Giving Thanks

Day to day, I fall victim to not looking around and seeing what is right in front of me.  I rush through the day, trying to get everything done that needs to be done, every one to practices, school or playdate, dinner on the table, homework done, and everything else that goes on in the life of a mom.  I will sometimes complain.  Perhaps the hubby and I will fight about something.  I will sometimes look at the list and wish that it would be smaller.  I feel exhausted.  I just want some days to end.  

Thanksgiving is always my wake up call.  The reminder that each day that I have on this earth is a blessing.  A reminder that I could not image my days any other way, running after three of the greatest gifts I have ever received.  A reminder that I married an incredible man who I cannot imagine living without.  A reminder that no matter how hard life feels sometimes, God is always there to pick me up.  A reminder that my family and friends are all around me, each day, making me a better person.

Today I pray that each of you also have your reminders.  That we take a step outside of our hectic and sometimes scary world and realize the gifts that are all around us.  That we appreciate the blessings and understand the hardships.  That we keep our faith and show our thanks.  

Happy Thanksgiving to you, your family and to all those you hold dear to your heart.

Black and White

* Photos via and via

New Additions

With Christmas right around the corner, the hubby and I decided it was time to get our formal living room decorated so that we could actually use it with friends and family this holiday season.  We had already picked out the sofas and purchased the pillows last January (yes, these pillows have been sitting in a closet for almost a year) and just placed the order for the sofas last week.  I have shared them a number of times but just in cased you missed it, they are Murphy Sofas from Room & Board.  

With the larger pieces ordered, it was time to move to some accent pieces.  I had seen the Dot Inlay Side Tables by West Elm  on Joanna's blog, A Cup of Jo, and wanted to check them out so we made the trip this past Saturday.  In person, they were even better and both the hubby and I agreed they were a must.

While chatting with the sales associate at West Elm, he mentioned that the Marble Oval Coffee Table might look great with the couches and side tables so we went to take a look.  It looks so good next to the side tables that we didn't second guess it and added it to our order.

Last but not least to the trip was stopping by IKEA where our interior designer said we would be able to find a cowhide rug for much less than what we were seeing online.  I was shocked and how nice the rugs were and the price.  Crazy.  So, we picked up the one we liked best and headed home feeling that we at least got a small portion of the room done.

Sunday was spent picking out purple paint because, well, I really want a cozy purple room and with all the jewel tones we have picked out, I think it is going to be a great compliment.  Of all the spaces in the home, this room is where my truly eclectic side is coming out and I am having such a great time designing it.  

The rest of the details of the room will come together when I bring our interior designer back in after the holidays (art, bar cart, record player stand, wallpaper, bookshelves and a larger rug to go under the cowhide are all on the list) but for now, the room is beginning to feel more like a part of the home and less like the empty space we have been avoiding.  I will be sure to keep you posted on other items we pick up and of course will share photos as it all comes together.

Happy Monday.

Weekend

I really loved this week.

I learned some lessons in patience.
I took a yoga class for the first time in what feels like FOREVER.
I spent some amazing time with friends.
I finally got my car back.
I saw both my boys come home with huge smiles for big accomplishments at school.
I smiled as my daughter attempted her ballet.
I found time to get our house in order.
I spent Thursday afternoon watching a movie with the kids while it rained outside.
I FINALLY called people back that I owed calls to.

It was a week of frustration, anxiety, perfect calm and a sense of appreciation.  A perfect week.

  And now I am going into the weekend celebrating the fact that the kids are out of school next week for Thanksgiving, we have a 40th birthday party tonight, a benefit tomorrow night, my Best Friend is coming into town and the Holidays officially begin next week.  

Let my favorite time of the year begin!

If you missed it this week...

I saw myself on the OC Style Report...

These boots were added to my Christmas list...

I began thinking about Holiday entertaining...

Happy Weekend.

Holiday Entertaining with Anthropologie

Last year I took over hosting Christmas dinner with my family, which was exciting and overwhelming all at once.  I love having everyone over to our home and transitioning that tradition from my mom to me, but I was not prepared for the amount of work that would go into it.  Along with the decorating!  It just did not meet my expectations.  This year I am planning ahead and beginning to preview different decor ideas so that when 20 people show up at my doorstep, I am ready.  

Anthropologie has been one of the best places I have seen so far for holiday decor.  I love all the gold accents, the simplicity in their designs and the slight rustic feel of different pieces.   They also have a number of items that would make the perfect hostess gift for upcoming holiday parties.  

I am REALLY trying to wait until after Thanksgiving to start actually purchasing Christmas items but retailers like Anthropologie are making it EXTREMELY hard.   

Glimmer Wrapped Glassware / Gilded Snowfall Coaster / Etched Fern Stemware 

Gold-Embroidered Table Runner / Elk Horn Serveware / Cheers Cocktail Napkins

 Limited Edition Golden Monogram Mugs / Crystalline Decanter / Elysees Cocktail Shaker

The 5050 Boot

You know those days you log into Gilt, see a great price for a pair of the classic Stuart Weitzman 5050 boots, choose not to get them and then kick yourself for weeks after?  

Now they are at the top of my Christmas list.

Not only are they completely practical being a flat boot but they are a classic over the knee boot that will be a staple in your closet forever.  

An ideal investment purchase if you ask me.

I have the potential of living in them this winter.

Stuart Weitzman '5050' Over the Knee Boot

OC Style Report x Z Collection

When OC Style Report and Z Collection asked me to join them in a photo shoot to showcase some of the fabulous pieces Z Collection carries, I of course said yes.  I had such a great time working with these incredible women.  To see the entire layout, learn more about Z Collection and for all the outfit details, visit the article on OC Style Report here.

Weekend

The weekend is here and I am thrilled!

Last weekend was a bit hectic with the Fundraiser finally arriving Saturday night.  We had such a wonderful time and my committee was amazing, allowing everything to come together perfectly.  It was such a great experience but boy was I tired Sunday morning!  I think I am still recovering from Event Hangover.

Monday did not offer any rest as I jumped right into an amazing photo shoot with OC Style Report and Z Collection, which you will see more of on Monday.  I absolutely loved stepping outside of my normal day and covering myself with beautiful clothes while people took care of my hair and makeup.  I could really get used to this photo shoot thing.  Not going to lie, it is pretty fabulous.

Then of course the week has been filled with half days, conferences, practices and a Thursday night dinner.  The last leg of this crazy week is dinner tonight with college friends (YIPPEE!) and then on Saturday night, you will find me wrapped up in a blanket and sweats on the couch doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.  It sounds magical.  

This week also gifted us with the birth of my Best Friend's Baby Girl who I am blessed to be the Godmother of and CANNOT wait to meet in January.  Congrats J and C!  

Cheers to the weekend (and perhaps some sleep!)!

  

Isabel Marant for H&M

It is here!

Isabel Marant for H&M launched today!

I am not one to get too excited over designer collaborations but I would be lying if this one did not get to me.  I am a HUGE fan of Isabel Marant and really do love the pieces that were created for this collection.  I am not that committed and was in NO WAY going to show up at the store at 8am this morning but I am going to try to grab a few things when the line launches online at 12:00pm EST.  What's on my list as potential purchases?

I can only hope that the site does not crash and I am able to grab something among the millions of others that are going to be logging on at the same time.

Anyone make a trip to their local H&M or perhaps joining me online?  Good luck to you all!

Hammitt Los Angeles

On Monday I was doing a photo shoot with OC Style Report and Z Collection (more on this next week!) when I was handed a cross-body handbag for one of the looks.  Amid the camera snapping I kept gawking at how I loved  this cross-body, asking who made it, wondering why I had not seen it before, and back to how much I loved it.  

On Tuesday, I received a text from my neighbor, sharing her excitement for a new cross-body bag she picked up in Manhattan Beach.  Yes, I am that friend that everyone knows they can share their purchases with and I will be just as excited over it.  What can I say, I share in my friends joy.  Obviously a photo was necessary.  Much to my surprise, this was the same line I was gawking over on Monday and just as fabulous as the one I had seen.

The collection is Hammitt Los Angeles and I have a thing for them.  

Based out of Los Angeles, this line brings together versatility, edge, and practicality in a collection of bags that make sense both through style and function.  Created in numerous neutrals, they are easy to pair with a number of looks, transitioning well from day to night.  I love how soft the leather is and there are just enough details to make them different than the rest.  Here are a few favorites from the line.

Little Santa Monica Q

Manhattan Grand

VIP

Amphitheater

City Tote

The Strip

You can find the line locally at Z Collection in Newport Beach or at other boutiques across the country, which you can search by clicking here.  

Time to start that Christmas list don't you think?

Tis' the Season for Sequins

The holidays are here and what better way to celebrate than with sequins!

I am over at My Thirty Spot sharing a number of ways to bring them into your holiday looks without being over the top.

Come visit by clicking here!

When I was Young

When I was young, I took my parents love for granted.  I never realized how special that was.  How many children live without parents.  

When I was young, I could be mean at times.  I never realized how words could bring such pain to someone else.

When I was young, I was scared of homeless people.  I never recognized the compassion in their eyes and the hope in their face that perhaps one day, life will change.

When I was young, I saved all my money for a new toy, or clothes or something for me.  I never realized the importance of giving to others.

When I was young, I argued with my siblings.  I never realized the affect they would have on my life and how much they truly mean to me.

When I was young, I would argue with my parents.  I never realized that they were just trying their best, learning along the way, and how much it hurt them to get me in trouble.

When I was young, I was insecure.  I never realized that so was everyone else.  

When I was young, I wanted to have a fairy tale wedding.  I never realized that a wedding is different than a marriage and how hard it would be.  I never realized it would also be better than I ever imagined.

When I was young, I couldn't wait to be a mommy.  I never realized that you could love something as much as you love your children.  I never realized the power of this gift.

When I was young, I had no responsibility.  I never realized how responsibility changes you, shapes you and makes you who you are.

When I was young, I broke up with boyfriends.  I never realized how insensitive I was.  I never realized it could have been handled better.

When I was young, I thought I was always right.  I never realized that my stubbornness had a negative impact on relationships.  I never realized that working together, as a team, brings greater joy than ever being right.

When I was young, I thought I had my life all planned out.  I never realized that not knowing is what makes this life so great.

When I was young, I took my Grandparents for granted.  I never realized the importance of them living a full life filled with so many experiences.  I never realized their knowledge would mean so much to me.

When I was young, I took my faith for granted.  I never realized that I would come to depend solely on my faith to travel through life.

When I was young, I was afraid of getting old.  I never realized the gift of living a long life.

When I was young, I feared the day I had grey hairs and wrinkles.  I never realized that grey hairs and wrinkles come with experiences, celebrations and memories.

Is getting older and aging really as negative as it is sometimes perceived?  Personally, I am a much better person today than I ever was when I was young.

Close to the End

This is it.  

The fundraiser I have been working on for all of 2013 is this Saturday and I cannot believe it.  Chairing this has been incredible and it has been amazing to see so many incredible women come together for something we all support.  I have loved every minute of it.  

To ensure that I am keeping my head on straight, getting all the details I need in order and finding some time to breathe, I am going to take the week off of the blog.  After Saturday I will be back but I think it is important for me to simply focus on this and not worry about whether a post is ready or not.  I am looking forward to sharing so much though when I return!

You can follow along on instagram if you want to see how the week and event unfolds.

Have a great week!

Image via

Weekend

WHAT. A. WEEK

Oh my goodness, is it already Friday?  I am so sorry for being completely MIA.  The Gala that I am Chairing is now a week away and I have been consumed with table assignments, silent auction wrapping, data inputting and all the little things that go with putting a fundraiser together.  It has been such an incredible learning experience!  There is one more week to go and I promise that I will return to my regular scheduled programming after November 9th.  Oh the extra time I will have!

I was able to take a break from all the planning last night to thoroughly enjoy Halloween.  For years we have all ventured out as a family to trick or treat with friends but this year the ladies stayed back, sipped wine and handed out candy while the boys took the kids trick or treating.  It was PERFECT.  This was definitely the way to do it.

Through all the craziness, I have found that running has become my saving grace.  I have always run because I know it is a great workout but lately, I have been finding the pure joy that comes with keeping my mind in a zone, enjoying some music I never get to listen to in the car and forgetting about the "To Do" list.  I ran a 10K last weekend was happy to increase my pace and am excited to commit to more races.  I have been calling it my "natural xanax" as the final details of a large event loom over my head.  Here is the current playlist I have been loving...

As you can see, my taste in music is completely random and ranges from a lot of Pop to country to rap. Variety is the spice of life right?  And I always shuffle because, well, I like not knowing what is coming.

If you missed it this week...

These pumpkin seeds are awesome...

I partnered with Missoni Home...

Happy Weekend.