The Zara Spring Collection

 With April now under way, it is apparently that Spring is really here, regardless of the mild storm that has swept through Southern California.  The heavy coats and sweaters are gone (if they were really ever here in the first place....our Winter seemed to be a joke.... sorry mid and eastern US!) and now it is time to transition to a lighter way of dressing.  Known for their effortless style (and incredible prices) Zara has delivered a Spring collection that is one of my favorites.  The textures, fabrics, prints and clean lines have created a universal look that works for everyone.  There are numerous staples that will help transition your wardrobe and work right into Summer.  Time for a little closet updating don't you think?

You can shop the entire collection by clicking here.

Begin

And so I begin.

I wish I could offer you more than a simple note but the website redesign is well under way and I am currently going through all 800 posts I have written over the last few years and re-labeling them to match the exciting new pages that I am creating on the new site.  The ability to move through the website is going to be SO MUCH EASIER and I cannot wait to see it all come together.  I must spend the few hours I have today getting this done so I am going leave you simply with this quote.

So often we want to begin, but something holds us back.  

Fear.  Frustration.  Uncertainty.

But it really is simple isn't it?

To begin, is simply to begin.

Taking that first step may be the hardest, but the reward outweighs it all.

I challenge you all to begin something you have been wanting to do.

Can I promise it will work out?

Nope.

But I can promise that you will never regret trying, you will only regret not beginning.

Happy Monday.

Weekend

It's Friday!  It's Friday!

I cannot believe we are at the last week of March and April starts next Tuesday.  I know they say the years start to go fast but I had no idea that they would go as fast as they are.  Sometimes I feel like everything is on fast forward.

This weekend we of course have a ton of sporting events but I am really looking forward to some mellow evenings at home and a little Mother/Son fun on Sunday.

If you missed it this week...

I shared this little gem of a store in Los Olivos...

I made my favorite lunch...

I shared a little glimpse of our Spring activity...

I am trying to turn my black thumb around with this...

Happy Weekend.

Fiddle Dee Dee

I am totally jumping on the Fiddle Fig Tree bandwagon.

They are just too cute.

I went back and forth between a real one and a fake one because I tend to have a strong inability to keep plants alive, both inside and out.  I really tried for the fool proof fake but nothing looked as good as the real ones.  And so, here I go.  Lucky for me a local nursery will order the tree, pot it for me and deliver it right to our living room, without me destroying it.  Once it is in the house, it is up to me and I am going to DO MY BEST to take care of this thing.

Besides my recently potted succulents in our kitchen, this will be the first living plant allowed into our home...  

I think I can... I think I can... I think I can...

* images via 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

Ball Park

Weekends = Baseball

Hello Spring!

The best part is that getting ready for a game is about as easy as it gets.

Tee, cut offs, hat and sneakers and you are ready to go!

Avocado Toast + Cheese

I know I am jumping on the trend bandwagon with this post but I do not care because I am obsessed with Avocado Toast.  For breakfast, lunch or dinner, I just cannot get enough.  As a mom, it does make the EASIEST lunch ever, allowing you to get some great nutrients in with very little time.  The only difference between mine and perhaps the uber healthy version is that I like cheese with it, because cheese is my favorite and I see no reason not to add it.  Here is what you need to do...

Ingredients:
Two slices of cheese
One Avocado
Two pieces of bread
Salt and pepper

1. Turn your broiler on.
2. Toast two pieces of bread in your toaster and then set on a baking sheet with a slice of cheese on each piece.
3. Still the toast and cheese under the broiler just long enough to melt the cheese on top.
4. Remove from the oven and place on a plate.
5. Slice the avocado and lay slices across each piece of toast.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
ENJOY!

Waxing Poetic

The final stop of my retail therapy in Los Olivos was Waxing Poetic, a jewelry, charms, candles and housewares boutique.  You may have heard of Waxing Poetic as they has been mentioned in a number of publications and is not only available in their two boutiques (Los Olivos and Summerland) but also in numerous boutiques across the country.  The last time I was in Los Olivos they were in a different location so I was excited to visit the new store and of course, peruse all the dainty treasures.

When you enter the store, you immediately feel as if you are in someone's living room.  Books line the walls, there is a beautiful writing desk and you are surrounded by intricately designed charms, jewelry, scarves and candles...just to name a few.  I found myself getting lost in the store as I immediately began thinking of all the sentimental gifts that I could pick up here.  Something for the bride, for your pregnant sister, your mother, a first communion.  Truly, they have embraced the moments of life and created opportunities for you to give something that is just not a gift but something that will be held on to forever.  I may have also started my own "wish list" for the hubby while I was inside.  As with all the boutiques I visited while in the valley, the customer service was phenomenal and even though I have discovered all the locations Waxing Poetic is available in Orange County, there is still something special about being in this store in Los Olivos.  It is a very special little place.

You can visit the Los Olivos boutique at 2477 Alamo Pintado Ave. or click here to find where Waxing Poetic is sold near you.  

I also recommend following them on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with their new pieces.