Weekend

FRIDAY!

It's the weekend and I have just a few things to share with you.

After years of uploading photos from my phone onto the computer, never to really be seen again, I finally downloaded the Social Print Studio app.  It was beyond easy.  Simply select the size you want, the photos you want and one week later, they arrive at your door.  I ordered 24 prints for $12 and can finally say we have photos around the house again without having to open iPhoto for the kids.  They also make photo books for those family vacations that you capture on your phone.  It is my new favorite app and I will no longer let my photos fall into my computer black hole.

Another discovery this week were these faux leather shorts from Club Monaco.

I have been on the hunt for a great pair of faux leather shorts for a while and every pair I have tried on, I just haven't loved.  These ended up being the perfect fit, perfect length and great price. I put them right to use Wednesday night at the Pink concert.

Speaking of the Pink concert, she was beyond.  I have always been a huge Pink fan but seeing her perform took my love of her to a new level.  She was insane.  If you ever get the chance to see her in concert, I highly recommend it.

We are headed into a busy busy weekend of baseball, basketball, soccer, some birthday parties and of course, sleep....we hope.  

Happy weekend.

  

Dreaming of Coats

I understand that many are sick and tired of all the cold they have been experiencing and I have no reason to complain about ANYTHING here in sunny California.  I get it.  But I still cannot help but be dreaming of coat weather, if only for a weekend.

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Perhaps some of these light weight options might get me through the rest of what we are calling "Winter".

Kidogo Kidogo

One of my favorite parts of Juggling in Heels is meeting women who have created amazing businesses and sharing them with all of you.  The power of women is incredible and I admire so many who are willing to take the risk to follow an idea.  I admire them even more when that idea offers them the opportunity to give to others.

Kidogo Kidogo was created by Kim and Kristen Waeber, two sisters who shared the vision of helping those in need.  So they began selling iPhone cases.  These cases, however, were not created to simply protect our phone and make them look cute, but are also helping to providing cell phones for women across Tanzania.  That's right.  For each two iPhone cases that are sold, a woman in Tanzania is provided a new cell phone + one SIM card + cell phone credit to get started.  

How are these cell phones changing the lives of these women?  You can read numerous stories here.

The images on each case are designed by Sarah Markes, who has studied the beauty of Tanzania and has created different illustrations of the iconic plants and animals living there.  You can preview all the available designs here.  

Kidogo Kidogo works with FINCA Tanzania, an organization with a mission to provide financial services to the world's lowest income entrepreneurs so they can create jobs, build assets and improve their standards of living.  With the sale of their sea turtle case, they also support Sea Sense, an organization working closely with the Tanzania coastal communities to help the preservation of endangered species.  Together they are changing the lives of many women in Tanzania and the community around them.

If you are interested in purchasing a case or learning more about the company, click here.

Procrastination

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This morning, while I was procrastinating, not wanting to yet venture out on the run that I absolutely need to do, I came across this quote.  It reminds me of a conversation that I tend to have with my husband every couple months.

Every so often, the blog becomes overwhelming.  Life just takes hold and I find that with trying to keep up with my very active family, the blog sometimes feels more like another burden on the list of To Do's than something I have time to do.  I begin to question if I should continue with it or simply walk away, smiling at how much fun I had but recognizing that it was time to go.  I run through this over and over again with the hubby, talking through the pro's and con's.  Asking his advice as to what my next steps should be.  Letting him be the kind ear that will listen for ever (I talk a lot) as I let it all out and then decide what I am going to do.

And the decision is always the same.  There is no way I am letting this place go.

The truth is, this quote is exactly why I blog.  If you were to ask me what I do when I procrastinate, not wanting to start household items, go to the grocery store or run errands, it is always the same.  I read fashion magazines. I peruse my favorite blogs. I visit numerous online retailers, previewing merchandise.  I search for interior design inspiration.  I find a new recipe for tonight's dinner. Everything I do when I procrastinate is what ends up on this blog.  (Don't believe me?  Here is an old procrastination post) And why?  Because I love it.  I love cooking new things.  I love finding deals.  I love looking at clothes.  I love feeling inspired by so much that is out there.  I love to write.  And I absolutely love to share it all with you.

That is why I do it.  Sure, it can get overwhelming sometimes and truthfully, I wish I did have more time to work to make my photos that much better, increase my viewers that much more, and post more times a day.  But I feel very fortunate that I have been able to take those things I do when I procrastinate and make it into something special.  Where it will continue to go, who knows.  But I feel like I finally followed my passion and am making my way through.  There is no way I am walking away from that.

What about you?  Are you doing something you love?  Have you taken those things that truly interest you and followed a dream towards making it a reality?  If you have I would love to hear about it.  So many people take so many risks each day to follow their passion and I find it incredibly inspiring.  So share!  

And now I really do need to go on that run...

Weekend

I believe that all children have an internal dialogue that goes on when one of the parents is out of town. I am not sure exactly what is said but I believe it is something along these lines..

"I think I will refuse to fall asleep tonight. I cannot wait to see how mommy feels at 10:30pm when I am still awake, she is tired and daddy isn't here to help."

Or perhaps it is..

"I think I will get a fever on the only day of the week that mommy has to herself while daddy is gone so that she cannot catch her breathe. It should be interesting to see how she holds up"

Or maybe it is..

"Let's see how many times mommy has to ask me to do something the last night of daddy being gone because she seems like she might be losing it but perhaps isn't quite there yet."

Needless to say, I am overjoyed that the hubby returns from New York today!

This weekend we have an engagement party for my little brother, State Cup for soccer, basketball games and a charity lunch that I am decorating a table for. A lot of things yes, but I am simply excited for the glass of wine (or 2...or 3) I am going enjoy tonight, celebrating this week coming to an end.

Happy weekend.

The Distressed Skinny

Laid back and casual yet with some structure.

I have always had a thing for distressed denim and in a skinny cut it keeps them from looking a little too sloppy.  
Not to mention, they look fab with a great pair of heels.

Farm Fresh with Winder Farms

Building off of yesterday's post, I believe not only in staying active but also ensuring you are eating right.  Eating right means a lot of things to a lot of different people but for our family, it means eating balanced every day without depriving ourselves of incredible food that may at times be titled "bad for you".  I truly believe that moderation is key.  I also try to always pick up all natural items to ensure the family is not eating a ton of processed foods or meats with hormones, etc.  It just seems like a better choice.

The downside to this is that in order to stock our home with healthy options for the family, I find myself visiting at least three different stores a week.  Whole Foods for meats and produce, Trader Joe's for snacks and quick and easy meals, and the grocery store to fill in the holes.  It becomes a nightmare at times.  Then I was introduced to Winder Farms.

Winder Farms offers a farm fresh grocery delivery service with over 300 products available.  You simply place your grocery list order online and it is delivered to your front door before 8:00am on the delivery day you have selected.  The best part is, once you are a customer, they deliver your "staple" items each week without you having to think a second about it.  You have until 8:00pm the night before your delivery to make changes to your order depending on what you need that week.  If you are heading out of town, you simply let them know and they will not deliver your items.  So simple and such a time saver.

When our bags arrived it was way more than I had ever expected.  Organic produce, homemade cookies, fresh eggs, all natural meats, yogurts, fresh juices and milk, all delivered from their farm to our front door.  It was there waiting for us when we woke up and I instantly began using the products and everything has been a hit so far.  It will now also cut down on all the crazy driving around.  If I can cancel one of my stores (if not two!), I am a happy lady.

Winder Farms currently offers this service in Orange County, California and parts of Utah and Nevada.  To find all locations, click here.  If you are interested in trying this service for yourself, simply click here and sign up! Winder Farms has also been kind enough to offer Juggling in Heels readers a $30 credit on your first order.

Happy Food Shopping!

* Juggling in Heels did receive a complimentary delivery from Winder Farms but the opinions are 100% my own. 

Keeping Fit

Versatile T c/o Fabletics, Kokomo Sports Bra c/o Fabletics, Zanibar Crop in Camo c/o Fabletics

Since I was a little girl, athletics has always been something that was a part of my world.  My siblings and I all played a ton of sports and staying active was just a way of life.  These days, I try to stay as active as I can but boy it can be hard to stick with it when our life seems to get crazy.  

To keep myself interested, I try to shift between running, yoga, pilates, swimming, spinning and walking.  By changing it up, I am able to provide myself with new scenery, change of pace and utilizing different muscles at different times.  Long gone are the 5-day-a-week workouts but I commit to getting at least 3 days in, crossing my fingers for 4.  Would I love more?  Yes, but with our busy schedules, I have to be realistic and this is just what it looks like right now.     

I also believe in showing your children the importance of an active lifestyle.  When we have a moment free of sports, practices and school, we love to go on hikes and walks around our community.  It is amazing family time but also incorporates exercise in a fun way.  My hope is that as they grow up they have developed the need to also live an active and healthy lifestyle.

Weekend

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Every week I say "this is the week I am going to get everything organized.  I am going to have free time and really get stuff done".  And every week I find that somehow Friday arrives and I have no idea how that happened.  That happened...AGAIN.  I have thrown my hands in the air and am spending today getting my hair done and enjoying every minute of not getting stuff done.  It will all get done...eventually.  That is my new motto for 2014.

We continue to live in the twilight zone where summer has arrived mid January and it does not seem to be leaving any time soon.  This has made for extremely white legs being exposed in shorts when they should be hidden under jeans.  I am also in desperate need of a pedicure thanks to flip flops making much more sense than boots right now.  I have lived in California all my life and I will say, this is CA-RAZY weather, even for us.   

If you missed it this week...

I found a way to sleep better...

I purchased these chairs for our living room...

I made this amazing comfort food...

Happy Weekend.

White Chicken Chili

As we all know, California has decided to do away with winter and enter summer 6 months premature. It has felt incredibly strange pulling out the summer wardrobe these past few days, living in shorts and tanks while the rest of the country is bundled up.  This is what I love about California...but I will be honest, I am missing winter a bit.

For as much as I am a California girl, I do love getting just a few months, okay weeks, of cold weather. I love wearing jackets and sweaters, boots and gloves, and all those winter items that rarely make it out of the closet.  I also love the comfort food of cold weather.  The food that is just too hot to eat during the summer.

Tuesday, I finally had enough and decided winter or no winter, I was going to make chili.  I wanted something cozy and warm regardless of whether I was sweating while I ate it.  I previously mentioned Bread and Wine, a book by Shauna Nieguist and how much I loved it but I do not think I have yet mentioned how fabulous her recipes are.  In the book she has a recipe for White Chicken Chili that I have been wanting to try but the weather was just not permitting.  Tuesday I went for it.

It was the perfect combination; easy + comforting + delicious.  Did I mention it only has 4 ingredients? That is my kind of recipe.  It was exactly what I was looking for and even indulged in my sweats, just to feel like it was winter, if only for a moment.

White Chicken Chili
(serves 6)

Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
1 16-oz container of fresh salsa (from the refrigeration section in your grocery store...not homemade!)
4 cans white beans
4 cups chicken broth

In a dutch oven, cook the chicken over medium heat until it is cooked through.  

Add the salsa, beans (including the bean liquid) and broth.

Bring to a roiling boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, stirring occasionally.  Simmer for at least 30 minutes but the longer the better.

As I mentioned before, I truly did love Bread and Wine and if you are looking for a great feel-good book, I highly recommend picking it up.  Also, I have now made 4 of her recipes in the book and they have all been delicious yet incredibly easy to make... perfect for moms.  You can purchase the book here or learn more about Shauna and her other books here.  

* Recipe used from Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequist pg. 110
  

The Butterfly

With the New Year, I am committed to getting the living room in the front of our house decorated and ready for entertainment purposes in 2014.  Though I have picked up a few items, there is still so much to do and so I had our interior designer come visit on Monday  to start putting everything I have in my brain together and bring this room to life.  

After a couple hours of chatting over chairs, mirrors, sideboards, shelves, wallpaper, drapes and a million other things, I felt fantastic with the direction we are going to take.  With our eclectic taste, I feel that it is hard to make sense of all that we like but our designer is AMAZING at bringing it all together.

One thing we had not picked out yet were chairs to compliment our sofas.  The first thing she said when she walked into the room was "this space needs leather butterfly chairs".  This is what I love about our designer.  These are the last things I would have thought of but loved the idea.  With how formal the couches look, the room needs something to soften it up.  These mid-century chairs bring in the perfect laid back feel, opening the room up to a more relaxing space.  I am crossing my fingers they work!

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Sleep

For most of my life, I thought of sleep masks as something only Edith from Overboard wore to bed.  Never did I deem them something negative, just never something that was for me.

Call it old age but over the past year or so, light has began to REALLY bother me when I am trying to sleep.  I don't mean lights being turned on; of course that would bother anyone.  No, I am talking about the small light on our television that shines even though the television is turned off.  My husband laughs at me over this but I swear it feels like a neon light is shining in my face.  And then there is the hubby.  I love that he is motivated enough to wake up at 4:30am to workout.  I do not love the light that he turns on in his closet that seems to travel out of his closet, turn a corner, through our bathroom, around another corner and hit me in the face.  How I notice this, I do not know, but it still wakes me up.  Light at night annoyed me enough that I decided I would try a sleep mask.

MIRACLE PRODUCT.  I am now understand why so many people use them.  I cannot tell you how much better I am sleeping now that I wear a sleep mask.  Sure it took a few nights to get used to having it on but now I cannot even think about going to sleep without it.  Just image a Vegas hotel room with the blackout shades.  That is what I get to experience every night.  No understanding of day or time.  It is WONDERFUL.  I am now sleeping so deeply that my children have been forced to wake me up over Christmas break at 8:30am or 9am because they were hungry.  I am sure there are a few people out there reading this that already use one (you were smart from the start) but I am a new convert.  Best $26 I have ever spent.

My favorite ones are by Mary Green.  They are 100% silk with cute and simple designs and extremely easy to sleep with.  You can find the selection below.

Weekend

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This week seemed to just fly by.  With Monday spent traveling back from Chicago, I felt as if I was simply trying to catch up with life.  It felt so good to get home to see the kids but I must say, I was not ready for school on Tuesday.  It would have been nice to have another week with them.  The countdown to Spring Break has begun.

I told myself at the end of 2013 that for this upcoming year, I was going to be better at saying no, slowing things down, not overcommitting and making sure I have some "me" time and "simple family" time.  This is apparently easier said than done.  Of course the start of the years brings numerous events, sports, dinners and such and I am trying to take my time, not respond immediately and figure out what I can really do without stretching myself too thin.  There are certain things that are priority and so many things that are not necessary.  It is about time I start identifying each and only committed to the priority items.  Everything else needs to take a back seat to time with family and the husband.  Let's see how I do.

I also began thinking about Juggling in Heels at the end of the year.  I had sort of come to a stand still with regards to what was next.  So many things have happened since starting this blog that I never even imagined would and I have allowed myself to sit in the passenger seat, lets these great things happen and not really think about what the next steps would be.  Riding my own blog's coat tails.  Suddenly, I found myself at a place where I had to take the reins again and really decide what the future of Juggling in Heels was going to be.  I have never been a person satisfied with the status quo and I started making lists of potential changes and improvements.  After a lot of personal reflection and chatting with the hubby and friends, I am excited to say that I have figured my vision out and cannot wait to begin working on where Juggling in Heels is going to go next.  I am not going to share anything now as there is a lot of behind the scenes work that needs to be done but I think you are all going to like the end result.  It has given me a new drive for expansion that I have not been ready to take and I am loving the challenge I have placed before myself.

So, it seems that even though the year is only a few days in, it is going to be an amazing 2014 with a lot of changes both personally and professionally.  And now I am ready for a glass of wine.

Happy Weekend.

ALTERNA Caviar Repair Duo

Yesterday I mentioned that my feet need a break after all the heel wearing this past month but the damage I did to my feet is minimal compared to the damage I did to my hair.

For someone with thin hair that damages easily, the holiday season can absolutely cause chaos on your hair.  And it did.  

With numerous holiday parties, dinners, and celebrations, I styled, curled, straightened, and loaded my hair with products A LOT over two months and toward the end of December the damage was apparent.  My hair had become extremely dry and not it's normal, shiny and soft self.  I took my normal first steps of repair by not blow drying my hair all week and using a mask to help give it some hydration but that was not enough.  I really had put my hair through the ringer.

After a visit to my local beauty supply store, I came home with the ALTERNA Caviar Repair Duo.  

Though the salesperson raved about this system, I still wasn't sold.  I have tried numerous products over the years and yes, they have been okay, but nothing that has blown me away.  After reviewing my other options though, this seemed like my best bet.  It was worth a shot.

I am now officially obsessed with this shampoo and conditioner.  After only one wash, I could already feel a difference in my hair.  I know that this is absolutely not believable because nothing works right away but I promise it was true. (cue infomercial before and after photos now)  I have now used it over the last few weeks and my hair is back!  I also took it with me to Chicago where I knew it would be extremely cold and dry (hello Polar Vortex!) and it kept my hair moisturized and soft through the harsh winter weather.  There is now a high probability that I will never use another shampoo and conditioner again.

I must state that I very rarely like a shampoo and conditioner enough to write about it.  In fact, I do not think I ever have.  You may not really care about that but it does say something about how much I like this stuff.  If you did some damage to your hair over the holidays, you may want to pick some up for yourself.

Flat

After spending what felt like the entire month of December in heels, my feet need a break!

Tis the month for flats... at least for a bit!

Chicago

Heading Home

After the perfect long weekend in Chicago, we are headed back to Orange County today. The last few days were spent enjoying some much needed time with my Best Friend and her family, along with some nice alone time with the hubby sans kids. Such a good reminder that we need to step away just the two of us more frequently than we do.

After a couple flight changes we are going to be able to return home and even though the weather has been amazing to experience, I am looking forward to a little California sunshine.  Time to pack up and head out!

Happy Monday.

Heading to a real Winter

What a start to 2014.

Yesterday the family and I spent the day on Balboa Island in Newport in what I would consider a perfect 75 degrees.  We ate at our favorite Mexican food, visited our favorite candy store, walked the islands, perused a used book shop and of course, indulged in our favorite Balboa Bars.

It was perfect and I could not have asked for a better day.

I hope your first day of 2014 was just as enjoyable.

As we come to the end of this Christmas break, the hubby and I have one last trip to squeeze in before the the reality of life sets in.  Tomorrow morning we are headed to Chicago to visit my Best Friend and her family.  I am SO excited not only to see them, but to have a few days with just the hubby.

The big question is, how is this Southern California girl going to pack for a weather report that ranges from 17-33 degrees with snow showers on Sunday?

The truth is, I am extremely excited.

For someone who rarely gets to pull out a coat, I just can't wait to get a taste of real Winter for a weekend.  

Though I am not sure what will actually make it into the suitcase, these items are a definite.  The boots I just received for Christmas, the turtleneck that wear ALL THE TIME, the best shampoo and conditioner to help fight the dry weather, the coziest poncho I own, my favorite gloves and beanie, and of course the faux fur coat I have not been able to wear in California yet.

I will be warm with this, right?...

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