Weekend

We made it!

The first full week of school has come to an end and everyone has survived.  It is amazing what a jolt of craziness spreads throughout the entire family the first week of school.  I am so happy to report that everyone is loving it though and I have a feeling this is going to be a great year.

This week also allowed me some time to actually groom myself again.  With three little ones at home all summer, I was in DESPERATE NEED of some cleaning up.  Over the last few days I have had my eyebrows waxed, hair colored and a manicure/pedicure for the first time in SO LONG (actually embarrassed to say).  I feel like a new woman!

I am looking forward to the long weekend ahead with not much on the calendar.  Since the hubby was gone all last weekend, I feel like we missed out and have been running for two weeks straight.  I plan on making up for it this weekend with some great family time.  I am sad to say goodbye to summer but this Fall is going to be pretty awesome so I am okay with it.  

Happy Weekend.

The Montage, Laguna Beach

So I went missing for a couple of days.

The hubby headed out of town for work on Saturday morning and I have spent the last four days entertaining three children over the weekend, transitioning two of them back to a school schedule, transitioning the other from a crib to a bed, dealt with a kitchen faucet that exploded and have driven them around to all their activities.  What I am trying to say is, I have not had a moment to sit down.  I almost threw a party last night when the hubby walked in the door.

After a busy few days, nothing sounded better than spending the day at the Montage, Laguna Beach.  I needed to get my hair done and conveniently do so at the Kim Vo Salon in the hotel, and my friend wanted to enjoy a facial.  It made perfect sense that we made a day out of it and enjoyed some lunch as well.

If you have not heard of the Montage, Laguna Beach, it is a diamond on the Pacific.  The entire property has breathtaking views and it is hard not to instantly relax when you pull into the valet.  Whether you are being pampered at the spa, enjoying a nice meal out, vacationing, or proposing (Yep!  Saw a couple get engaged today right before lunch), you cannot go wrong at the Montage.  

Now that the kids are back in school, I am planning on sharing more spots around Orange County to highlight some of our fabulous shopping, dining, entertaining and all things that make Orange County pretty amazing.  Keep an eye out!

The J.Crew Catalog

It is EXTREMELY rare for me to open a catalog and HAVE to go buy something I see.  Of course they are nice to look through, give great styling ideas and provide a little thought into upcoming purchases.  They do not, however, make me run to the computer and try to grab items before I even know what I am doing.  

The recent J. Crew catalog was another story.

I could not get enough of it.  The camo, the leather, the navy.  The hats, sweatshirts, tshirts and pants.  It was out of control.  Have you seen it?  Every page offered a look that I love that I wanted to add to my Fall 2013 wardrobe.  

So yes, I made a trip to J.Crew, thanks to this catalog.  Top of my list was the above Embroidered Emblem Baseball Cap (the first baseball cap I actually liked on myself) and Horsing around sweatshirt (I mean, next trip to Santa Ynez this is a must) and I contained myself from going crazy.  If I had no self control, I would have picked up the following as well.

Camo Tee

Minnie Pant in Bi-Stretch Wool with Zippers

Merino Leather-pocket Sweater

Double-coth Moto Jacket

Just to name a few.

If you haven't received the the catalog, I suggest you make a visit to your local J.Crew to check everything out.  You can try to order online but the hat, sweatshirt and camo t-shirt are all on backorder until October or November Yes, I tried to order online and then was the crazy person who called my local store to see if they had them in stock.

Happy Monday. 

Weekend

A crazy sunset over the water in Princeville, Kauai

What a week of changes.

We said farewell to summer.

The Oldest started 3rd grade.

Middle Man started Kindergarten.

Baby Girl transitioned from a crib to a bed.

I woke up and realized I am no longer a mom of babies but of kids.

We are going to spend this weekend settling into these new changes and adjusting to the earlier wake up times.  If you missed it this week...

 Have you made your mark?

I am obsessed with this Fall 2013 collection

These little BFF's are too cute

I imagined my Saturday morning in this

Happy Weekend.

Kimono

I have a huge love for robes and I am already dreaming about how cozy and luxe this Emerson Frye Kimono would be.

It had me at "double silk" and "monogram"

I can see myself sipping tea on a Sunday morning, wearing this and reading the September issues.

Yes, I do imagine myself wearing things.  You don't?

The shoes are not too shabby either (and on sale!).

Future BFFs

Once upon a time, there were Best Friends.

They both had daughters the same age.

Even though they live in different states, they decided their daughters needed to be Best Friends too.

So far, it is working.

Heidi Merrick

If you follow me on Instagram, you will know that there is one piece I could not get enough of this summer.  My Heidi Merrick Seaward dress has become one of my favorite dresses in my closet.  With it's style, sophistication and comfort, it epitomizes my summer style and has been worn from wine tasting to birthday parties over the last few months.    

If you haven't heard of Heidi Merrick it is about time that you did. The locally designed and produced collection bring all that is California to life through creating pieces which incorporate the colors and clean lines of the ocean.  Heidi began the line in 2006 and has continued to keep true to the essence of the California lifestyle.  Every piece you try on is cut perfectly, extremely flattering but still easy to move in.   

I took a look at her  Fall 2013 collection and I absolutely dying.  The textures, the leather, the prints and the colors are incredible.

Fall doesn't get any better than this and I could wear any of these pieces over and over again.  I just love when you find a designer that seems to be designing just for you.  I find the Heidi Merrick collection locally at one of my favorite boutiques, Bardot in Newport Beach, but you can also shop online.

Mark and Graham

I have and always will be a fan of the monogram.  Whether is it for a personalized gift, linens for the home or simply something for myself, I feel adding a monogram is always a special touch.

Part of the Pottery Barn/William Sonoma family, Mark and Graham offers an array of leather goods, totes, jewelry and home goods, all with personalization and monogramming options.  Their manifesto is easy. "We believe that a mark means more than a symbol; it is an artful mingling of typography and design that turns a gift into a personal gesture".  I completely agree.  Plus, they offer free monogramming on all the their products, which I appreciate.  I also love the numerous monogram options they have.  There is truly one for everyone, depending on your taste.  The only problem with shopping their site is deciding what to order.  Top of my list right now is the Everyday Leather Tote but really, there are numerous items I love.  I have shared a few of them below but you can shop the entire site by clicking here.

Everyday Leather Tote / Everyday Two-in-One Leather Wallet / Everyday Leather Zip Pouch

Make Your Mark Cotton Duvet + Shams / Linen Satin Stitch Cocktail Napkins

Canvas Tote / Colorfield Tote

Kale Salad

Last week when I was in LA, I had lunch at The Fat Cow, a great restaurant located at The Grove.  I was in a salad mood and ordered their "Skinny Cow Chopped Salad".  It is one of the best salads I have ever had and have been thinking about recreating it ever since.

Last night we met up with some friends in Palm Desert to relax, BBQ and let the kids play.  We were in charge of a salad so it seemed like the perfect opportunity to gather all the ingredients and try this salad out.  It was nutrient dense, easy to throw together and a delicious compliment to the food.  I have found a new staple for our menu at home.

Ingredients needed:
Kale
Shredded Cabbage
Shredded Carrots
Chopped Radishes
Pumpkins Seeds
Sunflowers Seeds
Dressing of your choice, but I suggest a vinaigrette to keep it light

My Fall Uniform

Here it is.  What I plan to wear all of Fall.  Simple white tees, oversized jackets, skinny jeans and of course a bit of leopard thrown in.  Chic and Simple.  Perfect for all the taxi-driving I am going to begin to do compliments of my kiddos.

via

Where You At?

It has been a while since I have given an update on this thing we call "parenting" so I thought I would give it a whirl.

Yesterday the Oldest asked about A-Rod.  With all the Sports Center he watches, I was curious as to whether he would ever take notice of his suspension or look right past it.  It seems he takes it all in and wanted to ask some questions about the whole thing.  It was the first time we have been faced with someone our son looks up to falling from grace and him acknowledging that they did something wrong.    I do wish that we would have brought it up first and next time I will.  If he would not have asked, we would have never had the opportunity to talk about this and we should.  He is 9 in November and the world around is becoming more and more exposed to him.  Time for us to stop being naive about what he does and doesn't see and hear.    

The Middle Man is in one of my favorite stages.  He is in the "Mom, will you cuddle with me?" stage and I LOVE IT.  He loves to just sit with me on the couch and it is one of my most favorite things to do in the morning.  He continues to struggle with his anxiety but he has also come so far that I know it is going to simply be a continued effort for us all and probably always will be.  We have also entered the "every potty word is the funniest word ever and so I am going to say it all the time, no matter where we are..." stage.  Let me tell you.  There is nothing like your son yelling out "butts! boobs!" at a museum.  It is awesome.

The hubby saw a post on Facebook the other day that said, "The Terrible Twos are just a precursor to the Terrorist Threes".  When I spent 2am to 5am arguing with Baby Girl to go back to sleep on Saturday night as she screamed that she was not tired, I would now say WE ARE THERE!  The girl wants it her way and that is the only option right now.  It is pretty amazing how stubborn she actually is.  I will admit, she is a Mini-Me....for sure.  It just gets hard arguing with your three year old self.  On the flip side, when she is not pissed off, she is the sweetest little thing who loves to play dolls, brush my hair and dance like it is nobody's business.  

So there is a little glimpse of where we are.  I swear, no matter how many years I do this parenting thing, just when I think I have got it, I am thrown another curve ball.  That is what makes it so fun though isn't it?  Who wants same old, same old?  That would just be boring.

Procrastination

It is Monday and the last full week of summer before the monkeys I have been keeping at home return to their regularly scheduled programming.  Normally, I would be jumping for joy but this summer just wasn't long enough.  I am not ready for early mornings, daily practices, homework, making lunches and not having them around.  The entire thing is throwing me off.  

We are spending this last week of summer out in the desert in 100 degree heat because, well, it is tradition.  We do it every year and I always look forward to it.  Should I be getting ready for school to start?  Probably.  Do I care?  Nope.  We will figure it out I am sure.  This is obviously the confidence of a mother who has been through this before but continues to fail to realize that prepping does help out and will shortly resemble a chicken with its head cut off. 

So here I am, sitting in the desert, procrastinating.  I should be creating and sending the invitation for my Middle Man's upcoming birthday party, completing some items for an upcoming charity event I am Chairing, beginning the planning of my upcoming 35th birthday party (I must tell you that I accidentally typed in 25 there...my brain is obviously in denial of my age) or simply organizing what we need to do next week.  That was my original plan for signing on to the computer.  Instead, in true Sarah fashion, I have put this all off to peruse Piperlime and now I adore these two items.
      

7 For All Mankind High Shine Skinny Jeans

Jack by BB Dakota Clooney Wrap Sweater

Anyone else plan on being productive but then are tempting by too many websites that have too many fun things to look at?  In 100 degree temperatures, there really is no reason for me to be looking at either of these items.  This is true.  BUT, I would like to think of this as prepping so I am prepared and obviously, being extremely productive.  Who wants to get stuck in the middle of Fall without shiny jeans and an oversized sweater?  That is just poor planning.   

Happy Monday.

Weekend

What a busy week this was.  After returning from vacation last week I was hoping to get all our laundry done, consistent blog posts, house in order and all our back to school prep completed before we left again this weekend.  That so didn't happen.  Between the hubby traveling all week, meetings, practices and play dates, I have now arrived at Friday with a list that has had nothing crossed off.  Oh well.  We are headed to the desert tomorrow for the last week of summer and I plan on not thinking too much about the list until we return.  Procrastination at its best.

These photos are from last night's evening spent on Bay Island in Newport.  If you have not heard of Bay Island, it is a small island right off of the Newport Peninsula filled with Cape Cod style homes, no roads and incredible views.  I get so caught up in the everyday that sometimes I forget how much beauty there is in Orange County.  We are so quick to run off and vacation somewhere else without realizing how many people plan vacations to where we live.  Last night we were in our own backyard and it felt like a million miles away as we sipped wine with friends and cruised the harbor as the sun set.  It was just perfect.

Happy Weekend.     

Prints and Silk

This Fall I am REALLY into the printed silk pants trend.  There are just too many cute prints out there and they are EXTREMELY comfortable.  I am eyeing the Rebecca Taylor pair on the right for an upcoming night out in LA but I love that J.Crew has created an array of prints that work just as well during the day.  Even though I am not ready for the incredible summer weather to go away, I must admit that I am getting a tad bit excited to see all the Fall collections arrive in stores.

Prepping for Fall 2013

Today I am over at My Thirty Spot sharing some of my favorite trends for Fall 2013.

Come visit by clicking here!

Princeville

For my first visit to Kauai and Princeville, I had no idea what to expect.  I had heard the island was beautiful and everything you imagine a tropical island to be, but I was still blown away.  It was beyond.   I no longer felt like I was in the United States but on an exotic tropical paradise in the middle of nowhere.  After eight days there, getting back to reality has been a tad bit hard.    This definitely tops the list as my favorite family vacation we have taken so far.

Just Thinking...

I wish we were still on Kauai.  It was one of my most favorite family vacations.  If you have a chance to visit this island, absolutely do so.  It was amazing.

August has begun and we are now only 19 days from the first day of school.  The last time I was thinking it was the last week of school.  What happened to summer?

Suits is one of the best shows on television.  If you are not watching it, you are missing out.

Speaking of television, there is a trailer for a horror movie that is terrifying.  I close my eyes and hum or put the TV on mute when it comes on.  If you do not know which movie I am talking about then you obviously do not have issues with horror movies like I do.

Baby Girl stayed up talking in her crib until 11:30pm and I am now guessing today is going to be super fun for me.

And yes, my 3 year old is still in a crib.  I really need to order the bed we picked out for her and start transitioning her room.

My 35th birthday is next month.  WHAT?!  Age is totally sneaking up on me.  I think I need to plan a party.

The TV in our room has a neon light that still shines when it is turned off.  At night, it feels like it is shining in my eyes no matter which way we turn the TV.  Annoying.  Is this an age thing?  I do not know what mid-30's will do to you.  Do I need to start sleeping with an eye mask?  If so, I do like this one.  

I am looking forward to the day when butt, fart and all those other great words aren't fun for a 5 year old to say.  It is just a little embarrassing at a restaurant.

I usually do not care about celebrity gossip but I am fascinated by the Simon Cowell love triangle.  I mean..... getting your best friend's wife pregnant seems a bit of a faux pas right?  

I ordered this phone case thanks to the Closet Idealist.  Isn't it fun?

Happy Weekend.