Kate Moss X Topshop

It's here!

After a three year hiatus, Kate Moss has returned to Topshop with a new collection. launching TODAY, that is sure to sell quickly with a mass of women running to their computers to place orders.  The good news is that the collection will not only be available through Topshop but also through Nordstrom, giving you a better chance of picking up the pieces you love.  The collection includes dresses, pants, coats and tops, broken into four different themes; Tailoring Noir, Balearic Dressing, Cocktail Hour and Pjama Dressing.  These are just a few of the pieces that have caught my eye.

  

I absolutely love all the prints and textures that have been used and how easy all of these pieces are to pull off.

You can shop the collection at Topshop here or Nordstrom here.

Here is a little "behind the scenes" video of the collection.  Happy Shopping.

A Calypso Vacation

There are very few stores I walk into that immediately make me feel like I am on vacation.  Calypso St. Barth is one of them.  Every time I visit I wanted to instantly get away to a beach without a care in the world.  They just do vacation right.

Silk Tunic / Cut Offs / Straw Hat / Embellished Bag / Swim Suit / Metallic Sandal

I am definitely dreaming of summer...

Here are some other vacation worthy pieces...

Creamy Farfalle with Cremini and Asparagus

I did it again.

Thursday arrived and though I should have taken the time to put together a post, I decided against it, going with being lazy, cutting out early and enjoying our Spring Break.

It felt good.

This past week was awesome.  

From the pool to the beach, from Los Angeles to Palm Desert, even though we stayed local, I was able to indulge in all the things that make Southern California amazing.

We sometimes take things for granted around here.

We shouldn't.

But we do.

It was nice to enjoy them all throughout the week.

Last night I was so sad to see the break come to an end so I decided to make one last Spring time meal for dinner, just to make the feeling last longer.  I created this Creamy Farfalle with Cremini and Asparagus and served it with a great Chardonnay.  It was light, delicious and tasted like summer.  Recipe notes: I did leave out the walnuts and perhaps added A LOT of salt and pepper to give it a bit more flavor.  

It was the perfect way to end Spring Break and begin the countdown to Summer.

Only 44 days.

Not to be exact or anything.

There is only one more day to enter the Casey's Cupcakes giveaway!  Enter here.

Great Pieces, Great Prices

Here are 12 great pieces to add to your closet for Spring and Summer, all under $100!

Don't forget to enter the Casey's Cupcakes giveaway here!

Casey's Cupcakes Giveaway

Yes, I have a sweet tooth.

I will admit it.

Chocolate is my go to but honestly, it is hard for me to not like something.

Cupcakes perhaps top the list of indulgences.

That makes this giveaway fun.

It is Spring and Summer is right around the corner so it only made sense to do a giveaway that indulges the sweet tooth and provides that perfect treat after a day spent at the beach.  Casey's Cupcakes has generously offered a Red Velvet Cupcake Mix and the new Casey doll, modeled after the founder, Casey Reinhardt for two lucky readers.

The Red Velvet Cupcake mix includes Tahitian vanilla and Callebaut Belgium chocolate, bringing one of Casey's most popular cupcake right to your home.  The mix makes 12 cupcakes.  And how fun to get a little doll for your little one. Doll for her, cupcakes for you.

Win-win for everyone.

Here is how you enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Because it is always fun to have more entries, there are 2 entries provided for every step you take so you have up to 12 entries available!  This giveaway will run until April 29th at 12pm.  This giveaway is available to US Residents only.  Good luck!

Casey's Cupcakes has five locations in Southern California in Fashion Island, Woodbury Town Center, Irvine Spectrum Center and the Historic Mission Inn.  Visit the website here for additional information and for placing orders for both the dolls and cupcakes mixes.

Israeli Couscous Salad with Almonds, Blood Oranges and Greek Olives

This Easter the hubby and I were hosting a portion of my family at our home.  We have consistently taken either Christmas Eve or Christmas but this was our first time entertaining for Easter.  When it came to what to make, my initial thought was of course brunch.  It is something I love to serve and love to eat so it usually makes perfect sense.  There was just something that told us to try something different.  Our final decision?  A Wine Country Lunch.

The menu was inspired by a recent cookbook I picked up, The New Wine Country Cookbook.  I had my eyes set on trying the Israeli Couscous Salad with Almonds, Blood Oranges and Greek Olives and this lunch made for the perfect setting to give it a whirl.  

Paired with ribs, grilled pineapple, grilled vegetables and white wine, this salad was the perfect way to bring it all together and feel as if we really were in Wine Country.  It was so good in fact that I had another bowl and another glass of white wine with it for dinner.  

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 cup sliced almonds
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups Israeli couscous
2 cups vegetable broth
sea salt and fresh ground pepper
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint
2 blood oranges, chopped
3/4 cup Kalamata olives
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley

1. Warm 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium heat.  Add the almonds and toast until crisp and golden (5-7 minutes).  Set aside
2. Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and add the onion and garlic.  Saute until softened, about 5 minutes.  
3. Add the couscous and cook until the couscous begins to brown, about 6 minutes.
4. Add the vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer until tender and all the liquid is absorbed, about 8 minutes.
6. Scoop into a large bowl and fold in the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil and mint.
7. Add the toasted almonds, diced oranges, olives, lemon juice and half of the parsley to the bowl of couscous.
8. Toss gently, season to taste, add the parsley and serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

This is only one of many amazing recipes in this book and if you are as much of a fan of wine country as I am, I highly suggest you picking it up.  You can order The New Wine Country Cookbook here.

Beyond simply the food, Easter is such a special day for my family and it also re-centers me and my focus in life.  I loved all the family time and always leave wanting more.  I hope you all had a wonderful Easter as well.

* This recipe was taken from The New Wine Country Cookbook, page 51.

Early Weekend

Yes I know it is only Thursday but with today being Holy Thursday and a half day at school, tomorrow being Good Friday and the first day of Spring Break, and Sunday being Easter, I have decided that these were enough reasons to sign out early for the week and enjoy some family time.  For me, this is the end of the week and the weekend (and Spring Break) is here!!

Though you can see my daily posts here on the blog, I also love to share great sales, pictures, videos and other fun things I come across on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  If you aren't following, come join!

You can like Juggling in Heels on Facebook here.

You can follow on Twitter here.

You can follow on Instagram here.

Happy Holiday Weekend.

Strike a Pose

A few months ago, I became obsessed with hot yoga.  After years of having and carrying children, wearing heels, running, working on my feet, working at a desk and so many other stresses I have put on my body, hot yoga offered a feeling of reversing all the damage.  The added bonus is that it has also done wonders for my anxiety. I really should have started this a long time ago.   

Because this practice had made such a difference in how my body feels, I reached out to the Kelly Sandrock, the owner of Melt Ladera Hot Yoga (my little haven), to share some poses that can easily be done at home and focuses on areas that are traditionally tight for most women such as hips, lower back and hamstrings.  Kristi Wilson, one of the instructors at Melt, was generous enough to be our model in hopes of sharing with each of you a little piece of calm in your own home.

Supta Baddha Konasana

This pose is a strong groin and hip-opener and will help relieve sciatic pain, menstrual pains and digestion issues.

Click here for detailed instructions.

Happy Baby (Ananda Balasana)

This pose helps stretch the inner groin and back spine.  It calms the brain and relieves stress and fatigue.

Click here for detailed instructions.

Crescent Pose (Anjaneyasana)
This pose focuses on the thighs, groins, abdomen, chest lungs, shoulders, armpits and neck.
Click here for detailed instructions.

One-Legged King Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana)

This pose stretches the thighs, groin, abdomen, chest, shoulders and neck. 

Click here for detailed instructions.

For individuals with knee problems, it is recommended that you do this pose on your back like this...

Frog Pose (Ardha Bhekasana)
This pose focuses on opening up the hips and helps with menstrual pains, anxiety and depression.

Flying Frog Pose

This is an advanced pose of the one above.

This pose will add additional bicep strength and balancing.
I am no where close to this one...

What I have loved most about yoga is the ability to let everything go when I am in class.  It is amazing how quickly I stop thinking about the "to do" list and instantly fall into a zone that is both challenging and relaxing.  Hot Yoga has an incredible way of clearing your mind along with giving you an incredible workout.  If you have ever been scared of giving this a try, believe me, I was too.  But step outside your comfort zone and begin with these poses.  I think you will be surprised how un-assuming it is and how much you will enjoy it.  

If you are interested in attending a class at Melt Ladera Hot Yoga, they are located at 27742 Antonio Parkway, Suite K3-4, Ladera Ranch, Ca. and you can view their class list and prices here.  If you are not in the Orange County area, I challenge you to find a local hot yoga studio.  Give it a try!  Okay, I will stop raving about it now...   
   

And if you need some yoga gear, here are some items I love...

Thank you Kelly and Kristi!

* I have included links to all the above poses to allow you to read in detail how to get yourself into the pose to ensure you do not hurt yourself.  I am not a trained yoga instructor but was provided these instructions and benefits from individuals who are certified.

Style Smaller Shop

A few weeks back, my friend, Savvy in San Francisco, posted on a new shop that was created by her friend, Style Smaller (don't you love the blogging world?  We all seem to meet virtually at some point).  The images she shared had me intrigued and I popped over to take a look.

I was suddenly viewing some of the cutest accessories, home decor and toys that I have ever seen for the littles.

Kate has pulled together an incredible collection of items that make it hard not to order.  I couldn't resist.  With Easter right around the corner I was able to pick up a number of items for Baby Girl's basket that are unique with prices that do not break the bank.  After all the responses on Instagram, asking where I picked up the above necklace and below tattoos, I figured I had to share more.  

Here is just a glimpse at her shop and what you can pick up for your littles.

Accessories

Home Decor

Toys

The best part of all is that Kate is incredible to work with on your order.  

It makes supporting the shop even better.

You can visit the entire Style Smaller Shop here. 

No Brainer

The jumpsuit.

The perfect item for looking pulled together without any fuss.  

You do not even have to think about it.

A Baby/Wedding Shower, lunch with friends, over a bathing suit, Brunch, a party, a date night.

They truly work for numerous situations and pull through when you just cannot figure out what to wear.

I highly recommend having at least one of these go-to pieces in your closet.

Weekend

This week felt like summer.

And I am really craving summer.

Spring Break for the boys is a week away and I am crossing my fingers we get the same amazing weather we had this past week.  I also hope that summer gets here soon as I am looking forward to spending more days like the photo above and less living in my car running around with the kids like crazy people.

Warm days.  

Warm nights.

No plans.

Beach days.

Vacation.

It is almost here!

If you missed it this week...

I am dying over Cleobella's Baby line...

I got a little personal...

I cannot get enough of these luxurious pajamas...

Happy Weekend.

Maison Du Soir

"A well spent day brings happy sleep" - Leonardo DaVinci

Sleep and I used to have a love/hate relationship.

I knew I needed it, but I felt that it got in the way of fun and exciting things that I would perhaps miss out on.  

I would stay up late and wake up early.

Then I grew up.

And I LOVE sleep.

The hubby and I have developed a ritual that begins as soon as all the kids are in bed.

I wash my face, take out my contacts and put on my pajamas.

Whatever is not done that day (emptying the dishwasher, folding laundry, etc.) will have to wait until tomorrow.

We curl up on the couch with a cup of tea and chat about the day, catch one of our favorite shows (right now it is Suits and West Wing reruns) and enjoy the only alone time we get during the week.

Then it is off to bed in complete exhaustion, ready to catch as much rest as we can before the next day begins.

It is my favorite.

With a new found love of rest and sleep, I have also developed a love for pajamas.

There was a time when I would just throw on a tank and shorts or pants and not think twice.  

Lately though, I am obsessed with pajamas.

Cute, comfortable pajamas sets that look good enough to wear during the day.

My current favorite is Maison Du Soir.

Maison Du Soir is a Southern California based line created by Courtney Kates.  Courtney recognized that there was a lot of focus on women's daywear but not nearly enough attention on our sleepwear.  Why look fabulous by day and frumpy at night?  I like her way of thinking, don't you?  Courtney set out to create a sleepwear line that focused on softness, quality of fabric and fit.  She nailed it.  Each collection offers beautiful prints and silhouettes that are flattering, can be mixed and matched, and work for even the fussiest of sleepers.  You cannot image how soft and comfortable this line is.  Whether you are wearing the silk or cotton pieces, you will want to live in them.  Plus, when someone knocks on your front door early in the morning, before you have gotten dressed, you won't have to hide behind the door anymore.  You will actually look put together!

Courtney's Spring collection has just launched and it is absolutely stunning.  I am obsessed with the florals and pinks (which is big for me because I am normally not a pink person) and I have been currently living in the Dahlia Dress and Peony Shorts.  Next on my list?  The Magnolia Foral Top with the Jaclyn Floral Shorts.  The entire LookBook just offers too much goodness.

You can find Maison Du Soir in their online shop or here in Southern California at numerous boutiques listed here. 

Sweet Dreams.

Sometimes we are wrong

Excuse me while I get a little personal on the blog today.

Yesterday I went to Confession for the first time in 20 years.

If you were to ask me why it has taken so long, I could give you a laundry list of reasons.  In fact, I probably developed every excuse possible to convince myself that there really was no need for me to go, therefore spending years without even considering it.  

The truth was though, that I was just scared.

Scared to accept and tell someone else that perhaps I do things that are just not right sometimes.  Scared of what they would say.  Scared of what they might think.  

Just scared.

Then I realized that I expect this out of my children every day but never hold myself accountable for the same thing.

When my children do something wrong that I did not see, the first thing I say is "What happened?"  or "What did you do?".  I then expect a nine, six and three year old to comfortably outline all things they just did wrong.  Instead of a simply stated response, I receive eyes that won't look at me, a voice that I can hardly hear and a hung head.  At this point I will continue to tell them that they need to tell me what happened or there are going to be consequences.  I push them to open up, explain to me the situation and what they did.  I do not allow them to hide from what they did, understanding that only by them acknowledging that what they did was wrong will they learn from their mistakes and think twice about doing it again.  

Makes perfect sense.

We all do things that are wrong sometimes.  It is human nature.  No one is perfect and we all know this.  But how often do we speak out and acknowledge that some of the decisions we have made are not the best ones to someone else?  Our children have to, everyday, but we seem to hold ourselves to a different expectation.  

And you know what the crazy part is?

It feels wonderful.

No wonder children can move on from doing something wrong and never think twice about it again.  They have admitted it to us, understand that they should not have done it and know that this does not define who they are.  The weight of the entire situation is gone in a second.  

What I discovered yesterday is that even though the things that I do wrong seem to be things that I feel I can move on from, they were weighing me down without knowing it.  

I don't like that I judge people sometimes.  I don't like that the hubby and I fight.  I don't like that I have hurt people.  These are just a few things I mentioned but you get the picture.  It felt great acknowledging my weaknesses and wrongdoings.  It felt as is a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders and it also made me very aware of the little things I sometimes get wrapped up in that perhaps I need to stay away from (mom gossip anyone???).  I also acknowledge that though at times I can be weak, making the wrong decision, it doesn't define who I am.  

I am not writing this to send you all to Confession.  We all have our different faiths, beliefs and ideas and I am not here to change that.  I am simply saying we all sometimes need to just openly admit what we have done wrong, if not for anything but to make ourselves feel better, learning from our mistakes, and to think twice before we do it again.

Just like we try to teach our children.

Bella Baby

Cleobella, the handmade clothing and accessory line, has always caught my eye for the intricate design and eye catching patterns and colors used in every piece that is made.  Each one is a work of art and I currently have my eyes on this handbag and this clutch for Spring.  What I never realized until perusing their website the other day is that they have a baby line, Bella Baby.

It is just too much.

First, you have the adorable harem pants for the littles.

Chambray Ikat / White Ikat / Purple Ikat

 Then there are the beautiful blankets...

Coral and Turquoise Ikat / Royal Stripe Ikat / Purple Stripe Ikat

And as if the pants and blankets weren't enough, they also have bibs!

Burgundy / Peach / Navy

I adore the sophisticated colors and detail in the fabrics of each handmade item.  If only Baby Girl could fit in the pants and still used blankets and bibs.  Luckily I have friends and family having babies because I am dying to order some of these.  They would make the perfect baby shower gift don't you think?

You can view the entire Bella Baby collection here.

Weekend

As much as I know that it is true, I always seem to forget that when it rains, it pours.

I can't complain.  It is all wonderful things.  Visits with designers, writing for Orange Coast magazine, writing for Parenting OC, redesigning the blog, starting the Gala planning process, planning my sister's Baby Shower.  Like I said, all wonderful things but man it all seems to have hit at the same time.  I have never felt so accomplished when crossing something off the To-Do list.  The plan is to have all of it done by Sunday.  Crossing fingers!

Yesterday's post highlighted my visit to the 16th Colony studio and I must remind you that their 40% off the entire online store runs through Sunday.  If you haven't already, it is a must.  Their ponchos are beautiful and the perfect piece for the upcoming summer months.  

Happy Weekend.

16th Colony

When it comes to my personal style, I tend to carry two very different extremes.  On one hand, I can be very conservative.  I love clean lines, structured pieces and will very often fall to the color scheme of white, black and grey.  You will see these looks most often while attending meetings, formal events and dinners.  It is the classic simplicity that I love about these looks.  

And then there is the other side of my style.

The other side loves to be laid back and worry-free.  That is the Orange County way isn't it?  Beach days.  Drinks outside with friends on a warm summer evening.  Casual afternoons on Balboa Island.  Weekends in Santa Ynez.  Out goes the blazers, pencil skirts and heels and in comes the ponchos, cut offs and booties.  I am always on the look out for lines that offer this laid-back lifestyle.  In comes 16th Colony.

Created by Renee Rogers, 16th Colony is an Irvine based line which focuses on outerwear for the chic bohemian.  Her line of ponchos is absolutely stunning and you can see the amount of detail and care she takes in designing each one. 

After following Renee's instagram for a bit I couldn't help but fall in love with her pieces and decided I must visit her studio to see how they all come together.  Renee and I met on Monday to talk design, business, and a little peak at what was to come with 16th Colony.

Renee was incredibly welcoming and it took only a minute for us to get chatting about EVERYTHING.  Don't you love meeting someone you can picture yourself having a glass of wine with at Happy Hour?  She explained how 16th Colony was developed, a concept that she created after attending FIDM and working as a designer for a number of labels.  She recognized a need for that classic, wear-all-the-time piece that women love to live in.  And she nailed it.  Her fabrics are divine, the fit reaches all sizes (she is petite and I am a giant...amazingly they fit us both extremely well) and she takes care to ensure all products are of the highest quality.  I got lost in all the pieces and instantly began imagining them being worn with cut offs for a BBQ, as a cover up at the beach, or thrown over skinnies and a white tee for dinner.  Each piece offers so much versatility that everyone will find their favorite way to wear them.  I was also able to preview the Fall collection, which will be available in August and it is AMAZING.  No photos were allowed but you will want to keep an eye out for it.  I already have my order in.  

16th Colony is currently available in a number of boutiques through out California, Hawaii and the UK.  Even better, they are currently conducting an online Flash Sale from now until Sunday, offering 40% off the entire collection online with the code "FLASH40" at checkout.  The perfect time to pick up some pieces for summer!  Click here to begin shopping.

Thank you Renee and 16th Colony for having me.  

I am looking forward to spending some summer days in 16th Colony.