Blue Eyed Girl

So this brown eyed girl has been living in a haze and NOT EVEN REALIZING that an incredible Blue Eyed Girl boutique with four locations across Southern California actually had one right in her backyard.  BACKYARD.  To make it all the more silly, she has actually driven RIGHT BY it NUMEROUS times without realizing it was there...FOR 10 YEARS.  This is all madness I tell you. Fortunately for her, she has discovered it and that it really only takes about 5 minutes to get there.  In fact, if her car wasn't working, she could just run there.  Good news for her, bad news for the bank account.

Tucked away in San Juan Capistrano, Blue Eyed Girl offers an incredible mix of classic pieces from collections such as Bailey 44 and Joie, with whimsical and bohemian pieces from collections such as The Odells and Free People.  I slowly walked the store, filling an entire dressing room of dresses, skirts, tops and jackets.  And that was just the clothes.  Add an incredible shoe collection, lingerie, beauty products, jewelry and all sorts of little goodies and you have a perfect one-stop-shop boutique!  Each location carries some of the same yet some different items specific to their location, catering to their clientele and ensuring there is something there for anyone who walks through the doors.

It may have taken me some time to find Blue Eyed Girl in San Juan but it is definitely not going to take me much time to go back.

Along with their San Juan Capistrano location (located at 31103 Rancho Viejo Road), there are also Blue Eyed Girl boutiques located in Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach and Santa Barbara.  If you are not local, you can also shop on their website here.  

Laguna Beach

It has been a while since we have had a day to do whatever we wanted as a family.  President's Day gifted us with a day free of practices, school, work and games so we took advantage and headed down to one of our favorite spots, Laguna Beach.  Laguna has such a unique feel to it, unlike many of the beach cities here.  A little more laid back.  A little more eclectic.  It is definitely a place to recenter and enjoy some smiles with the kids.  We spent the day running on the beach, enjoying lunch at The Cliff and even though the clouds began to roll in, we weren't going to miss shakes at the Ruby's Shake Shack.

You can find some of our other Orange County favorites here.

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!

Balboa Island

On Tuesday I mentioned that we spent the weekend on Balboa Island.  What I didn't mention is that it was my birthday and with no sporting events that day (SHOCKING), the only place I want to go was Balboa Island.  It is one of my absolute most favorite places in Orange County.

Newport Beach is made up of the Pennisula and a number of small islands filled with incredible Cape-style homes, restaurants and shops.  Though I adore Lido Island and Bay Island, Balboa is one of the larger islands with an adorable main street and the most perfect boardwalk that surrounds the island.  You can spend hours there walking around, indulging in yummy treats and enjoying the beach.  You just can really never have a bad day on Balboa.

The best Cinnamon Rolls EVER.  But you better be there early.  When they are gone, they are gone!

Endless amounts of Salt Water Taffy can be purchased here.  A must stop for the kids.

A Balboa Bar is a must whenever you are on the island

I am having the best time showcasing some of my favorite places around Orange County.  It makes me appreciate all the little things that are right in my backyard.  We can so easily forget.  Another favorite to come soon!

Bardot

Nestled on the corner of Irvine Blvd. and 17th Street in Newport Beach is one of my favorite shopping destinations in Orange County.  Yes, online shopping may be convenient, but it cannot compare to the experience of trying on clothes, chatting with the salespeople and simply making the entire process of shopping fun.  The first place I think of when I want to step away from online and enjoy the boutique experience is Bardot.

Bardot is one of those boutiques that truly epitomizes the Orange County woman.  Dana, the owner, has done an incredible job of balancing lines that are extremely recognizable (A.L.C, Vince, Trina Turk) with smaller lines that you cannot find everywhere (Clover Canyon, Heidi Merrick, Flyne Skye) or perhaps have not heard of.  You can also find some beautiful jewelry lines such as Ceek and Nan Fusco.  This is one of the reasons I nominated them for the Orange Coast Magazine 'Best of Orange County 2013'.  Every time I make a visit I have the best time chatting with Dana, discussing what is coming in, what is selling, and of course, trying on my own pile of clothes.  The hardest part of visit Bardot is simply having self control.  

If you live in Orange County, you would be crazy not to make a stop at the boutique.  If you are out of the area, I highly suggest following Bardot on Facebook and Instagram.  Dana is always posting pictures of new merchandise and would be happy to help you get a hold of the items you love.  Truth be told, I follow her so that when something I love comes in, I can call and have her put it on hold for me before she sells out! 

My last pile of clothes I tried on.  Fortunately for the hubby I had some self control because I loved everything but only came home with the red jumpsuit.

Bardot is located at 2043 Westcliff Drive, Suite 103, Newport Beach, Ca. 92660

Salt Creek Beach

In Orange County, we are blessed with a number of amazing beaches.  To say one of them is "the best" is impossible.  Each one has their own unique quality and you will never be disappointed, no matter where you go.  There is one beach though that does top the list as our family favorite, simply by memories. 

Nestled right below the Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel, set between Laguna Beach and Dana Point, is Salt Creek Beach.  Why is this so special to us?  It is the beach I used to love in High School.  It is the beach where the hubby and I would run on when we first relocated back to Orange County and did not have any children yet.  It is the first beach we took family photos on.  It is the first beach each of our children have visited.  

What I love about this beach is that is tends to be off the between path for tourists so it is never crazy crowded.  I also love the views of beautiful homes and the Ritz behind you with the Pacific in front.  Sure you have to walk down a huge hill to get there (which means having to walk back up when you go home) but it is all worth it once you hit the sand.  The park also offers a huge grass area, volleyball court, basketball court, picnic areas and a snack shack.  All you need for a day of fun with the family.  We spent Labor Day there and I was able to snap some shots in between playing and relaxing.

Keep an eye out for next week's OC visit, one of my favorite shopping destinations.