I Don’t Make Pies I Make Construction.

#manifest #manifesting #manifestation #highvibes #raiseyourvibration #healthymindset #theuniversehasyourback #manifestyourdreams #highvibetribe #youaremagic #tribevibes #vibrationalenergy #lawofattraction #spiritjunkie #positiveintentions #youarepowerful #selfgrowth #highvibelife #manifestyourlife #powerofthemind #positiveliving

#honeycomb #homestyle #bathroomremodel #finditstyleit #interiorforinspo #interiorstyling #interiorwarrior #interiordecor #homedesign #interiorforall #interiorideas #interiorstyle #homeinspiration #interiorandhome #interiorinspo #myhomevibe #interiorlovers #homeinspo #interiordesign #homedecor #pocketofmyhome #passionforinterior #interiorblog #theverydayproject

#manifest #manifesting #authorlife #manifestation #highvibes #raiseyourvibration #healthymindset #theuniversehasyourback #manifestyourdreams #highvibetribe #youaremagic #tribevibes #vibrationalenergy #lawofattraction #spiritjunkie #positiveintentions #youarepowerful #selfgrowth #highvibelife #manifestyourlife #powerofthemind #positiveliving

On this day, in this photo, so many October 31sts ago, I was a Princess in pink. Ready to take over the world with my magic, my inspiration, my untold story. My grandfather at his desk where he sat doing his paperwork for his construction business. His legacy. Where it all began. In his wood chair with arms, and wheels that rolled in the tongue and groove wood floors beneath him. Where the dim light of the street light would shine through the leaded glass window behind him that he had spent so many hours making in his workshop getting just right. That was HIS throne. In this photo so many October’s ago leaning over to me, his “Little Girl”, a man of few words, he MUST of been saying, “Mina Dan, you can take over the world, you can do anything you set your mind to. You’re our little Princess. You know you’re the favorite.” I know I can, is what I must of said. I know I am, is where I’ll always sit in their hearts. And there I was. With all of my magic. The twinkle in my eyes. Of course I could do anything. Little did I know, now, all of these October’s that have passed, that it is my job now to sit on the throne. To protect. To watch. To use my magic. I have even learned when to be of few words. To continue to be anything I want to be, ready to tell the world, that each one of us is born with our own magic. With our very own untold story. You will be, could be, or are somebody’s favorite. You create the destiny of your own chapters in your life and can decide at any point how to make a difference or a change. In you. In someone else. Just make your pages count. Time matters. (at Apple Pie Construction Services) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpo_ZSQFRh1/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=15lfycinu2g58

RAWWWR!!! HaPpY HaLLOwEeN!!! 🎃 #femalegeneralcontractor #happyhalloween2018 #dogsofinstagram #lagunaniguel #remodeling #homeremodel #decor #hgtv #lifestyleblogger #puppylove #orangecounty #trickortreating #styleyourhome #entrepreneur #saycheese #rottweilerpuppy #womeninspiringwomen #kitchenremodel #bathroomremodel (at Apple Pie Construction Services) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpmMNZsAF7j/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1x6022j60gmsd

I woke up this morning to a confused whimpering pup wondering where I was. His usual routine of coming over to my side of the bed found it neat and tidy and no mama bear. I popped my head up from my honey’s side of the bed where I was tucked in between pillows. I sleep on his side when he has to travel for work (which I hate), even for one night. ‘Here I am, my little baby boo, puppy, sweetiepie, I’m on daddy’s side of the bed.’ Isn’t that how everyone talks to their fur babies at 4 am? I jump up, let him out, turn on the lights and go over to our closet where there is a wall of full length mirrors. I stood there in my sleepy hair, my tank top, my comfy camo stretch pants and the cutest Red-Berry colored polished (nails are never painted) toes and stared at my reflection. My God. I guess our kids are right. I’m really not 5’7. Or 5’6. 5’5 might even be cutting it close. I’m sure the numbers on the scale aren’t the same as last year. The inevitable ups and downs of what would be a burden of the “right” weight has not been on my radar since I can’t remember when. Aww yes, since I focused on not worrying about what everyone thinks or wants. It’s just me standing there in my reflection. Just the one of us. 5 feet something tall me weighing I don’t bother looking what. I do bother noticing the weight on my shoulders when I need to figure something out. I feed my soul with as much happiness as I can. I have very little willpower when it comes to speaking my mind. I love with a ravenous passion to my hearts content. I am a better me, just being me. However tall I think I am or whatever weight I’m feeling confidant and sexy in. In my own skin. I’m doing my thang. I’m not trying to look in the mirror at 4am disappointed that I’m not someone else. When I opened up my IG this morning to write about this topic, the first post I saw was written by @thayerandco (I’m so proud of you I had to shout you out) and it was something similar. We are all perfectly imperfect. Share you. Your story. Your bravery. Just be whatever version of happy is - you. #womeninspiringwomen #womenofallsizes #womenofallages #girlpower #authentic #femaleentrepreneur #femalegeneralcontractor (at Apple Pie Construction Services) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpjpI7ogjJY/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=9ka2qz80xlw7

Think about those moments in your life. The ones that stand out. The ones you easily remember. The warm and fussy ones. The “I never want to forget this feeling” moments. The mental inventory of moments lost with someone you love wishing you could get them back. Think about the everyday moments you are given to show the ones you love that they are special, that you appreciate the opportunity you are given everyday to be in their lives and that the moments we have together are of value. To create as many moments as we can whether it’s being present in the moment. To appreciate why and how you got there, or what it felt like when you weren’t there. Those unconditional pauses in life that we don’t always notice. This photo is my mom and I. (Man! We are so cute!) My mom gave me as many of her moments as I was growing up as she could to make me feel special. She went out of her way to tell me she loved me, she turned down my bed at night like a princess, told me I was the prettiest girl, the best writer, and she told me I would do amazing things. In every moment she could. A few days ago, I was heading home after seeing my mom. I hugged her as tight as I could and told her I loved her. She seemed so small in my arms. When I went to let her go she said, “Wait, let me hug you again. This is just one of those moments.” I squeezed her again, holding her tight. I will always remember that moment. Life happens so fast. Don’t forget to pause and appreciate the moments right in front of you. Those collections of moments, the small but meaningful gestures, the I love you’s, the hugs before you say goodbye, the affirmations, the confidence and the courage we offer in those moments, the unconditional love, are the most important moments. Of your life. Because you never want the people you love to forget that feeling. So remind them in moments every moment you get. I love you Mom. #loveeachother #positivevibes #nextchapter #momentsoflife #mom #motherdaughter #unconditionallove (at Apple Pie Construction Services) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpeh0d0AeIN/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=g0qk0hme6cbj

I was reading the thread on one the social media platforms for one of my PayPal ads for about 60 seconds. I clicked and dropped in out of curiosity. My eyes kind of just hovered there as my thumb scrolled to the next comment and the next. The “financial experts” giving their “advice” on the ad (I’ll leave it at that). The “fashion gurus” commenting on my plaid flannel. The experts in “facial expressions” when referring to the last shot of my ad; how could I make that face while signing “I love you”. Then there was digital ignorance at its best. The comment that went - “ew - she’s probably a lesbian because she’s in construction and she has short hair”. The next person chimed in ... “don’t forget she drives that black lifted truck”, there’s that. HEY WHAT’S UP IDIOTS- I drop into the thread. You know the PayPal ad girl, flannel shirt wearin, tongue stickin out with the I love you sign flashin, short hair rockin, bad ass truck drivin, construction makin BAD ASS - ME. Let me tell you something people, if I was a lesbian I would be PROUD OF IT. I would believe in it, stand up for it, rock it, just like every other thing I do. I’m not, however, someone reading this thread IS. You’re acting as if it’s a bad word. A threat. You and you and you are ignorant. And why aren’t you paying attention to the kids on your profile picture lady? You’re an officer of the law Mr.? I’m sorry ma’am what school would let a homophobe teach their elementary kids? Before I jumped off the thread I got a couple of “you go girl” and “she told you” from the people who were brave enough to speak up. I am a supporter of the voices that are afraid to speak. Of the so called “underdog”. I’m unafraid to be the one to pick the person on my team that nobody else wants. I pick them first. There is always an opportunity to turn up the volume on your voice to make a difference in some way. To someone or something in some way. Ignorance is not bliss. Break the thread. (at Apple Pie Construction Services) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpKKy1Ogn7N/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=bbhg32zvlsve

Oh how they grow so fast. When he was a little pup. Winchester. (at Apple Pie Construction Services) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpGXh0HA7NA/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=158yeh7c0si36

I can’t imagine life without our boy. He has become my sidekick. Making sure I’m safe, comforting me when I need it and constantly me smile. We love him so much. #rottweilerpuppy #dogmom #rottiesofinstagram #dogsofinstagram #winchester #furbabylove #lovewhatyoudo #femalegeneralcontractor #hgtvfixerupper #loyalty #lifestyleblogger #family (at Apple Pie Construction Services) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpGPCx0AMKI/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=9hkzajcbpfwj

It’s amazing how something so small, without what we would think at first glance because it is different than us, has no resources to survive and is wandering aimlessly not only survives but thrives. The resources ARE there. He is born with instinct, skill, the will to get to where he needs to go, and do what he needs to do, whatever that may be. Today, it may be to get to the other side of “his” sun soaked area where all the pots of succulents sit and is often times guarded by a furry annoying beast that these very tall silly looking figures call “Winchester”. His instinct says it isn’t safe to sunbathe now or look at this I finally have the place to my self. He never doubts that he has the power, the ability, the strength, the pace, in his little determined self to do what he was born to do. And he does not consider himself small. Or inadequate or not enough. He is and was born a bad ass with the will, the instinct, the ability, to survive. Despite his environment. Which, sometimes can be treacherous (that’s a good word), he believes he can, so he does. There isn’t a bunch of noise to cloud his judgement or drown his voice of instinct. Nobody to tell him his little lizard legs won’t get him there fast enough. He just quietly, and confidently, gets his lizard shit done. He’s a bad ass. You were born that way. Don’t let your environment drown out the instinct, the hope, the intent, and your will to survive. Your dreams, your passion, your trust, your path. You were born with it. Now go live it. And even in the cold there’s a place somewhere to soak up the sun and revel in whatever it is you set out to accomplish because you were born to be the best version of you. Stay on your path. (at Apple Pie Construction Services) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpCOnbJg--4/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=clznib7ui7o

They love me. They love me not. She gets me, he hates my tattoos. I ask my questions, nope, we don’t connect. Next, next. They love me, they love me, they love me. You don’t like me? I don’t give a FU%#K I don’t like you either. Oh, you choose me, I choose you too. It feels just right. Check, gut feeling, check, chemistry, check, this person in front of me is a good human. Not a rating of stars on social media. She’s a mother, she’s been down my path, she’s a wife, she laughs. Her eyes widen as she describes the vision between the two of you and the space you’ll create and her eyes fill with tears for a moment when she’s transparent with her struggles. And you, and you, you, hide behind a mask of social media, drama for your mama and do your best on the hate stage. Chest puffed out. Long story lines. Fiction at its worst. We love you not, we love you not. Look away said the author on the book. Not worth your time. We trust you, we love you, we pick you said PayPal and it’s 3.4 million views. And I said ya man, with a smirk, the joke, the joke is on you. Success is the best revenge. Thanks for the lesson. WTF. The show must go on. (at Apple Pie Construction Services) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpBFTa0gQ9G/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=132qz5dytfh0q

What’s the one thing you have to have at your fingertips in your kitchen when you’re cooking? #kitchenbacksplash #kitchenremodel #kitchenutensils #traderjoes #hgtvfixerupper #ikeakitchen #homegoods #oliveoil #orangecountycontractor #fleamarketfinds #hgtvfixerupper #lifestyleblogger (at Apple Pie Construction Services) https://www.instagram.com/p/BowcTU1gnKC/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=18z7n6ew1mh1k

Brassy. Never trashy. All the cool kids are doing it. Come on. #brassfixtures #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #dontfakethefunk #eclecticdecor #homedecor #styleathome #sodomino (at Apple Pie Construction Services) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bofo00Ag6v7/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=16w7fgtdvojex

Something about this ceramic Tiger sitting on my kitchen counter full of my kitchen utensils makes me so happy. I got it from a garage sale. I like what I like. I don’t need to spend high dollar to look it. Not in my home or in my clients home. I take pride in that. And who would even know? Well, now you know. The Tigress is out of the bag. Rawrr. #tigress #thrifter #garagesale #eclecticdecor #hgtvfixerupper #hgtvfliporflop #homedecor #design #sodomino #quartz #jonathanadler #lecreuset #99centstore #kitchenremodel #cooking #femalecontractor #lagunaniguel (at Apple Pie Construction Services) https://www.instagram.com/p/BoehJ7HglRb/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1j9v3c3bpy8oi

What you do, what you feel like when you’re doing it, where you do it, who you do it with. If you don’t love it now, but know that you started doing it because you loved the idea of it when you started, but damn it’s not always that lovely. Keep correcting it until you love it. Most days. If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. So love what you do. There are only so many hours in the day. Choose happy. #lovewhatyoudo #entrepreneur #yougotthis #passionplanner #femalecontractor #hgtvfixerupper #hgtvfliporflop #lifestyleblogger #remodelista #remodel #remodeling #interiordesign #positiveinspiration #goaldigger #whatdoyoudo #applepieconstructionservices #orangecountycontractor #lagunaniguel (at Apple Pie Construction Services) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bod3CoDAn8E/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=173xp3ak3lbsw