Chocolaty Chocolate Souffle

The hubby does it again!  When it comes to dessert, nothing tops a chocolate souffle.  It is number one on my list of indulgences and I order one whenever it is on a menu.  The other night we had friends over for dinner and he decided to whip up Emeril's Chocolaty Chocolate Souffle.  It was incredible.  Just a little hazelnut liquor added to the dough and sauce created such an incredible flavor.  We will definitely be pulling this recipe out again.

Only one more to day to enter the CEEK jewelry here!  Don't miss out!

Sparkles!

Everyday I read through a TON of fashion blogs.  You may call it an obsession if you must.  Even though I LOVE many of the items in each one, it is very rare that I immediately purchase something seen on their blog.  That was until yesterday.

One of my favorite blogs, Atlantic-Pacific (it is a must read if you are not already), posted this ASOS sequined pencil skirt.

I am obsessed with sequins and loved the sophisticated look of this so I had to click on the link to see how much it was.  Imagine my excitement when I saw the sale price of $40.91 AND free shipping!  I instantly ordered it.  Complete impulse purchase I know, but with so many holiday events coming up in the next few weeks, this is bound to come in handy (I truly have a gift to justify anything, just ask my hubby). 

Only a couple more days to enter the CEEK Jewelry here!

7 years and I am still trying to figure out Mommyhood

The birthday boy enjoying his birthday cake

Seven years ago today my oldest was born.  I was 26 years old, I had a baby and then the hospital, unbeknownst to them, sent two people home with a newborn who had no clue what they were supposed to be doing.  I remember crying the first two days because I was worried that I would be a terrible mother.  This emotion was probably due to the fact that I did not sleep the first two nights home for fear that he would stop breathing.  And I am not even going to go into the amount of stress I had about not being sure how much he was getting when nursing.  Being a first time mother was HARD!  I remember when my second was born I thought to myself, why did I think this newborn thing was so hard?  They don't do anything but eat and sleep!  What was I so worried about?

There is something to be said about the oldest child.  They hold a special place in your heart, not because you love them more than your other children, but because they are the ones that teach you how to be a parent.  Unlike my other two children, who simply entered our "been there, done that" world, the oldest continues to introduce me to things that I have never experienced before.  Sleeping through the night, baby food, school, athletics, talking back, sleepovers, homework.  The list goes on and on.  He is not only my first child but continues to be my first at everything that involves being a parent.  

Happy 7th Birthday Oldest!  I still cannot believe how fast that went.  You are an incredible little man and I cannot wait to see you continue to grow, though I am REALLY not looking forward to the day you learn how to drive (insert panic attack here). 


Don't forget!  Ceek Jewelry giveaway is still going on!  Enter here!

And so the Christmas shopping begins...

Happy Black Friday everyone!  What a combination Thanksgiving and Black Friday are.  It begins with a day to completely gorge our stomachs, followed by a day to completely purge our wallets.  Black Friday is also a reminder that I better actually start Christmas shopping.

Since I have not purchased ANYTHING for my children, nieces or nephews, imagine how happy I was to hear that Neige Clothing was having a sample sale next Friday and Saturday, December 2nd and 3rd. If you have not visited their site, here is just a piece of some of their fabulous clothing for little ones.

Sophisticated clothing for children.  RIGHT UP MY ALLEY.  Not only that, but a portion of the sales will be donated to The Children's Hospital of Orange County. If you live in Orange County, you are well aware of all the wonderful things CHOC does and most likely know at least one child who has benefited from their care.  Checking gifts off the list AND giving back to an amazing organization?  The only question is, why would you not go?  

Click here for all the details (including times and location) on this event and I hope to see you there!

In addition to the sample sale, for each $100 donated to CHOC Children's, you will be entered to win the following:

* Participation for your child to model in the Neige Spring 2012 Collection photo shoot.  Girls 6m-12y and boys 6m-8y.  Siblings accepted.

* Models will enjoy the full photo shoot experience including fittings, styling, hair and makeup.  Photo shoot will take place in Orange County, CA in February 2012.

* A disk of high resolution photo shoot images for personal printing and portfolio use.

* One Neige outfit

Also, all entrants will receive a full year of 20% off discount code valid through December 31, 2012 for use on the Neige clothing website.

Not in Orange County?  Not a problem!  You can shop their incredible Fall sale on the Neige Clothing website!  

Happy Shopping!

**GIVEAWAY** Ceek Jewelry

Happy Thanksgiving!  Because this is a time of thanks and I am so grateful for each of you, I am doing another giveaway to kick off the holiday season!  This giveaway comes from CEEK Jewelry.  CEEK presents vintage elements mixed with bohemian spirit to create a youthful line of earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings.  Celebrated by A-list talent, featured in major media outlets and carried in some of the country's most premiere boutiques, CEEK is a brand worth discovering.  And who doesn't want to be in the company of Kellan Lutz?

Kellan is wearing the dagger pendant on the Red Carpet
at the CMA's

CEEK has so graciously offered to give one fabulous reader the Oval Art Deco Ring.  This oval design is a replica of an antique broach.  A geometric crystal design conveys a dazzling Deco style that is perpetually modern and glamorous.  It is absolutely gorgeous! 

Ceek will also be showcasing their line at Bloomingdales in Orange County throughout the month of December.  Here is when you can check them out!

Bloomingdales, Fashion Island

December 2nd and 3rd from 2pm-7pm

Bloomingdales, South Coast Plaza

December 16th and 17th from 2pm-7pm

Here is how to enter:

1. Visit the CEEK website here and leave a comment on this post to let me know which piece you love.

For additional entries:

1. Like CEEK on Facebook here.

2. Follow Juggling in Heels on Google Connect.

3. Like Juggling in Heels on Facebook here.

4. Follow Juggling in Heels on Twitter here.

Be sure to leave a separate comment on the blog for each item you have done above to ensure you receive multiple entries for each one!

This giveaway will close Thursday, December 1st at midnight.  Good luck!

* Sorry, US residents only

Oh crap, I AM an Adult!

Yes, I understand that I am 33, a mother and a wife, but I will admit that I have had a hard time accepting that I am truly an adult.  Do you want to know what will force you to accept that you are in fact NOT young anymore?  Visiting your old High School.

This past Monday I spoke at my High School's Career Day.  I did not accept willingly and I still blame my friend for convincing me to do it (that is what you get for carpooling with someone in the Alumni office).  Anyway, I digress.  The first thing that I noticed was that all high school students look about 10 years old.  The next thing I took note of was how SHORT the girl's uniform skirts were.  And when asked what they would like to do when they graduate college, they looked at me as if I had just asked them to solve the financial crisis.  It finally clicked.  These kids were looking at me as an ADULT and I was looking at them as CHILDREN.  That was it.  My age hit me like a truck and I realized that I do not relate to these kids anymore than their parents do.

Dammit, I have grown up.

And all I wanted to yell when pulling out of the parking lot was "SLOW DOWN!"

The Winner of the SPACE.NK Giveaway is...

Andria!

Congratulations!

Please email me at sarah@jugglinginheels.com so I can get all the information I need to get you your gift!

Thank you to everyone who entered!  Keep your eye out for a new giveaway on Thanksgiving!

Hazelnut Fried Brie

This past Saturday night my hubby took over in the kitchen, throwing together one of the best dinners I have had in a while.  One of my favorite parts of this meal was the Hazelnut Fried Brie.  It was incredible.  He served it on top of a steak salad (which was cooked well done thanks to my preferences), which was insane, but would have been equally good as an appetizer with a baguette.  

A Black Tie Affair

The holidays have begun!  It is the "most wonderful time of the year"!  I get so excited for all of the decorations, family, friends and celebrating.  One of my favorite parts of this time of year are all of the holiday parties.  Who doesn't love getting dressed up numerous times in one month?!  Black Tie events take this excitement to another level.  Seeing my husband all dressed up in a tux is just sexy.  And it rarely happens because believe it or not, we are not hitting up red carpets all the time.  This past Friday night we had a black tie event and I had so much fun getting dressed up and enjoying the night with the hubby.  We danced the night away until 1am and even though it was ROUGH getting up with the kids at 6am the next morning, it was all worth it.

Today is THE LAST DAY to enter the SPACE.NK giveaway here!  Don't miss out!

Eclair Cake

My hubby absolutely loves eclairs.  LOVES them.  Because of this, as soon as I came across Paula Deen's Eclair Cake recipe I knew I had to put it to the test.  I cannot emphasize how incredibly EASY and DELICIOUS this is.  It actually tastes like an eclair!  The best part of this recipe is that in true Paula Deen style, butter is still included even though it is not necessary at all in the actual cake.  The whole family loved it and the only thing to note is that it needs to be made 24 hours before serving.  Happy indulgence!

BTW: that is whipped cream on the top, not ice cream!

Have you entered the SPACE.NK giveaway yet?  Only a few more days left!

We Believe

This past weekend we headed out on a major road trip with another family.  When I say major, I mean major.  We traveled through three states (California, Nevada and Arizona) to experience The Polar Express in Williams, Arizona.  It was an incredible weekend with great friends and there is nothing more magical than 5 children believing that they are on a train to the North Pole to meet Santa.  NOTHING.  It makes me sad to think that one day they will not believe, but for now, I will indulge in the world of a child, where anything is possible.

There was a whole lot of nothing for the majority of the drive

But thanks to my friend who went to school in Arizona, we were able to identify The Cracker Barrel as a good place to stop for lunch...though I was more obsessed with the vintage candy section.

We FINALLY made it to Williams, a small town in Arizona

After checking in, the kids got their pajamas on and were all too excited to play in the small amount of snow and get ready to board the Polar Express!

Once aboard the train, it was hot chocolate, cookies, The Polar Express story and Christmas music.

Baby Girl was equally excited

After going to the North Pole, all the kids realized that Santa disappeared.  No one knew where he was until suddenly...

He passed out bells to everyone on the train as we headed back to the Train Station.  It was such an incredible time and I highly suggest you looking into any local Polar Express trains you may have in your area.  It was such a fabulous way to kick off the holidays!

The SPACE.NK Giveaway is still open so don't forget to enter here!

Fashion with a Cause

A few weeks ago I was asked to cover the Camino Health Center Auxiliary's 27th annual Fashion Show and luncheon at the Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel on Tuesday, November 22, 2011.  I was beyond thrilled to be asked to be involved in this event.  Not only because of some incredible fashion (CH Carolina Herrera, Donna Karen, ESCADA, Oscar de la Renta, and David Yurman, just to name a few), but because the funds go directly to the Camino Center, a fully licensed, community based clinic in San Juan Capistrano.  This center provides over 120,000 annual patient care visits and is an incredible asset to the community.

The luncheon and New York-Style fashion show is sponsored and produced by South Coast Plaza.  The event will also feature hundreds of silent auction items and five luxury opportunity drawings each worth nearly $5,000 a piece from Bally, MARNI, Oscar de la Renta, and Judy Klemik.  As you can see, this event is HUGE!  

I absolutely love when the fashion world comes together to give back.  I am really looking forward to seeing this show come together, potentially bidding on some silent auction items (I am sure my husband is already sweating over this) and seeing how much this event raises this year.  If I could only decide what I want to wear....

If you are interested in information on this event, or to purchase tickets, please contact Mission Hospital Foundation at (949)364-7783.  

And don't worry, I will be posting on the fabulous event so there will be plenty of pictures!

Don't forget to enter the SPACE.NK giveaway here!

**GIVEAWAY** SPACE.NK Apothecary

Any of you sad to have missed the SPACE.NK event last week?  Your in luck!  The fabulous people at SPACE.NK would like to follow up the event with an incredible giveaway!  This gives one lucky reader the chance to try out some of their amazing products.  What products you ask?  Here is what is included:

Top: Life NK Energizing Essentials - A selection of our Life NK body care essentials including travel-size Uplifting Body Lotion, Exhilarating Body Scrub, Jump Start Bath & Shower Gel and Madarin Grapefruit mini candle housed in a bright orange tin with an extra gift of a luggage tag.  $35 value

Bottom Left: Limited edition Space.NK Shimmering Spice Candle - The perfect seasonal gift to add a touch of festive scent and light to the home over the winter months. $20 value

Bottom Right: Rococo Nail Apparel in Hypnotic - From the new "New Geisha" collection from celebrity manicurists and sisters Ange and Vernice Walker. $16.50 value

That's right.  One lucky winner will win all of this!  Doesn't it sound fantastic?!  

Mandatory Entry:

1. Follow Juggling in Heels on Google Connect (just click "Join this site"!)

2. Visit the Space.NK website here and leave a comment below letting us know what product you would love to try on the website (or perhaps already use and love!).

Remember: You must do both of the above and leave a comment on this post in order for your entry to count.

* Sorry, US Residents Only

Additional entries:

1. Like Juggling in Heels on Facebook here

2. Like SPACE.NK on Facebook here

3. Follow Juggling in Heels on twitter here

Remember to leave a comment for each item that you do above for each additional entry.

The giveaway ends Monday, November 21, 2011 at midnight!  Good luck!

Love for Harajuku Mini

Yesterday Gwen Stefani's Harajuku Mini collection launched at Target.  Gwen Stefani continues to do no wrong and this collection is just another reason to love her.  It is hip, stylish and has "fabulous little lady" written all over it.  And to make it even better, the prices are amazing.  I was driving back from a family vacation yesterday, perusing the items on my laptop.  Initially my attention turned directly to the adorable dresses...

But then I couldn't resist the coats and hoodies...

And then came the t-shirts...

And ended with the playsuits, which my baby girl has outgrown, but I adore just the same.

Needless to say, I am obsessed with this collection and Baby Girl's closet will be benefiting.  What a lucky little lady.

An Incredible Evening with SPACE.NK and Bloomingdale's

Wednesday night I hosted my first event at Bloomingdale's, South Coast Plaza.  It was a SPACE.NK event with a personal appearance and presentation by Nicky Kinnaird, the founder of SPACE.NK and skincare specialist.  The night was filled with champagne, appetizers, and skincare products.  What more could you ask for!  After the presentation Nicky and her team spent time with everyone there to really evaluate their skincare needs and direct them to products they would benefit from.  The entire team at Bloomingdale's and SPACE.NK were incredible and the night ended with many of us having a fabulous dinner at Charlie Palmer.  Girls Night at its best!

Bloomingdales General Manager, Jim Murphy, Me, and SPACE.NK Creator, Nicky Kinnaird

Some fabulous Juggling in Heels followers and Senior Editor at Orange Coast Magazine, Chris Christensen (bottom left on right)

Thank you Bloomingdale's, SPACE.NK, and Charlie Palmer for a fabulous evening!