Life, Styled with Missoni Home

One thing I have fallen in love with since beginning the decorating process in our home is mixing prints.  This is something my Interior Designer does so incredibly well and has pushed me to forget about "what matches" and get creative when it comes to bringing colors, fabrics and prints together.  When done well, there is a warm feeling that comes with print mixing that you just do not get without them.  It is now being incorporated into all of our decorating.

When it comes to prints, no one does it better than Missoni.  Whether it is for your closet or your home, their signature prints are eye catching, beautifully done, and created with fabrics you simply want to live in.  Your eyes cannot help but be drawn to the prints of Missoni.  They always seem to brighten up a room.

When the Missoni Home Humbert throw arrived on my doorstep, I knew exactly where it was going to go.  Our family room is an eclectic mixture of fabrics and patterns and it was immediately deemed the appropriate home for this gorgeous piece.  Plus, I am a huge advocate of wrapping yourself up in a cozy blanket on the couch and sipping tea as winter sets in.  As you can see, Humbert fit right in.

That's me, sitting under the blanket that has now been deemed "Mommy's Special Blanket".  Hey, if the kids can have one, I can too.  

And there is absolutely no reason prints need to stay INSIDE the house.  I have found that this throw also makes for the perfect picnic blanket.  

* Juggling in Heels received this Missoni Home Humbert Throw courtesy of Missoni Home but the opinions are 100% my own.

Seasoned Pumpkin Seeds

With Halloween just a few days away, I thought I would share my most recent Shoptopia Clip.  In this video I make three different and EXTREMELY easy ways to season and bake your pumpkin seeds.  Whether you prefer traditional, sweet or savory, there is a recipe here for you.  My favorite one?  The sweet (typical), but all three are fantastic.

What am I wearing?

The sweater is T by Alexander Wang (similar), the cords are Gap and the necklaces are Stella & Dot and CEEK.

Happy Monday.

Weekend

This weekend is all about the kids.

We have pumpkins to carve, soccer games, Halloween to plan, baseball games and their school festival to attend.

Nothing like packing in your weekend.

I thought I would mention that it is also our 12 year anniversary.  WHAT?!

Cheers Hubby to many many more amazing years to come!

If you missed it this week:

I made this risotto...

The Oldest was diagnosed with these...

I partnered with the OC Style Report...

Happy Weekend.

OC Style Report

Today I am over at one of my local favorites, The OC Style Report.  We teamed up for this week's "Three Way Thursday" featuring my Flynn Skye jumpsuit.  Three different shots with three different looks.  What I loved about this is that every item I am wearing came from my own closet, showcasing how versatile printed pieces are, even if they do not seem so.  And yes, I got in front of the camera for the first time, which is entirely new for me.  Click here to see the entire feature and get all the details!

P.S. Serious faces are HARD!  I apparently laugh way too much.

New Lesson

I was extremely curious as to what the check out woman thought when I walked up to the register at CVS and put down four packages of Children's Motrin.

Am I a mom who makes drugs out of children's medicine in my spare time?

Am I a hypochondriac who over medicates my children?

Did I have a coupon and was piling up, only to get all bottles for free?

No, I was just a mom who's Oldest was diagnosed with migraines.  

One bottle for my purse.  One bottle for the school.  One bottle for home.  One bottle for the hubby's car.  I think we have got it covered.

After a few headaches that ended up with him getting physically sick to his stomach, it was concluded that the poor guy is going to suffer from migraines from time to time.  Hopefully with having this on hand, he will be able to let us know when he feels a headache coming on and we can stop it in its tracks.  We will also be taking a look at his diet and hydration to ensure we are doing all we can to try and avoid him getting anymore.  Even though he will have to deal with this, and it is not always going to feel good for him, I feel so fortunate that this is all that it is.  

If anyone has children that deal with migraines, I would love to hear what you have done to help avoid them getting one.  There is so much information out there and of course, I want to know it all.  I have read that diet is a major one, which would be a BIG deal for him considering he is a carb addict and of course loves processed foods because, well, he is a kid.  Like I said, suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Oh this parenting thing.  Just when I think I have got it, something gets thrown into the mix!  Typical!   

Champagne Risotto

After an extremely busy weekend, nothing sounded better than something cozy like Risotto for dinner Sunday night.  There is something about the rice and cheese combination that I just love and when you throw in the word "champagne", it is pretty hard to turn down.  It is also hard to turn down the fact that the hubby offered to cook.  He used this recipe, which was the perfect combination of cheesy rice, perfectly cooked asparagus and, to top it all off, crispy prosciutto sprinkled all over.  It was perfection and exactly what I needed to wind down before the week begins.

Weekend

Do you ever have those moments that seem just so incredibly busy, your running 100 miles per hour, there are not enough hours in the day and all you want to do is curl up in a blanket with a glass of wine?  I am sort of there right now.  It is all great things though!

I am the Chair of my first Fundraiser/Gala and the event is now only a couple weeks away.  I have learned more about underwriting, silent auctions, live auctions and all that goes into a big event than I ever thought I would.  Lucky for me I have some incredible friends on the committee who have made it fun through all the craziness.  It has been an amazing experience but if you notice some gaps on the blog, just know I am up to my eyeballs with last minute details.

Today I am going in front of the camera for the first time today with OC Style Report team.  We have a few projects coming up together and I think it is going to be fun working with some pretty stylish Orange County ladies.  I am also working on a little project with Harper's Bazaar and Missoni Home.  More to come on that this month!

Beyond these current projects, I will be spending the weekend attending a benefit, dinner with friends, sports (doesn't that just go without saying?), birthday parties and, by Sunday, I am guessing, being wrapped up in a blanket with a glass of wine.  

Happy Weekend.

Inside

With Fall arriving, I have made the transition from small clutches back to the traditional satchel.  Clutches are extremely easy in the summer because they can be thrown into a pool bag or taken to the park with minimal items needed.  With school beginning, sports practices a couple nights a week, planning a fundraiser and trying to get errands ran while the kids are in school, I need more space.  Lately, I have been depending on my Dooney and Bourke Clayton Satchel.  Not only is the style simple and chic, but the space is exactly what I need.  The other best part?  The more it is used, the better the leather looks.  I am going to say it is potentially child/sports/crazylady proof.  

So what is inside?

Crossbody Strap
I always keep the cross body strap in the bag because it is inevitable that I am going to need to go hands free at some point during the day.  It clips on and I am ready to go.

iPhone
Does this need an explanation?  My favorite cases are Kate Spade cases because they just make me smile.

Book
I always keep a book in my handbag because there are always natural pauses in my day (waiting at practice, waiting in the school pick up line) and these are usually the only opportunity I have to actually read.  Right now I am reading this book and absolutely loving it.

Headphones
My handbag often travels to the gym with me so I keep my headphones in  there so that I can catch up on some news while running.  If they do not stay in here, I will always lose them.

Lip Liner and Lipstick
Because even though I am running around like a crazy person at times, I still like having my lipstick on.

Hand Sanitizer
Again, I do not think that with three children this needs any explanation

Rubber Bands
Because my hair will inevitably be pulled back at some point during the day.  Or because Baby Girl has decided that the pony tail I begged her to wear before school is going to get ripped out by the time we get to school.

Two Pairs of Sunglasses
Strange but yes, I always keep two pairs in my purse.  One will always be a plastic frame that the children cannot destroy and the other will be a nicer pair that I try to pull out when the kids are not around.  At school pick up, it is back to the plastic pair.

I must confess that I did leave my wallet, snacks and baby wipes out of this photo because there was only so much that I could fit but they all work nice and comfortably in this handbag. This making the "grab and go" process that I need in a handbag perfectly seamless.

* Juggling in Heels did receive the Clayton Satchel c/o Dooney and Bourke but all opinions are 100% my own.

Scarves

Though I must admit that it has been a slight adjustment getting used to cooler weather, I cannot help but love getting back to layers.  Scarves are one of my favorite items to layer. Whether they are printed or simple, they always seem to add to a look without having to do much and of course, keep this Orange County girl a little warmer.

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Monday

Happy Monday.

Quote via

Pasta with Pumpkin and Sausage

Being that it is Fall and the world is filled with all things pumpkin (pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin patches, pumpkin bread) why not put some pumpkin in your pasta?  I came across this recipe and was intrigued.  I love pumpkin.  I love sausage.  I love pasta.  I had to try it.

 I know I can say a lot of dishes are good but people, this was insane.  I mean, probably one of my favorite pasta dishes ever.  It was so good in fact that even though I made it one hour prior to the hubby getting home, and had every intention of waiting to eat with him, once I took a bite, I inhale the above bowl within minutes.  It was comfort food with a hint of sweet.  YUM.  

I could write a classy post on the details of the pasta, expanding this to try and justify why it is so good but there is no need.  If you love Fall dishes like I do, and happen to love all things pumpkin like I do, this is an absolute MUST.  You have got to try it.

Happy Weekend.

Touch of Plaid

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Finds

I know my posts have been a little light this week and I am sorry about that.  We were in LA over the weekend and then the hubby headed out of town for work Sunday night and I decided that instead of trying to force a post, I would simply see what I was able to create without any pressure to create anything.  A way to keep my anxiety (and hangover) at bay.  It worked.  For the first time in a LONG time, I was able to keep my anxiety level extremely low while he was gone.  I actually surprised myself.  It felt good.

Though I have taken a pause, it does not mean that I have not been on the internet looking at numerous things.  There are so many wonderful finds out there!  Here is just a bit of my online entertainment.

For someone who is currently dealing with a little girl who does NOT want to go to bed, I could help but laugh at this.

To my San Francisco friends, have you been to Beacon Coffee Pantry?  These photos make me want to go and enjoy a cup of coffee and I don't even drink coffee.  

I began reading this book based on the recommendation.  I am now falling in love with French food all over again from a far.

I cannot stop looking at these Valentino heels even though it seem everyone and their mother has them.  

These towels are too cute for the kitchen.

My friend Melissa writes Serving Seconds and her recipes are always beyond.  This Million Dollar Chicken looks insane so Melissa, just let me know when you want to come down here to cook.  I will serve champagne.

There are many people out there who have faith, hope and courage through many different struggles in life but not too many who speak about it.  This blog is always so incredibly touching, honest and real and sometimes I think I should be more so on here.

These pajamas are too cute. 

As I continue to research building out a library, I love these tips on how to style the shelves.

Last year I didn't get these sneakers.  Now I am thinking about it again.  Do I? Do I not?  It is getting absurd.

This post doesn't help my sneaker issue.

I just have to ask, was all the fame and money worth it?

You should buy these.

For the library

We took a hiatus from decorating for a bit in the larger areas of our home to focus on getting the children's rooms in order.  Our plan was to take one big project at a time (and give my hubby and bank account time to breathe).  The front formal living room as been sitting empty for the last year and a half and our plan is to tackle this from December through the New Year so that we can utilize it at Christmas with the family and finish it in time for Spring.  I have always, always, always, wanted a library and sitting room in my home.  I dream of walls filled with books of all sorts.  Books given as gifts, art books, travel books and ones that we simply have loved to read.  I have also imagined this room to be a place where the adults could sit, enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine and chat for hours while the children run crazy through the rest of the house.  And of course, it may just be the perfect place for me to curl up with a book on a Saturday with a cup of tea.  I have already decided this is going to be my favorite space in the home.  

Our interior designer and I have already decided a few things.  One, we must use some wallpaper.  Two, there must be velvet emerald green couches.  Three, there must be prints.  I can tell this room is going to be way too much fun.

Couch: Room & Board / Light: Lulu & Georgia / Deer: West Elm / Cowhide Rug: Jayson Home / Blanket: Missoni Home  / Bar Cart

Weekend

The weekend is here and I am so excited for a little LA getaway with the hubby and friends.  We will be enjoying John Mayer at the Hollywood Bowl and then spend the night out on the town in Hollywood.  Though suburban life is amazing, I love stepping out of reality every now and then for some fun in the city.  

If you missed it this week...

I began thinking about cold weather with these coats...

I provided some kitchen organization suggestions...

I dreamt of heading to the mountains...

I shared another Orange County favorite...

Happy Weekend.

Los Rios Historic District

Over a year ago I did a post on Los Rios but when I began showcasing some of my favorite places in Orange County, I just had to do another one.  The Los Rios Historic District is one of my absolute favorite places in Orange County.  It is really just a simple road, made up of extremely old homes that have been turned into small cafes and shops.  I can spend hours there enjoying a cup of coffee at Hidden House Coffee (hands down my favorite coffee), enjoying brunch at the Ramos House (there is not a better brunch) or simply perusing all the little shops and boutiques.  When the kids are with me it is mandatory that we visit the petting zoo and play at the park.  With how hectic life can get, a stroll around Los Rios provides the perfect calm.  

Also, I pulled together one of my favorite looks for Fall over at My Thirty Spot.  Come visit!

Mountain Escape

Without any warning, my desire for summer completely disappeared and the excitement for cooler weather is here.  I do not know what caused this sudden change.  I am just imagining a weekend in the mountains wearing TONS of layers and sipping tea while it snows.  This is still quite a ways off thanks to the record warm weather we are expecting this weekend but it doesn't mean I can't dream about it now.  And of course, think about what I would wear.

Sweater: Madewell / Boots: Tory Burch / Shirt: Piperlime / Vest: J. Crew / Cords: Madewell / Socks: Black
 Handbag: Coach

Kitchen Confidential

This segment with Shoptopia touches on three easy ways to help organization your kitchen.  With how crazy our kitchen seems to get, I could have offered over a 100 ways but they would not let me talk that long.

In what I am wearing news, this t-shirt is of my absolute favorite Rebecca Taylor t-shirts.  It is a MUST when it comes to a great staple in your closet.  You can find it here.