Jalapeno Cheese Bread

After spending the day inside on Saturday, I was itching to get out of the house for a bit and pull together a good meal for dinner.  Whole Foods is one of my favorite places to go shopping and I casually roamed the aisles with a friend (yes, it was Girl's Day at Whole Foods), taking in my little bit of escape.  One item I was grabbing ingredients for was Jalapeno Cheese Bread.  When I came across the recipe it just looked too good to pass up and I was right.  It was SUPER EASY to make and had so much yummy flavor.  Served with filet skewers and sauteed kale, it was the perfect spicy addition to celebrate everyone being healthy again.  Still crossing my fingers no one gets sick...

What you need:
2 Tablespoons Mayonnaise
3/4 cup shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
1 jar pickled jalapenos
1 loaf sourdough bread
salt, pepper and paprika

Steps:
1. Mix mayonnaise, cheese and 1 tablespoon brine from the jalapeno jar; season with salt and pepper
2. Broil 4 slices of bread on a baking sheet until golden
3. Flip slices over and spread cheese mixture across
4. Top with chopped pickled jalapenos and a dash of paprika
5. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then cut each slice in half

* recipe courtesy of Food Network

Unexpected

This weekend took an unexpected turn when Baby Girl got sick Friday night.  Our plans of baseball in the morning and a trip to the beach in the afternoon were put to a halt and I spent all of Saturday sitting in our bedroom with Baby Girl.  This was her first "real" sickness and I had forgotten how sad it was to watch a really little one cope with being sick and not understanding why they feel the way that they do.  There was not an option of me leaving the room.  She would not stand for it.    

Baby Girl watched Monsters Inc, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Toy Story while I caught up on all the magazines that have been piling up, fell for this really cozy looking padded sweatshirt, finally found the perfect Bubble Ceramic Sidetable for our family room and perused the DVF Loves Gapkids collection.  I also took care of some Mother's Day shopping at the Tory Burch Friends and Family event.  Let's just say that I am not one who should be left in a room all day with a computer at my disposal.  

From left: Zara sweatshirt,  West Elm Sidetable, DVF Loves Gapkids Collection

Baby Girl is now on the mend and the household is returning to normal.  As always, I am just hoping no one else gets sick too.  Fingers crossed, toes crossed, hair crossed.....everything crossed!

How was everyone else's weekend?

Friday...

This was the first week in a long time that the hubby and I didn't have any evening events mid-week, which usually require a babysitter and late nights.  It felt great being home with the kids each evening in our pajamas with no expectations to be somewhere.  Even though dinners, parties and such are fun, nothing beats time at home.  

If you missed it this week...

My Oldest had a special special moment...

I found my new go-to look for brunch and special occasions this Spring...

Kate Spade had some sound advice...

I made a delish summer treat...

If you are in Southern California and love museums, this deal is perfect for you (purchased one myself)...

I love these twists on a classic cocktail...

These espadrilles are perfect for summer...

Have a great weekend!

Lemon Bars

One of my favorite childhood treats were Lemon Bars that my mom would make for dessert every now and then.  For the chocolate lover that I am, it is very rare that I would veer off course, but these always seemed to hit the spot. 

Yesterday was incredibly dreary here in Orange County, which just really didn't seem fair to me. Two days ago we were at the pool and here it was sprinkling again!  To add a little sunshine to our day I decided to make these classic Lemon Bars.  These were just like I remembered as a kid and provided the perfect bite of summer I was looking for.  Now if the sun could actually return I would greatly appreciate it.

Words of Wisdom

What did you say Kate?

Kate Spade "Eat Cake" Mug

Sound advice.
Sunday morning, I did.
And it was fantastic.

Happy Hump Day!

Simplicity

On Saturday at my Oldest's First Communion, I wore one of my favorite looks so far this year.  It was clean, simple, sophisticated and perfect for Spring.  Though I love to layer, sometimes the simplest looks have the biggest impact. 
 

Dress: Banana Republic / Heels: Tory Burch / Earrings: Stella & Dot / Lipstick: Nars

A Blink

Yesterday I was at my Oldest's Baptism.

And then I blinked...

And this little man was standing in a suit, all ready for his First Communion.

The person that told me the phrase, "The days are long but the years are short" could not have been more right.

I got tears in my eyes for how handsome he looked, how old he looked, and how special of a day this was for him.  I also got tears in my eyes with the acknowledgement that life really seems to be going a bit fast for me.  My little boy is growing up and sometimes I seem to forget to take it all in.  

This was such an amazing day and I loved every moment of it.

The whole family was there, my Oldest was SO excited, and all we did was celebrate.  

I was also able to get a photo of the five of us, which rarely happens.

(Yes, Baby Girl is not cooperating but I will take what I can get)

How was your weekend?

Friday...

This week definitely kept us on your toes with three nights of baseball, a hubby who had some extremely late nights and a couple of events.  I am so excited to spend tonight relaxing on the couch before our weekend begins.  Mellow Friday nights are just heaven aren't they?

If you missed it this week...

This makeup line has become a favorite...

Juggling in Heels had a birthday...

I spent the afternoon with a classic...

This addicting song has become a video...

The Sartorialist read my mind...

Have a fabulously relaxing weekend.

Diana's Bag

Yesterday I spent the afternoon among an array of beautiful Tod's handbags while attending an event hosted by Tod's, in support of the Camino Center Auxiliary, an organization that I have been involved with for some time (remember the fashion show and Marni event?).  Along with the famous "D-Styling" collection, in honor of Princess Diana, the estate was also adorn with many of Tod's signature handbags and shoes.  All attendees sipped champagne, shopped and supported an incredible center.  Not too shabby for a Wednesday.

Thank you Tod's for supporting such an amazing organization.

The limited edition bag created specifically for this event.

A Belated Two Years

First and foremost, my thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the explosions in Boston yesterday.  It is heartbreaking that these events happen here and around the world.  

Through our crazy schedules around here, I completely overlooked that on April 6th, Juggling in Heels hit the two year mark.  I cannot believe.  I was never really sure what I was getting into when I started this blog and could have never imagined all that has come from it.  The relationships, opportunities and fun have far surpassed any expectations I could have had.  I was just hoping my friends would read it!  

To all of you who have supported and read Juggling in Heels over the past two years, thank you so much.  I cannot express into words how thankful I am that you give me a moment of your time each day to babble about whatever is going on in this head of mine.  Your support means the world to me.  Hopefully you are not sick of me yet because there is a lot more where this has all come from!

To celebrate these past two years I pulled together these Rhubarb Mimosas for a little cheers with the hubby.  The flavor was completely unexpected and a tasty way to celebrate.  

Cheers to year 3!

By Terry

At the first Space.NK event I hosted, I was introduced to a line called "By Terry", a cosmetics line developed by Terry de Gunzberg. The line focuses on using the highest protective ingredients from botanical extracts, the latest technology, ultra-rare pigments and textures and delivered through "click-pens", making the entire application process and touch ups extremely easy.  While hosting I was too busy talking to be able to sit down in the makeup chair and try the products but numerous attendees were raving about them.

Finally, a couple months ago, I was able to try the line out myself and have become a huge fan.  These five items are my favorite and have replaced other lines that I have been using for years.  The easy application allows me to throw the pens into my purse and touch up throughout the day without a mess.  Of all the products, my two favorite are the mascara, which makes your lashes look a MILE long, and the Creme de Rose Nuit, a night cream that has an incredible rose smell and just feels incredibly decadent when you put it on. 

1. Creme de Rose Nuit Firming Repair Night Cream/ 2. Velvet Creme Blush / 3. Touch Expert Concealer 

4. Mascara Terrybly/ 5. Light Expert Foundation

The weekend...

My two weeks of Spring Break are over.

It would have been nice to have two schools with coordinating calendars but it wasn't in the cards this year.

I have spent the last two weeks at the movies, petting zoo, beach, parks, nail salon, baseball games, malls.

If it is in Orange County, there is a good chance I have been there.

Monday will send all three kids back to school, deliver some quiet around the house and I can try and get myself organized again.

I am not going to lie.

Even though it has been fun having them home, I am looking forward to this.

If you have missed any posts this week, they were
a little shop I opened up...
some delicious french toast...
a day on the water...
black and blue...
what I have been wearing...

I hope you have a great weekend.

What I Wore

Spring time has brought numerous events, holidays, Spring Break, LA Fashion Week, baseball games, dinners, field trips and basically, running around all the time.  My wardrobe has followed suit with spending one day in cut offs and flats followed by the next in silk and heels.  Here is a little look at what I have been wearing...

Black and Blue: Get the Look

via

Black and blue and a little pop of color around the eyes.

I love this look for Spring because it brings in just enough color to get excited for warmer weather but with the long sleeves and black, it has not let go of winter completely.  Put together with some great sandals, this is an incredibly easy look to wear during the day without feeling like you are still in the "same old" jeans.

Sunglasses: Kate Spade NY/ Cuff: Stella & Dot/ Sandals: DV by Dolce Vita / Sweater: Dorothy Perkins

Skirt: Love Leather/ Earrings: Kendra Scott/ Handbag: Bottega Veneta

Whales and Dolphins

Please note: this is not the boat we went on.  I just LOVE this photo.

Whale Watching.  I cannot even remember the last time I went whale watching.  I think it may have been a field trip in Elementary school.  Who knows how old I was.  Did we even see whales?  I cannot be sure.  Needless to say, it was a LOONG time ago. 

The sad thing is that experiences like these are right in our backyard and we sometimes fail to take advantage of them.  I can blame school, sports and schedules but really, I think sometimes it is just forgetting how awesome Orange County is and how beautiful it is to be out on the ocean.  For this reason, none of the children have been whale watching and it was about time we changed that.

We spent our Saturday afternoon down at Dana Wharf Sport Fishing and Whale Watching for their two-hour whale watching trip.  Because it had been so long, I had no idea what to expect and went into it telling the kids that there was a high probability that we may not see anything.  I was WAY OFF.

Through our 2 hour trip we not only learned a ton (our Captain was awesome) but we also saw three gray whales, sea lions, and the major highlight, HUNDREDS (it felt like THOUSANDS) of dolphins.  It was unreal.  Every where you looked, dolphins were jumping out of the water.  I wish I was faster with the camera but honestly, I forgot about taking pictures as I watched the kids take in everything they were seeing.  It was crazy.

If you have not experienced whale watching at Dana Wharf, it is an absolute MUST on your To Do list.  It is coming to the end of the season so there are only a few more weeks left to take advantage of the gray whales migrating north.  Dana Wharf Sport Fishing and Whale Watching offers a number of tours each day and you can click here to view times and purchase tickets.

* Juggling in Heels did receive complimentary tickets from Dana Wharf Sport Fishing and Whale Watching but the opinions stated are 100% my own.

Baked Croissant French Toast with Orange Syrup

Brunch takes the cake as my favorite meal.  Nothing compares to it.  Any chance I have the opportunity to host something, brunch is always the first thing I think of.  And I would have brunch every single day if the life of a mother would allow it.  

Over the years I have accumulated a number of Brunch recipes and am always on the look out for new items to add to the list.  I recently came across this recipe for Baked Croissant French Toast and immediately picked up the ingredients needed for a little Saturday morning taste test.  It fit perfectly with a cup of coffee and the new issue of Vanity Fair.  The perfect way to start the weekend.