Life As We Know It

The weather has been a bit fickle around here lately.  Beautiful sunshine followed by rain storms.  Apparently Orange County is not sure if it wants to lead into Spring or stay in Winter.  I know which one I would prefer (ahem Mother Nature).  When it has not been raining we have been spending our time outside in the yard, the park or at Oldest's baseball games.  Spring Break is right around the corner and I cannot wait!

We had to say goodbye to our favorite local sugar high location frozen yogurt shop.

I also lost my "hey hubby, I would REALLY like some frozen yogurt so could you go get some?" place.

Sad for me...oh yes, and the kids.

Baby Girl has become incredibly determined.  You are NOT allowed to help her at the park.

It has been crazy to watch her grow up so fast (perhaps its the older siblings???).

Only two more months until she is two!

Date night at Pizzeria Mozza by Mario Batali.

For those of you in the Orange County area, you have got to go.

I had to be rolled out of there but it was worth it.  

And do not leave without having the butterscotch pudding!

Watching Baseball!

Four boys in their PJ's who are so excited for s'mores!

I use to LOVE sleepovers!  Actually,  still do and it is the best when a friend comes to stay.

It has been so much fun watching my Oldest experience them with his friends.

Remember this engagement party and this shower?  Well, now it is time for the Bachelorette Party!  I am heading out this morning for three days of good food and wine tasting with amazing friends to celebrate the bride.  Oh how I love these sorts of weekends!  See you Monday!

Electric Tote

I have so much to share from my interview with Brooke Jaffe and the Spring trend presentation at Bloomingdale's.  Unfortunately I have a ton going on right now (work, BBF coming into town and girl's weekend ahead!) so you are going to have to wait until next week when I can properly pull everything together.  As a teaser, I am going to share a brillant tote that was introduced to me at the event.  As you all know, I have a thing for the neon trend and it was everywhere.  One of my favorite suggestions from Brooke was that if you are not prepared to completely embrace all the color and vibrance from this Spring, do it with a handbag or tote.  It is subtle but still adds that pop which is unexpected.  One of my favorite bags she presented was the Liebeskind Tote.  I am slighty fascinated and for the price (including Bloomingdale's Friends and Family that just started) you just can't go wrong.  Plus, how practical is a tote!  My favorite is the bright green but honestly, I would be happy with any of the three. 

Baked Brie Bites

Baked Brie is one of my absolute favorite appetizers.  Pie crusts, brie and sweet.  Complete indulgence.  The hardest thing about baked brie is that if you do not have anyone coming over, it is quite a lot for two people to consume.  Not saying the hubby and I probably wouldn't, but still, we shouldn't.  That is when I decided to try baked brie bites.  Sunday was dark and rainy, the perfect reason to consume far too many calories as as snack, so I decided to make them.  Here is what you need:

Mini Brie Rounds (you can find them at most grocery stores in packs of 5)

marmalade of your choice (I used orange marmalade because we had it)

2 Pre-made pie crusts (If you purchase the pilsbury pre-made it comes with two)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2. Cut the pie crusts into little squares, making the top pieces larger than the bottom

3. Place the brie round in the middle of the square

4. Top with marmalade

5. Cover with second piece of pie crust

6. Seal with a fork (it does not have to be pretty)

7. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and place brie bites on the sheet.

8. Bake 15 minutes or until golden brown

Owl

Truth be told, I feel like crap right now.  My cold that was supposed to go away is putting up a pretty good fight and apparently we (the cold and I) are battling it out to the very end.  I have been drinking apple cider vinegar like it is water, inhaling every fruit and vegetable that I can find and still it does not seem to be working.  Don't worry though, I am pretty stubborn too and like I said, there is NO WAY this cold is messing with the plans I have coming up.  One being lunch tomorrow with Brooke Jaffe, Fashion Director of Accessories and Shoes for Bloomingdales!  Cold or no cold, I will be there.  AND, my Best Friend arrives in town on Thursday so that we can head off to our other Best Friend's bachelorette party for the weekend.  See what I mean?  Give it your best shot cold, you will lose.

Even though I feel terrible and need to go rest, I could not leave without sharing these measuring cups and butter dish from West Elm.

I don't know why but I love them.  They are random, bright, eclectic and I just can't stop thinking about them.  This is what I get for looking at the catalog.  Just another thing I can add to the list of "since I moved I now need EVERYTHING new".  Oh to be able to register again....

Product Review: The SugarSNAP Files

I will admit it, I am a diaper bag/pool bag/any child bag hoarder.  My house may be perfectly clean (most of the time) but when you take a look into any of the bags I use with my children, they are a terrible resemblance to Mary Poppins carpet bag.  The only problem is, she can simply pull out the next item while I have to dig my head in and figure out where my keys are among the old cheerios, toys, clothes, diapers and everything else I have in there.

Two mothers, both with their own sets of twins, must have felt the same way I did because they took this annoyance and created a way to save our sanity with the The SugarSNAP files.  I had heard about these a while back while they were still in production and was anxiously awaiting the day they "might" send me a set to try out.  I received mine last week and right away was impressed with how they were put together.  A durable clip system allows you to select which files you want to use.  Depending on where you are going, take them all or just a few!  Also, I loved the tabs that were created.  They obviously know what a mom needs because they are broken up perfectly to accommodate to everything I just might need in my bag.  The set comes with a list of what might be put into each file and my favorite part are the quotes stitched into each file, reminding us all that parenting is a joy and challenge that we share together.  

To gives these a proper review, I felt that it was going to take bringing these along in our daily lives to see how much I actually used them.  This past week was a hectic one and they were used EVERY SINGLE DAY.  Park, playdates, baseball games, dinner and birthday parties.  Each time I was able to select the files I needed for the event and head off perfectly organized.  A "Type A" Virgo's dream come true.

Clockwise from left: Hanging out at the gym, on our way to a baseball game, and heading out to dinner with the family.
(Please excuse the camera phone photos)

After a week of use I have to say, I REALLY like these files.  For the first time in a while I felt organized and never at a loss for something I forgot.  It was easy to see when a file needed to be refilled and it even reminded me to bring a second set of clothes for Baby Girl, which I forget quite often.  I also love how easily they transition between each bag, allowing me to stay organized regardless of where I am going and the bag I was carrying.  No more emptying out one bag, to fill another bag, simply to go back to the original bag later.

When I shared them with others, the response was always incredibly positive.  Apparently this is a universal mom problem.  Even a parent with older children said they would love to have something like this for their car (seems to be the second most chaotic place for children's things).  The good news here is that SugarSNAP is ahead of the game and has this car system available in May.

SugarSNAP Car-Go Parker (available May)

To make this entire product review even better, SugarSNAP is offering FREE SHIPPING to all Juggling in Heels readers with CODE: JUGGLING (this offer cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions).  You can order at Heysugarsnap.com (other colors also available).  If you love to be organized and feel that very often you are in fact not, you will love these files just as much as I do.

* Juggling in Heels did receive one set of SugarSNAP files free of charge to product review but the opinion is 100% my own.  Juggling in Heels was not compensated for this review. 

Wish List: YSL Muse

If you follow me on Pinterest, then you will know that I recently pinned the YSL Oversized Muse to my handbag board.  I saw this bag in Paris and instantly fell in love with how classic, simple and sophisticated it looked.  It has since been on my "must have list" and my hubby has already been shown the bag a couple times just to make sure he knows which one I am talking about.  I know I tend to have expensive taste when it comes to handbags (hubby would argue I have it for EVERYTHING....he tends to exaggerate....or perhaps he is right...whatever) and no woman wants just one (that would be crazy!).  However, one can argue that an investment in a fabulous handbag is a good one and it will last forever (or even get passed to their daughter, as I like to say).

The only problem with the YSL website is that once you look at item you are lusting after, you will continue to find others that are equally luxurious.  

I hope you all have a great weekend!  I have come down with a terrible head cold and I am REALLY hoping this will go away as I have a ton of fun things coming up next week and there is NO WAY that I am willing to be sick during any of it.

A Place to Eat: Part 2

Remember when I ordered our new table and rug for our kitchen?

Well, they have arrived!

What do you think?

Table: Comforts of Home
Rug: Ballard Designs

I love that the navy brings some color to the area.

The table is perfect for the 5 of us and our dining room can take a break from hosting our little monkeys.

Now I just need to find some great kitchen wall art for the walls surrounding.

Perhaps something with a little orange?

And remember the clock I picked up?

That is up and running too.

My country kitchen is slowly coming together!

Cozy

When I am trying to look cute but be comfortable (and I mean, REALLY comfortable), I find that it is extremely hard to do.  My closet is just not that accommodating and workout clothes are just boring (yet, I wear them ALL the time).  Ideally, I would stay in my pajamas but I am not sure how that would be received.  

A few months ago I ordered these Young Fabulous & Broke Sierra Pants.  

I thought they looked extremely comfortable, soft and something that I could wear with a tank and sandals, be cozy, but look somewhat put together.  I don't mean to brag, but I was right.  These are THE MOST COMFORTABLE PANTS EVER.  That is not an exaggeration at all.  I am actually wearing them as I write this.  They feel like pajama pants but truth be told, I have also dressed them up and wore them out to dinner.  They are vey flattering on and I love how long they are (always an issue for me).  I am now looking to order another pair because I wear them so much.  This time in the black.

Changing topics completely, after posting on my win and the Jimmy Choo's the hubby has to get me, he immediately came back with "double or nothing".  See, he was not happy about this loss.  Unfortunately for him, this lady knows when to take her winnings and walk away from the table so even though there is the potential of two pairs of Jimmy Choo's, I am going to keep my one.  No need to be greedy around here.  Sorry babe.    

Creamy Orzo

I will admit it.  I am getting REALLY tired of "kid food".  Dino chicken (you all have them in your fridge don't you), mac and cheese, spaghetti, fish sticks, pizza.  They are all grossing me out.  Yes, my children prefer them but I am working on finding some new "kid friendly" recipes that can perhaps take these out of the cycle.  I decided to try this Creamy Orzo recipe.  I loved how there were veggies in it but a very simple recipe for kids.  The outcome?  I was successful for 2 out of the 3.  My Middle Man refused it while my Oldest and Baby Girl finished their plates.  Hey, I will take it.  I personally thought it was really good (as did my hubby) and it made plenty so both hubby and Baby Girl had lunch the next day (I have issues with leftovers....whole other story).  I will say that you need to REALLY season it with salt and pepper.  But that is just my two cents.

I Won!

Hello Jimmy Choo Aimee Pump.  It is nice to meet you.  A few weeks ago I made a bet with my hubby.  What did I get if I won?  You!  He was so convinced he would win that he was willing to place this large bet.  Being that this was over a pair of INCREDIBLE shoes, I felt that I had the upper hand.  Seems my determination beat out his and I am happy to report that you will now be an official member of my closet, just in time for Spring!  My hubby is pissed as much as I am excited.  Lesson to be learned here?  Never make a bet with a woman when it involves a pair of shoes.  She will always find a way to win.

UPDATE: I have already received some comments on what the bet was so here you go.  Two years ago my husband went out and bought a gym quality rowing machine.  He was obsessed with CrossFit at the time and was "going to use it all the time".  Fast forward and the thing sat in our bedroom, HARDLY used.  When we were moving, I told him I wanted to get rid of it because it was a waste of money and took up space.  He said absolutely not, he was going to use it.  I told him fine, but if he did not use it at least twice a week from February until April, I would get these lovely Jimmy Choo's.  He said DEAL because he was so convinced that he would do it and would never have to get the shoes.  He was actually doing a great job until this last week.  By Wednesday I realized that this was going my way and could I have said something?  Sure.  But why would I do that?  By the end of the week, I had won and he was not happy.  I think he will think twice before placing bets like this again.    

Strike!

On Sunday my two boys and I attended their school's annual Mother/Son Bowling event.  This was the first year my Middle Man was able to attend too and it was so much fun to spend the day with just the two of them.  Because Baby Girl is still so young, it is not very often that I get alone time with just my boys.  Unfortunately, this is the best picture we got of the three of us...

The only picture where we are all looking toward the camera with our eyes opened and I look like an idiot.  Oh well.  Maybe next year.

I know there is going to be a time when hanging out with me is something that will become an annoyance and I will take a back seat to sports and girls.  I would like to believe that this is not the case, but come on, we all know this is going to happen.  Don't worry though, because they will come back later in life, realize that I am amazing and that no girl will ever live up to their mother.  Wait, I shouldn't be saying this. What I meant to say is that even though life will take our relationship through ever changing paths, I REALLY love the Momma's Boys that I currently have today and I will soak up all these mother/son moments that I get while they are still young.

Florals

Floral print are EVERYWHERE this Spring.  From denim to blouses to accessories, you cannot escape the racks of wallpaper (or perhaps Grandmother's tablecloth?) inspired prints.  What are your thoughts?  Are you embracing the trend?

Ted Baker Beach Jumpsuit

Alice + Olivia Silk Floral Pants

Tinley Road Floral Tie Front Blouse

Citizens of Humanity Mandy Floral Roll Up Jeans

Zara Floral Print Handkerchief

I personally really like it.  Nothing says Spring more than floral prints.  There can obviously be an issue of "too much of a good thing" but when worn appropriately and in moderation, it offers a delicate sweetness to any outfit.

Where Will He Go?

There are little moments in life that catch you completely off guard.  The other night my Oldest was reading this book to me (my favorite Dr. Seuss book in fact) when suddenly, my mind starting asking questions.

How did we get to this place?  How is he reading?  Don't I read to him?  Is he that old already?  And why I am getting so sad?  This book is a happy book, all about the great moments in life along with its challenges.  Why am I worried about the challenges?  I don't want him to have any challenges.  How can I keep them from happening?  Crap, I can't.  Where will he go to college?  I hope he goes to a good one.  What will he do in life?  I don't want to think about it.  It is far off right?  But 7 years went by fast so who is to say another 11 years won't fly by either?

My mind was racing.  Absolutely racing.  Some medical experts might call it OCD but I call it "Mom is having a realization that her children are going to grow up way too fast and it is really scary" moment.

I could have probably gone on with numerous thoughts and questions in my mind but I was stopped by one simple 7 year old with a question.  It came after the line, "KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!"  My son turned to me and said, "Mommy, you can't really move mountains, can you?"

I said the first thing that came to mind.  "You absolutely can, if you want to."  And he will.  And with that, my mind went silent.

Modern Play

How chic is this playroom table?

Serena and Lily Coco Play Table and Stools

So modern and sophisticated but still playful.

Plus it is on sale.

As Courtney (sorry Charlie Sheen, your out) would say.. "Winning".

Product Review: Crawlings Kneepads

Crawling is cute but OMG it is a dirty stage!  If my children's knees were not scratched or dirty, they were destroying their pants and leggings in record time.  It would get to the point that I would avoid the park for a while to avoid all the mess that came with crawling around the ground and playground.  That is where these adorable little kneepads come in.  Crawlings were created by two moms that were also tired of all the red, bruising and scratches that came with crawling.  GENIUS idea!  They are made for children 6 months old to 3 years and can provide protection as they learn to crawl, walk and run through this world.  They asked if Baby Girl would like to try out a pair and I thought, what better than a rough and tough 1 year old to put them to the test.

Here is Baby Girl running around the park with her Crawlings on.

So what did this mom think?  I really liked them, for a number of reasons.  First of all, the fit was extremely comfortable for her.  They were not too tight and for a little girl who takes a bow out of her hair in seconds, she kept them on the entire time.  Secondly, I never realized how often she was actually on her knees as she ran around a playground.  Even though she walks (mostly runs), she still climbs on her knees everywhere.  Thirdly, they held up extremely well.  Even though they were getting really dirty, there was no sign of wear.  With the way Baby Girls moves, I was pretty impressed.  Finally, her knees were clean and scratch free when we got home!

Crawlings carry a number of adorable patterns for boys and girls (click here to check them out!) and are machine washable.  For $20, they would make an adorable addition to a baby shower gift or for your own little ones.  Visit Crawlings.com to learn more.

* Juggling in Heels was provided a pair of crawlings free of charge in order to review but the opinion of this product is 100% my own.  Juggling in Heels was not compensated for this review.