Brunch at Marni

I love brunch.

I love Marni.

I love them both more when they are together.

On Tuesday my friend S and I attended the Marni Brunch and Fashion Show at their South Coast Plaza boutique in support of the Camino Health Center Auxiliary.  This is the same organization that is putting on the fashion show benefit I mentioned prior that I will be attending later this month.

Beyond the clothes being gorgeous (I could have walked out with every thing in the boutique if my wallet would have allowed), I truly enjoyed my time chatting with some pretty amazing women, all the while sipping on mimosas and indulging in a three course meal provided by the Quattro Cafe.  After the meal shopping began with 10% of all purchases going back to the Camino Center.  Win win for everyone right?!

Spending a Tuesday dressed up in a fabulous boutique was SUCH a nice change from my normal Tuesday routine of running a million errands in workout clothes.  I could definitely use more brunches and fashion shows in my life.

Please Join Me....

I would love, love, love to see you there!

Oh yes, and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Greek Quinoa Salad

Since beginning my triathlon training, I have become a garbage disposal.  It seems like there is never enough food and I will confess, I am not very nice when I am hungry.  In order to keep up with my appetite AND eat healthy options, I have been perusing the internet for some new, easy recipes.  At the top of my list was this Greek Quinoa Salad by With Style and Grace.  It not only looked delish but I loved the fact that there would most likely be leftovers and provide me with a potential snack the next day.  

The only thing I did different was to add a can of garbanzo beans because I wanted to add protein and make this for our dinner.  I made it earlier in the afternoon which was fabulous because it was ready to go and we were able to focus on the important task of pumpkin carving after dinner instead of doing dishes.  If you would like, add a glass of Pinot Grigio.  It made it even better.  Plus, I was right.  There was a TON left over.  Perfect.

  

I could have absolutely taken more photos of this recipe but I was glued to CNN all afternoon with Sandy watch and could not pull myself away long enough.  My thoughts and prayers are with everyone on the East Coast.  

The Glass Slipper Guild Firefighter Fashion Show

As promised from this post, I have some photos from the CHOC Children's Glass Slipper Guild Firefighter Fashion Show that was back on September 15, 2012.  Yes, it has taken more a while to get these up but you can blame the post office and a VERY crazy schedule over here.  Better late than never right?

I did attend the Fashion Show and also took along Baby Girl, my little sister and her best friend and we had such a great time.  The show was hosted by Bloomingdale's South Coast Plaza and held in AnQi Bistro, who did a phenomenal job of creating a very swanky vibe to the show.  The Firefighters did a great job of stepping outside of their comfort zone but it truly was the children of CHOC who not only stole the show but everyone's hearts as they walked the runway.  The event was a huge success and kicked off an extremely successful weekend of shopping with 10% of purchases at both the South Coast Plaza and Fashion Island stores going back to CHOC Children's Hospital, on top of Bloomingdale's $3,000 donation given at the end of the show.

Congratulations to the CHOC Glass Slipper Guild, the Costa Mesa Fire Department, AnQi and Bloomingdale's for raising money for such an incredible cause and thank you for letting me be a part of it!

The Matilda Jane giveaway is only open for a few more days!  Click here to enter!

* All photos courtesy of Juggling in Heels and Bloomingdale's

11 Years

11 years.

It is crazy.

A few observations.

1. We look like babies

2. My hair is way too high.. and yes, I chose to put those white things in there

3. Please note that I am wearing gloves
4. This is when I still had boobs

5. Men have it so easy on wedding days

It is amazing how much our life has changed since October 27, 2001.
I have loved our story so far and I cannot wait to keep writing it.

Happy Anniversary (tomorrow) Hubby!

Wish List: Boots

I have been on the hunt for a black boot that is short and flat for what seems like forever.  So far, these two are my favorites.  Is it too early to create my Christmas list?  I would think so but since Target is now filled with Christmas trees, perhaps it is okay.  

Isabel Marant Jenny Slouchy Leather Boots

Jimmy Choo Youth Metallic Leather Boot

Don't forget to enter the Matilda Jane giveaway!

**GIVEAWAY** Matilda Jane

Look at Baby Girl.  I mention that I am going to start posting outfit photos of myself by taking them on Instagram and she has to one up me by bribing a photographer (not really, it's me) with that cute smile to take photos of her in a gorgeous Matilda Jane dress for this post.  Typical.  But back to the reason for this post...

I was recently introduced to Matilda Jane (I know, where have I been right?) and instantly fell in love.  I think their phrase "an unexpected clothing company" says it all.  Each piece holds such a feminine and unique touch that is incredible hard to find in little girl's clothing.  And oh the patterns and prints!  It is like finding an Anthropologie for little girls.

  
Here is the fabulous news about all this.  My local Trunk Keeper, Maura is offering not one but TWO ways to win with Matilda Jane. 

The first is a giveaway hosted here and is a $50 gift certificate to purchase whatever you would like directly from Maura.  Free money; no brainer.  All you need to do is visit the Matilda Jane website and leave a comment below stating which item is your favorite.  That is it!  This giveaway will run from Wednesday, October 24th through Tuesday, October 30th at midnight. 

Now for the second opportunity.  On Thursday, October 25th, Matilda Jane with be launching the following promotion.

 This promotion will run from October 25th through October 28th.  During this time, if you make a $150 purchase, you will not only receive this cute apron, but if you order from Maura, she will be entering you into a raffle for a $100 gift certificate.  Perhaps order for Thanksgiving attire and get the Christmas attire for free?  All you need to do to be entered into this raffle is place your order with Maura by clicking here, no later than October 28th!

You can also host private trunk shows with your friends through Maura.  If you are interested click here to get started. 

There you have it.  

Good Luck and Happy Shopping!

* Baby Girl is wearing the Broadway dress and Cinnamon Tee.  Juggling in Heels was provided this outfit from Maura Dwyer but all opinions are 100% my own.  The winner of the $50 gift certificate will be selected and announced by Juggling in Heels but the $100 gift certificate will be selected by Maura Dwyer and the winner will not be announced here but will be contacted by Maura once they have been selected.  U.S. Residents only.