The Winner of the KASZ Photography Giveaway is....

Jodi Mac!

Congratulations!! 

Please email me at jugglinginheels@gmail.com so we can get you all the information you need to book your session! 

Thank you to everyone who entered.  Look forward to more fabulous giveaways coming soon!

Happy Halloween!

via

I hope everyone has a fabulous Halloween!  I will be roaming the streets with Minnie Mouse, Obi Wan Kenobi and a X Wing Fighter, using them to collect candy that I will later tell them is bad for them, take half away and keep hidden for me.  Have fun and be safe!

Now you see them. Now you don't.

As you all know, I am a HUGE fan of Rag and Bone.  I am typically a fan of everything in their collection.  That being said, every now and then a designer will throw a wrench in their collection and make me say, hmmmmm.  That is exactly what happened when I saw this Rag and Bone Barswood Haircalf and Leather Coat.

But wait!  There's more!  The furry sleeves are detachable!  See how they disappear...

And just so you get the entire view, here is the back (sleeves back on!)...

I have a lot of opinions about fashion, but for this I have no words.  What do you think?   Would you wear this?

The KASZ Photography giveaway closes this Sunday!  If you haven't entered yet, don't miss out!  Click here to enter!

WOW! 10 Years!

Today my husband and I are celebrating our 10 year anniversary.  It is so cliche but I honestly cannot believe how fast it has gone.  I know to some 10 years is nothing, but considering my longest relationship up until my husband was 2 1/2 years, this is a long time!  And if there is one thing I can say about marriage, it is F-ING HARD!  Come on, for those of you who are married, you know this to be true.  No one said that getting married was going to be a fairytale (well, except for Disney) and though there are some incredible moments, there are also moments when I have wanted to bash my head into a wall.

So what I have learned over the last 10 years?  Here are just a few things:
1. I am not always right, even though I think I am.
2. Raising children can suck the life out of you and your marriage if you are not careful.
3. There is no greater feeling than having a husband who loves and adores you.
4. Compromise is not losing, but learning how to work together.
5. Men and women are VERY different, especially when it comes to shopping and sex.
6. You will love your spouse even more than you thought possible when you see them with your children.
7. Never show a new purchase to your husband until you are wearing it.  It will be harder for him to get mad about the purchase.  This is especially true if it is tight, short or low cut.
8. Your lowest moments together will bring you closer.
9. It is possible to love someone but hate them at the same time.
10. Marriage is worth fighting for.

Happy Anniversary Hubby!  It has been an incredible ride thus far and I am looking forward to the next 10 years!


And on a less personal note, there are only a few more days left to enter the KASZ Photography giveaway!  Click here to enter!

Off to the Farm!

This past Sunday we made our annual trip to Tanaka Farms to pick out our pumpkins.  We have been doing this every year since our oldest was one and I am obsessed with this place.  What is better than spending a Fall afternoon picking pumpkins, feeding animals, running through a corn maze, riding on a tractor and grabbing some fresh produce?  Here are some pictures from our day...

The KASZ Photography giveaway is still open!  Click here to enter!

Chuck E. Cheese Mystery Wine

Did you know that Chuck E. Cheese has beer and wine?  Perhaps you did but this is something I recently figured out in the last year.  They obviously realized that this is the last place parents want to go with their children and bribe us by offering to ease the pain through alcohol.  Genius idea Chuck.  Genius.

A birthday party there this past Friday night led some friends and I to walk in, give our child to the party and head to the "bar".  Your first question might be why we ever committed to going to a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese on a Friday night and honestly, I have no good reason except for the fact that perhaps we were drinking when we made that decision too.  But back to the wine.  Upon receiving our glass, an entire discussion began regarding what we were actually drinking.  Here are some things we knew for sure...

1. They are generous - your small plastic cup will be filled to the brim.  Be careful walking back!  You don't want to waste it!

2. There is one red option and one white option

3. It is served cold, regardless of the color you select

4. It comes from a tap

There is where all knowledge stops and the questioning begins...

1. Why is the red wine cold?

2. Why is it served from a tap?

3. What is behind the tap?  A super-sized box?  A keg?  The largest bottle of cold red wine you have ever seen with a tube connected to the tap?

4. Why does it taste better with the pizza?  Do they pair it?

5. What am I actually drinking?

6. Why I am drinking this?  It is terrible!

The questioning could go on and on but the reality of it is, we are at Chuck E. Cheese and it really does not matter what it is or how bad it is.  As long as it medicates the fact that we are sitting in a children's mad house with a mouse running around, I will continue to consume with pleasure.

Haven't entered the KASZ Photography giveaway yet?  What are you waiting for!  Click here for details!

Erin Condren on Plum District Today!

If you haven't heard of Erin Condren, you are missing out.  I absolutely adore all the personlized stationary, gifts, calendars, etc. that she offers on her website.  Not only that, but I love that she was a stay at home mother of twins who came up with an idea and ran with it.  Her products are fabulous and have been featured on Ellen and The Rachel Ray Show, along with magazines such as Lucky, US Weekly and People.  They make amazing gifts for friends, teachers, family or perhaps, yourself.

Today on Plum District, you can purchase a $50 certificate to Erin Condren for only $25 (click here)!!  Such great deal and a fabulous way to begin Christmas shopping.  To help you pick some items out, here are some of my favorite items that I use consistently and continue to re-order.
 

Weekly Schedule Pad
I LIVE by this during the week.  It helps me remember what is going on in our crazy household
and my 7 year old loves to check each day to make sure we did all that we needed to.

Classic Gift Labels
Who needs a birthday card when you have these?  Wrap up a present, stick this on the
package and you are good to go!

Notebook Notepad
I am obsessed with personalized stationary!

Another plus to purchasing this deal is that Plum District has also started a Loyalty Program for your local schools.  For every deal purchased, they will donate 10% to the school of your choice.  If you are interested in participating in this program, simply send an email to tina.johnson@plumdistrict.com and she will help get it linked to your account!

Happy Shopping!

Disclaimer: I did receive this deal as a "gift" for promoting it, but I would have never promoted it had I not thought it was fabulous.

Also, if you have not entered the KASZ photography giveaway, click here!

**GIVEAWAY** KASZ Photography

If you are anything like me, you are already obsessing over your Christmas/Holiday card.  I always like to send out the "perfect" card yet have the hardest time getting the "perfect" picture.  I obviously have to look good in the picture or it is not going out (you are saying I am vain right now but you do the same thing).  And now is the time to start thinking about that picture because we all get our cards out after Thanksgiving right??? (Can you see me laughing at myself?)

So, what a perfect time to offer a photo session with proofs by KASZ Photography!  That's right! This giveaway is a family session with photographer Emily Kaszton, along with a CD of the pictures that she edits for you!

A graduate of the suburban jungle of Orange County, Emily Kaszton made the move to Santa Barbara to hone her skill in creating visual spectacles from behind the lens of her Canon 7D.  Attending Brooks School of Photography, Emily is well aware that the lens is the instrument of her trade.  Her finished product, however, is born from her eye for unique detail and she is already making her mark as a talented photographer.  Through her varied studies, Emily has developed a passion for taking photographs of children and families.  She feels blessed to have the opportunity to capture the beauty of each moment that passes when we are surrounded by the people we love and cherish.  Here are some examples of what to expect from your session with Emily...

Here is how to enter:

1. You must be a resident of San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles or Santa Barbara (or willing to travel to one of these locations for the shoot).

2. Like "KASZ Photography" on Facebook here.

3. Follow "Juggling in Heels" on google connect.
4. Leave a comment on this blog post that you have done the above and you are then officially entered in the contest!

For additional entries (after you have done the above):

1. Follow Juggling in Heels on twitter here and tweet about this giveaway

2. Like "Juggling in Heels" on Facebook here

3. Post this giveaway on your Facebook profile

IMPORTANT:  You must leave a comment on the blog for each item you have done (one comment for each) in order for the entry to count.  

So, if you really, really want this session, you can get up to 4 entries by doing all the above!

You have until Sunday, October 30th, 20011 at midnight to enter!

Good Luck!

One Of My Favorites: Frye Boots

I became a major fan of Frye boots back in 2005 when I made my first purchase of the Harness boot.

Over the past 6 years, these boots have been through a lot and STILL look like I just bought them.  Then last year, I open up these beauties on Christmas morning.

These Celia Over the Knee Boots are insane.  They look amazing over skinny jeans or leggings and I cannot wait for the weather to cool down to pull these out again.

This year, I now have my eye on the Billy Short Boot.  

I really want to get a pair of causal short boots and I love the light color of these.  They would be such a fabulous addition to my closet and will definitely be going on my Christmas list this year.

Reminding you all that what may look real, not always is....

Many of you may have already seen this but for some reason I hadn't.  My friend pointed this video out to me and it is a perfect example of why women should never compare themselves to what they see in magazines.

This is also one of the reasons that I am stressed out by having a little girl.  If we feel the pressures of being "magazine perfect", how must a young teenage girl feel?  Like I said, STRESSES ME OUT.

I have two questions regarding this.  One, how does any company feel right creating this unrealistic perception of beauty?  And two, are they available to do my Christmas card?

Helmut Lang F/W Collection

While perusing ShopBop, I came across the Helmut Lang F/W Collection look book and OMG.  It is amazing.  I want everything in this collection.  So simple, sexy and elegant.  I am dying for look #3.  The coat and dress are gorgeous.  That being said, I would happily wear all of these looks.  Do you have a favorite?

All these pieces of the Helmut Lang collection are available at Shop Bop.

I Admit It, I Watched

via Us Weekly

Yes, I did.  I wasted 4 hours of my life watching the Kardashian wedding.  FOUR HOURS.  It was looong.  And even though I knew this and kept asking myself why I was watching it, I couldn't turn away.  When I was not questioning my inability to turn it off, I was repeating over and over in my head, "I cannot believe they got paid $17 million for this".  I would like to say this annoys me but I really think it is that I am jealous.  I mean seriously.  Who wouldn't love to have a $10 million wedding, not pay a penny for it, and then get paid $17 million for doing it!  This only confirms one thing.  Kris Jenner is a GENIUS!  Love them or hate them, this wedding extraveganza only proves that for some reason we all feel the need to "keep up" with these ladies (even though we have no clue why) and they are enjoying the fruits of my apparent love for wasting time.

Weekend Read:The Red Queen

I have been terrible with reading lately.  Since my post on The White Queen, I have been waiting to actually read the follow up novel, The Red Queen.  I FINALLY got to it and it was fantastic.  I loved hearing the exact same story from the other side.  That is something to make note of.  Do not read The Red Queen until you have read The White Queen.  Philippa Gregory has a talent of captivating her audiences and understanding an era from so long ago.  I am really looking forward to the next book in this series as I am sure it is going to be just as entertaining. 

Wish List: Christian Louboutin Markesling

I know, I know.  You are sick of all the animal print.  Beginning next week I will start obsessing over another trend.  But COME ON!  These shoes are insane!

Christian Louboutin Markesling

I WAS going to Miami today...

That's right.  Today I was going to be heading to Miami and the W South Beach for four days to indulge in sun, pool and spa.  As of yesterday, plans changed.  Our middle man is having a hard time adjusting to going to school five days a week.  I get it.  He is four years old and five days is a lot.  After a lot of thought, my hubby and I agreed it would be better to not screw up his schedule more by leaving town, but to stay and not add any more changes to his already new schedule.  Am I sad to miss laying by the pool by myself, reading a book?  Yes.  Would I ever put this before my children?  Absolutely not.  Parenting comes first and so I will just have to indulge in Miami another time.  And you know what, I wouldn't change it for the world.

On another note, every time I have thought about this trip, this song has popped in my head...



And finally, have you RSVPed to the Juggling in Heels and Space NK event at Bloomingdale's yet?  If not, you better hurry!  Spots are filling up fast!

Join me at Bloomingdale's for a Space NK Event!

As mentioned in numerous posts, I am a skincare addict.  So imagine my excitement when I was asked by Bloomingdale's, South Coast Plaza to host a master class by Nicky Kinnaird of Space NK!  Nicky is a skincare specialist known around the world for identifying only the highest quality of effective skincare products.  Beginning her career in London, she has now stretched across the pond with a number of apothecaries throughout the US and in select Bloomingdale's stores.  I am so excited to be a part of this event and hope you are able to attend!  Space is limited so make sure you RSVP soon as I don't want you to miss out!

See you at Bloomingdales!    

My Little Tom Boy Princess

One day you might find Baby Girl wearing a Spiderman helmet, blue t-shirt and jeans, trying to ride her brothers Ezy Roller.

The next day, you might find her walking around the neighborhood at 7:30am wearing a dress with a tutu over it.

Every morning, you never know what your going to get and I LOVE it.  It is not uncommon to see her lying face down on a baseball field in a little dress.  She has also been known to chase after her brothers with a lightsaber while wearing bracelets.  Watch out boys.  This little one will have you buy her nice things and then beat the crap out of you.  It makes Mommy so proud.  

Who Didn't Love These Movies?

A quick Twitter conversation with Gilt Groupe last week reminded me of some absolutely fabulous movies I loved when I was younger.  As a matter of fact, if I was to turn on TBS and see any of these movies playing, I would stop everything that I was doing and watch.

Clueless
This one tops the list!
Cher, plaid mini skirts, mini backpacks and falling in love with Paul Rudd.
What is not to love about this movie?

Girls Just Want To Have Fun
I adored SJP and Helen Hunt in this movie!
Being a Catholic School girl myself, I could only dream of dancing in my
uniform and ending up on Dance TV
And lets not forget how hot Jeff was!

Can't Buy Me Love
I thought if I prayed hard enough, I would be Cindy Mancini.
I was obsessed with the white leather outfit and Rabbit Convertible.
And of course, ending up with Patrick Dempsey is not too shabby either.

The Bodyguard
I cannot explain why, but I LOVED this movie.
I blame Kevin Costner for being at the top of his game and hot.
And don't lie, you ALL loved the song (you know what I am talking about).

So I am starting to see a trend here.  Apparently a young girl loves movies that are cheesy, romantic and involve good looking guys.  Oh, and I cannot forget the amazing quotes ("Your a virgin who can't drive.").  Now if I could only find a VHS player to watch them.... 

Piperlime Sale = Time To Load Up On Some Accessories!

Lately I have realized how terrible I have been at updating my accessories (earrings, bracelets and necklaces).  It is embarassing.  Piperlime must have noticed that I needed some help because they just kicked off their Fall's Most Wanted Event.  Yes they have shoes  and apparel as a part of the event, but my goal was to hit up the accessories section.  There are some AH-MAZING prices and I was able to pick up a number of items for practically nothing (I must use the word "practically" because my husband would argue that "nothing" would mean free.....and it wasn't free.....but almost!).  And with Piperlime's FREE shipping, it makes the sale even better.  Here are some of my favorites but I HIGHLY recommend checking it out if you are in need of an accessory lift too!

Kenneth Cole New York Mod Sculpt Drop Earring
$22.50

Tinley Road Antique Gold Leaf Pendant Necklace
$19.50

Hive and Honey Layered Coin Necklace
$19.50

House of Harlow 1960 Chevron Earring
$43.50

Sabine Cabachon Bangle
$27.50

Ricotta and Blueberry Pancakes

As mentioned before, breakfast is my favorite meal of the day.  I am always looking for new recipes to indulge in because, I am not sure if you knew this, but the calories you consume for breakfast do not count.  I have made this recipe a number of times and continue to go back to it.  You cannot beat the homemade honey syrup and the warm cheese and blueberry pancakes.  So simple, so light and yet so indulgent.  Makes a Sunday morning just a little more special.