTUS Temple.

The LOTUS temple or the Light Of Truth Universal Shrine is a temple dedicated to interfaith understanding and the light within all faiths.
**Note: All information including definitions come directly from Yogaville's website**


So why Yoga? Well the word "Yoga" actually means union. What better way to celebrate 4 blissful years of marriage?

If you have an opportunity to visit Yogaville, I would totally recommend it! They have deals on Groupon and Travel Zoo from time to time. You can check out the details here.



As for gear? All you need is comfortable, moveable clothes and an open mind! Buuuut if you're looking for gear, here are few things I have my eye on.


I hope you all had a great Valentines weekend!
Xo - Andie

Today is mine and Daniel's 4 year anniversary!

Let's go back in time for a second.

January 20, 2011.

I met a kind boy with rosy cheeks.

It was a normal day. I was going into one of the student government offices like I normally do. Except this time was different. I walked into the office and saw him. He was sitting, I was standing so   I didn't know how tall he was. The first thing I noticed were his rosy cheeks. Then I thought he looked kind of young. Like my age young. I smiled and quickly introduced myself.

"Hi! I don't think I've met you! I'm Andrea!"

We talked for a second and he asked me if I was going to the council retreat the next day. I told him I was. But then I realized the time and that I needing to get to class. My friends in the office suggested that we all go to the food court and get sushi. I have never wanted to ditch class more than I did that day. But I really needed to go so I took a raincheck and ran to class. I had to make a pit stop along the way and ended up walking right past the group getting sushi. I ran to say "hi!" and in true girl fashion "love you!" to all my girlfriends. Daniel was the only guy with them so I also said "Love you Dan!" and giggled before running to class.

January 21, 2011.

The Bachelor.

It was Friday, the day of the retreat. I was so excited to spend time with my friends and get to know this boy I had a little crush on already. It was an over night retreat so I new we'd all have a blast together. We went to dinner and then snow tubing at Soldier Hollow. They have a rope tow that pulls you and your tube up the hill. We all went down and up the hill so many times - in pairs, by ourselves and in groups. I loved going up and down with Daniel. We talked about music a lot. I really enjoyed talking to him... but so did everyone else. You see, this retreat had a million single ladies and only one eligible bachelor. The other two were engaged and married. So I saw Daniel go up and down with lots of girls that night. They were all my friends, so I wasn't upset. I will admit I was starting to think he was a player!

But that night something happened.

We were playing games until late and then settled in our sleeping bags for a movie. My best friend, Lindsay, invited Daniel to set up his sleeping bag by ours (thanks, girl!) which he did. After everyone was asleep, I woke up because my tummy was hurting. I rolled over only to see Daniel reading a pocket sized Book of Mormon with his cell phone light. That's when I knew he was different. That's when I knew he was special.

January 22, 2011.

The move.

The next day we had breakfast and lots of training before we packed up and headed back to UVU. When we were getting close to school Daniel asked for my number in front of everyone! I was so excited, that is until he asked every other girl for her number as well...

January 2011.

Then texted me.
I asked him what he was up to.
He said we should hang out.
I told him I was going ice skating with my family but he could come if he wanted.
He said yes.

Our first date/hang out was with my whole family... it even ended up with a family movie in my moms room. That's not weird at all, right?

From there we hung out every moment we could. Mind you I was 19 when I met him and I had "sworn off" men a few weeks before I met him. I told myself I wasn't going to date for a while and just work on myself. Sound familiar? Before I met Daniel, I had a long string of boyfriends/guys that lasted a few weeks to a few months. So come January, I just wanted a break from dating. But of course, I met Prince Charming soon after I said all of that.

February 12, 2011

The Kiss.

Up until this point, Daniel and I had hung out a million times. He had met all of my family already - what? we're an open family! However, we didn't hold hands or kiss or even go on an actual date. This was the first time that had happened to me. Usually a guy and I would hook up like right away (sorry mom and dad if you're reading this.) but really, that's college for you. He finally asked me on a legit date. We went to dinner at a Peruvian restaurant and then to the BYU Art Museum. At the museum, I wanted to make a move so he knew I was into him. So I leaned my head on his shoulder while we were sitting and looking at a painting. Then when we were standing up, I reached for his hand the same time that he reached for mine. My heart was beating a million beats per second!

Later that night we were chatting pretty close on the sofa. Our chemistry was crazy! I wanted to kiss him so bad but was waiting for him to make a move. Finally, I just went for it. I straight up kissed him first. Side note: Ladies, if you want something... go for it!!


February - April 2011

We hung out, went on dates and got to know each other more the next few months. With help from my other best friend, Amanda, Daniel took things to the next level and went big to celebrate our 2 month dating anniversary. It was one of the most romantic nights of my life - but that story is for another time.

May 6, 2011

Daniel Proposes.

February 11, 2012
Almost 9 months since Daniel proposes for the first time (thats a story for another time as well) we finally get married. I say finally because in Utah, a typical engagement last 3-4 months.

February 11th was a beautiful and exciting day. As we were kneeling at the alter in the Salt Lake City Temple, I remember thinking there was no way I could love this man more than I do right now.

Well fast forward to today and I could not have been more wrong. My love for him grows strong each and every day. I wake up every morning thinking I am the luckiest girl in the world. In my eyes there is no one more perfect than my Daniel. He is my warmth and my light. He is my everything.
Ladies and gentlemen, the newlyweds!
This is where we got married!
 Daniel wrote me a song that he performed at our wedding in front of hundreds of guests.
We pretty much couldn't control the PDA.
Our first dance.
And they lived happily ever after...


Update:

February 11, 2016

4 year anniversary! The year of Fruits and Flowers! My two favorite things! Daniel took care of the fruit. More pics to come!

Xoxo - Andie






The best part of blogging is meeting new people and making new friends. I think most bloggers would agree with me on this one. Well, I was fortunate enough to make 2 new local blogger friends recently.
Meet my new friends Marly from Girly Love and Lee from Wine & Couture.
We recently met up for a fun little pre Valentine's Day dessert party.
We were definitely feeling the table decor!  
There was pink, red, white and gold everywhere!

Cake stands are my guilty pleasure...
Here are a few I've had my eye on:

Here are a few other pieces that are similar to what we had:

I prepared white chocolate dipped Oreos.
They are super easy to make!

You will need:
Chocolate Melts
Oreos (You can pretty much use whatever! Wafers, pretzels, etc)
Sprinkles

Melt the chocolate per instructions. Dip one side of the Oreo in the white chocolate and immediately add sprinkles. Set aside to cool/set.
Marly & Lee also prepared some yummy treats. We had so many cute and delicious options!
Girl time is always a blast, whether you're having a big Galentine's Day celebration or just having a few friends over! Valentine's Day is a great time to celebrate your lady friends too!

Xo - Andie



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