Where family and style coexist
Earlier this month we took a couples anniversary trip to San Jose Del Cabo where we co-celebrated our ninth and their fourth wedding anniversaries. It was a short trip, but a memorable one with a visit to the amazing Flora Farms (Go. Now.) and indulgences in surf, sand and everything else Mexico is about. Yes, tequila.
Today my youngest Coco, aka Coconut, Cokes, Cocos-wowokos, turns three. It’s hard to believe how quickly these last three years have passed. Putting these favorite videos together was the perfect walk down memory lane with this gigglepuss and if the clips are long, there’s a reason. It was almost impossible to cut one second of this cutie. Coco, you’ve brought us all such joy and laughter and you’ve made our family complete. We love you so much and hope all your dreams come true today, and forever. Happy 3rd Birthday! XO
This wonderful song is “Sweet Pea” by Amos Lee and it’s available on iTunes.
Remember that Mammoth trip I took back in January? Well, I FINALLY got around to editing the video I shot using skills I picked up at Blogshop Video. I’m not gonna lie, this was a journey. Learning this new medium has been such a challenge for me-I really could not get my head around it at first. But once I figured it all out, it was so rewarding . It reminded me how inspiring learning a new skill can be. I’m hoping to look back on this in a few months and laugh at how amateur it looks, ’cause I’m now fully addicted to the whole process and can’t wait to dive in for more. Hope you enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed making it. Special thanks to Karim, my video guru. Happy Friday!
Song “Going Up The Country” by Canned Head
Remember a few months ago I styled a band called The Mowgli’s for a photo shoot and their first video shoot? Well, last week the music video (above) debuted and I am so happy to share it here with you. It’s as adorable and genuine as this group of musicians is and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. I also just got word they’ll be doing Jimmy Kimmel Live in a few weeks and they’ve asked me to help them out again. So stay tuned to see what style-y goodness we come up with next for The Mowgli’s.
A few months ago, I found this necklace at a boutique in La Costa and I haven’t taken it off much since. Maybe you’ve noticed. The necklace caught my eye, but the story behind it cinched the deal. The necklace is sold by Ember Arts, a company who partners with women in Uganda, East Africa who make this charming handmade jewelry out of recycled paper and plastic. Yeah, the goodness just keeps on coming-total guilt free shopping here. Through the connection to the American market, these women use the profits to rebuild their lives and their families lives after a devastating civil war. When I went to look for another purchase on their site the other day , this video (below) was on the home page. If you can take a minute to watch it, you will not be disappointed. These women are amazing. What I found most incredible was how much I related to them even though our worlds could not be more different. I mean my daily suburban strifes were put into MAJOR perspective. Their struggling for daily survival, I’m struggling for the shortest line at Target. But in the end, we’re still mothers, daughters and sisters doing what women do-looking out for those around us and trying to make the best life we can for our families. I’ve been so inspired by this story, and I hope you are too.
multicolored necklaces/three string necklaces/earrings/pouch/necklace
Let’s face it, a mom’s day-to-day wardrobe can leave something to be desired. It’s hard to get dolled up just to get messed with food, markers, paints, and the other unmentionables that come with parenting young children. But when the stars align and I get out with grown-ups, it’s nice to play dress-up. My kids always tend to go nuts right when I start getting ready which is why I often end up in some slightly spruced up version of what I’m already wearing, usually skinny jeans. Here I paired them with a cute leather jacket and some heels to make a comfy, but fun date night outfit. This video was a true family affair, complete with the girls and Mike’s big debut. A little chaotic, yes, but still fun. I think that’s why I did something I don’t usually do, breaking one of my own style rules-mixed metals. If I could go back, I would have worn silver accessories because of the silver studs in the jacket. This is just one of my little pet-peeves, you may like it. If you do, let me know! I could use the ego boost! Enjoy.
Mommy confession, I have yet to throw a birthday party for either of my kids. I mean, yes, I’ve gotten the family together and had their besties over for a play date and cake, but I still haven’t done the big over-the-top, blown out birthday extravaganza thing. I think my main issue with it has been finding a location. We have a quaint (code word for small) house and I have a hard time narrowing down the guest list. So it’s tough to have everyone over without them stepping all over themselves. I’ve pitched a play gym to the girls, but they’re not into it. They’ve decided they want it in a park. So I set out on a mission to find the perfect park location and this is how I did it. I hope you enjoy this episode I did with T Mobile and if you like what you see, check out mytouch.t-mobile.com and learn how the new T-Mobile my Touch and myTouch Q are as simple as they are smart.
This post was sponsored by T-Mobile.
I am so happy with this video from Kin about one of my favorite wardrobe staples-the chambray shirt. Here I styled it two ways-casual and more dressed up. Both of which I’ve had in heavy rotation this summer. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Happy Friday everyone!
One of my favorite things about summer vacations is how easy it is to get dressed. No layers to worry about, big coats or jackets. Just throw on a dress or a swimsuit and go. To that point, there is nothing easier than a sarong. I love it for the beach, lunch by the pool or even dinner out. Here are my three favorite ways to wear it on your beach vacation or just lounging in the backyard by the pool. Are you going anywhere fun this summer? If you are, a-I want to hear about it, b-I’m extremely jealous!
Happy Friday everyone! What better way to start the weekend than with a fabulous new addition to your wardrobe-for free! Here’s another great Kin giveaway from my closet, this classic yet modern striped dress is super versatile and fun to wear! Good luck!