How I’m Focusing on a Healthy Holiday Season

November 20, 2017 / Health & Beauty, Local Love, Style Files / 0 comment

Spanx leggings; Cowl-neck sweater; cabi jacket; Cole Haan sneakers; Louis Vuitton neverfull; Quay sunglasses

Oh, ho, ho, the holidays, y’all, and I am ready. We’re kicking things off with our annual Friendsgiving festivities tonight and hopping on a plane to Louisiana tomorrow morning to spend Thanksgiving week with my family. It’s my hands-down favorite time of year, but it can also be a stressful time if you let it. Travel, work responsibilities, and party after party can really take a toll on a gal’s health, ya know? And there’s no better way to ruin my favorite season than by getting all sick and exhausted and pooped out. So today I’m sharing a few ways that I’m focusing on my health this holiday season. (And don’t get it twisted, I still fully intend to live my best life in the weeks ahead – bring on ALLLL the food!) But here goes anyway…

Drink Your Juice (and Eat a Veggie or Two) – And the candied yam variety probably doesn’t count. We all know that the holidays can get a little out of hand with the meals, the treats, the cocktails, you name it, but it’s important for me to remember that holidays or not, my body needs a little actual nourishment regularly. And you can call me crazy, but I’m totally one of those juice enthusiast people. When I start to feel sick, I usually book it to Juice Served Here for their Hot Shot and Turmeric shots and the Pipe Cleaner juice. Last I checked, loading up on ginger never hurt anybody. (And bonus, this week all of their juices are just $5.) My mom has this theory that whatever you believe in will work, and I gotta say, she’s probably right. If you build it, they will come, y’all.

All About the Essential Oils – Call me crazy twice, but I’m also a huge believer in essential oils, and doTERRA is my oil drug of choice. My friend Corrine introduced me a year or so ago, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Lemon, lavender, Breathe (amazing for snoring husbands), and Peppermint are in constant rotation around here, but my favorite by far is On Guard. It smells amazing (especially around this time of year) and is my go-to when I’m feeling a bit under the weather. I’m constantly grabbing the oil and also love the softgels.

Get Some Exercise – Well, this one is groundbreaking. I know, it’s not rocket science, but sometimes when I’m being pulled in 100 different directions the last thing on my mind is fitting in a workout. But 10 times out of 10, when I make the time and get a workout in, I’m 100% happy that I did. I work out at Core Reform Pilates a few times a week (and have since wayyy back here) and normally take my wild ass puppy on long walks everyday. We’ll be traveling a couple of times over the holidays, so I’m making it a goal for myself to get in so much walking.

And Some SLEEP – I’m pretty much always guilty of not getting enough sleep. I’m a natural night owl, and let’s just say that mornings generally aren’t my jam. (I get these genes from my dad.) But sometimes in the real world, a girl’s gotta wake up early, so I’m making it a priority these days to get a bit more shuteye. For a little nighttime help, I occasionally rely on Olly Restful Sleep Supplements or Dream Water – both work like a charm to relax and turn off my overactive mind.

Take a Little “Me” Time – As a blogger, the holidays can be an especially busy time for me. End of year projects kick into high gear, the event invites are more frequent than any other time of year, and there are personal obligations on top of that. But over the past couple of years, I’ve found that it’s so important to learn to say “no”. I can run around from event to event, trying to please this company and that one, but in the end, no one wins because I’m burnt out and giving everything only half of my attention. These days, I pick and choose my obligations and make sure to take a little “me”time. My ultimate “me” time? A good old fashioned bath, y’all.

And a Little More “Us” Time – What are the holidays if you’re not spending them with people you love? I love the holidays – love, love them – and there’s nothing better than creating new holiday memories with family and friends. I made a priority list for myself a while back, and it goes like this: my husband and my marriage, my family and friends (and pup), and then my blog and career and anything else. It’s admittedly over-simplified here, but when I remember what’s important in life, I think it can do wonders for my mental health and overall happiness. And don’t we all just want to be happy this holiday season?

xoxo

Photos thanks to Samantha Klose

Favorites From the Nordstrom Fall Clearance Sale

November 3, 2017 / Style Files / 0 comment

1. Thermal Tee 2. Faux Fur Ankle Strap Sandal 3. Coffee Weekend Rendezvouz Pullover 4. Embellished Cuff Trio 5. Leather and Calfhair Crossbody Bag 6. Tie Hem Sweater 7. Fringed Ankle-Tie Sandal 8. Distressed Plaid Shirtdress 9. Leather Vintage-Style Sneakers 10. Turtleneck Sweater 11. Taupe Over-the-Knee Boots 12. Cashmere Infinity Scarf 13. Tory Burch Fringe Shoulder Bag

Happy Friday, friends! Hope everyone’s as excited for the weekend as I am – I already know it’s gonna be a good one. We’re kicking things off tonight with dinner with Eric’s family at one of our favorite little Italian places around here. Spaghetti Bender, anyone? If you live in Orange County, you HAVE to try this place. Yummy spaghetti, garlic bread that I could eat as my meal, house wine by the carafe, and the cutest little cozy atmosphere – it’s a pretty great way to start a weekend.

Then on Sunday we’re headed to Sip’n’Shuck at The Deck in Laguna Beach for the third year in a row. It’s a charity event benefitting CASA, and it’s become one of our favorite events of the year. There are wine and liquor vendors doing tastings and mixed cocktails, oysters and delicious food everywhere, a live band, and in general just lots of fun. The general admission tickets are unfortunately already sold out, but you can still get your hands on a VIP ticket if you’re so inclined. (And I’m telling you, get inclined.)

And as for today on the ‘ole blog, I’m rounding up a few favorite picks from the Nordstrom fall clearance sale that’s going on now. Over the last two days of rare gloomy, rainy weather, I’ve had lots of time to click through all the pages, and there are definitely some deals worth grabbing. For me, it’s the perfect time to scoop up a few cold-weather essentials for our upcoming trip to Jackson Hole, and if you’ve got any holiday trips on the horizon, there’s no time like the present to do the same.

So happy sipping and happy shopping – here’s hoping everyone has a great weekend ahead!

xoxo

15 Fall Finds I’m Digging Right Now

October 17, 2017 / Style Files / 0 comment

1. Wine Velvet Blouse 2. Lurex Turban Headband 3. Snake-Embossed Block Heel Bootie 4. Velvet Ruffle Edge Skirt 5. Leather Mini Skirt 6. Convertible Leather Crossbody 7. Aqua Stone Cuff Bracelet 8. Rose Gold Sneakers 9. Slouchy Tunic Sweater 10. Lavender Distressed Sweater 11. Distressed Skinny Jeans 12. Waffle Knit Scarf 13. Faux Fur Lined Leather Mule 14. Sweatshirt Dress 15. Small Top Handle Crossbody Bag

Velvet, leather, snake prints, and every single sweater I find – the fall fashion lust is real these days, and today I’m rounding up 15 favorite finds. Although Southern California has been WARM these last couple of weeks with no real end in sight, we did get a little taste of cool weather back in September that has me all about the fall things.

I’m honestly having a hard time even picking a favorite from today’s roundup because I’m loving everything, but I will say that the distressed sweater at number 10 has already made it into my closet. Also, how cute would it be to pair the velvet top, leather skirt, faux fur lined mules, and top handle bag at number 15? So, so cute.

Fall is also my favorite time for sneakers paired with just about everything – dresses, denim, and especially faux leather leggings. I’m loving the rose gold-ish pair at number 8, but check out so many more sleek styles here.

Someone seriously needs to hide my wallet. What pieces are currently on your fall radar?

xoxo

Snag My Favorite Leggings on Sale

September 28, 2017 / Style Files / 0 comment

Spanx leggings (currently up to 25% off); cabi turtleneck tunic (c/o); Beyond Yoga wrap; cabi booties (c/o); Henri Bendel handbag (c/o); Brixton hat; sunglasses; Julie Vos bracelets and ring

Happy end of the week, friends! Earlier this week I let you guys know about the big ol’ sale going down at Shopbop right now, but I forgot to mention one of my must-snag pieces in the sale: these leggings!

Y’all, I got these leggings last year and have since worn them close to a bajillion times. When we moved out of our house in January for the remodel, these were one of the only pairs of pants I packed for some reason. (In my defense, I think it was oddly warm out when I packed, so I wasn’t thinkin’ right.) I don’t even want to admit how many days in a row I would reach for these.

They’re made by Spanx, so you know they instantly suck you in, give you a high five, and send you on your way. Plus I feel like they toe that line of sporty and sleek, so I’ve worn these all kinds of ways – with sneakers, with OTK boots, and anything in between. Annnd I have a feeling they’ll be making many appearances in the months to come paired with this cabi turtleneck tunic because it is SO easy and comfortable.

The Shopbop sale ends tomorrow (9/29 – are we really almost done with September?) at midnight, so don’t forget to snag your favorites with code EOTS17. Happy shopping and happy almost weekend!

xoxo

Photos thanks to Tyler Chase

Shopbop’s Entire Site Is on Sale

September 26, 2017 / Giveaways & Deals, Style Files / 0 comment

1. Flare Sleeve Scoop Dress 2. Lace-Up V-Neck Tee 3. ZAC Zac Posen Cross Body Bag 4. Block Heel Shearling Mules 5. Mile High Skinny Jean 6. Studded Slip-On Mules 7. Quay Mirrored Sunglasses 8. Burnout Velvet Shift Mini Dress 9. Cropped Feather Jacket (also love this faux fur jacket) 10. Lace-Up Sweater 11. Sherpa Lined High-Top Sneakers 12. Tan Leather Crossbody 13. Pale Grey Wool Hat

Anybody ready for some fall weather? This girl is. (But to be fair, I’m always ready for some fall weather. That sweaty forehead just isn’t where it’s at, girl.) And while we may be experiencing some fake fall here in Southern California, my wardrobe is ready for a few more cozy updates. Lucky for me, and all the gals like me with the shopping bug, Shopbop is having their End of Season Sale, starting today.

Now I know what you’re thinking. End of season? I don’t need any summer things, fool. Well, don’t fear, my dear, because this sale covers the whole dang site. Sale finds, new arrivals, and everything in between – including a half-off bag that looks so much like the one I posted on Instagram yesterday. I’ve got number one and number six in my cart currently, along with way too many other things. (That shopping bag editing process though.)

Now through September 29th, get 20% off of everything and 25% off when you spend $500 or more. Just use code EOTS17 at checkout, and live your best fall life – fake or not.

Hope everyone is having a great week!

xoxo

The New Favorite Fall Combo

September 19, 2017 / Style Files / 0 comment

cabi Flashdance Dress and Hanson Anorak (c/o); Nike sneakers; Zac Zac Posen handbag; Quay sunglasses; Kendra Scott ring (c/o)

Happy Tuesday, friends! This week Orange County is taking a much-needed break from that whole heatwave business, and although I don’t want to jinx it, we MAY even get a smidge of rain. GASP! Maybe I’m a total weirdo (actually that’s more than a possibility), but I love a good rainy day around here. I’m currently working from bed, looking out at a super gloomy morning, and thinking about ALL of the fall fashion that I’m dying to get my hands on.

If there’s one thing I’ll definitely be wearing on repeat this fall, it’s this little fall combo from cabi, styled 100 different ways. The sweatshirt dress is SO soft and cozy – the perfect fall substitute for summer’s t-shirt dresses. Wear it with sneakers, booties, over-the-knee boots, ballet flats, whatever. It’s so versatile and easy, you seriously can’t go wrong with a sweatshirt dress.

And then there’s the jacket. cabi designed a similar jacket to this one so many seasons ago, and I pretty much wore it ’til the wheels fell off. It was my absolute favorite year to year, and this one is like a tricked-out, updated version. The embellished patches are so good, and I love the easy fit of this one. It’s so good over a dress and will definitely be a go-to over skinny jeans and leggings in the cooler months.

And now I’m off because, y’all, little Weeze girl is headed off to school today – for ten whole days! – so I’m headed to the big drop-off. Wish me luck!

xoxo

P.S. – Reminder about tomorrow night’s Kendra Gives Back event with Kendra Scott at Fashion Island. If you’re in the Orange County area, I’d love to see you there!

Photos thanks to Gabi Wells

Stay Here: Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara

September 15, 2017 / Style Files, Travel / 0 comment

Amour Vert t-shirt dress; sneakers (c/o) DSW; Gap denim jacket; Gucci crossbody; Henri Bendel duffel; Ray-Ban sunglasses similar Articles of Society jeans; Lush top; studded heels; Sam Edelman handbag; Quay sunglasses Eberjey pajamas (similar version here) Articles of Society jeans; studded heels; Sam Edelman handbag Lilly Pulitzer coverup and crossbody; Quay sunglasses; Ace of Something Hat Eeeeeeats at Seasons Restaurant Amoressa swimsuit; straw bag; Hat; Tory Burch flip flops Driftwood Spa waiting area Lilly Pulitzer two-piece set (c/o); Gap denim jacket; sneakers (c/o) DSW; Gucci bag; Henri Bendel duffel (c/o); Julie Vos bracelets; Ray-Ban aviators

Y’all, this trip. This trip right here is how I’d like to spend the Monday and Tuesday nights of my week just about every week. Back in August, Kitty Kat Kathleen invited me to join her for a couple of nights at the Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara in North San Diego, and I clearly was like, yahs.

As soon as we checked in, I was feeling the vacay vibes even though we were only a couple of hours from home. Our room was actually larger than any of my Los Angeles apartments and boasted a full kitchen, two full bathrooms, and two balconies. (Oh, and a sleeper sofa in the living room that was perfect for watching a movie with room service on our second night. No shame in our game.)

Our first order of business? Hit the spa, girl. I had a facial, and let me tell you, these pores were happy. The esthetician asked what I’d like out of my facial, and I told her I wanted to be young forever. She laughed, and I’m still wondering what was funny. Seriously though, the spa was so relaxing, the perfect way to kick off the trip. I don’t know if I’ll be young forever, but my face did feel pretty dang smooth.

That night we had the most uh-mazing dinner at Seasons, the restaurant on the property. We got to dine at the chef’s table in the kitchen like some sort of fancy people, and for two girls who can never decide what they want to order, having the chef serve up whatever he wants at the “kitchen counter” really is the way to go. Each course was paired with wine and was somehow just as amazing as the last, and by course number 387, I was really questioning my decision to wear skinny jeans. By the way, the restaurant is open to the public, so San Diego area peeps – go there! (Also go there for brunch and order the avocado benedict with smashed potatoes – it’s legit.)

The next day we spent roaming around the property and hanging by the peaceful pool. Admittedly, it was a Tuesday, but man was this pool relaxing and also responsible for my first suntan of the summer. First tan in August? Not bad. We ended day numero dos by taking a few photos and then enjoying the aforementioned room service. Why does food taste better when you eat it in a robe?

This place really is meant to be a home away from home, and it was so nice in the mornings to just walk into our own kitchen, make coffee, and sit out on the balcony. Although we never even left the property, its location is just a short drive from beaches, restaurants, shopping, and so much exploring. Plus, no one even looked at me funny when I decided to have a little seat on a luggage cart in the middle of the outdoor lobby, so, ya know, that’s important.

If you guys are looking for a relaxing place to stay in the San Diego area with beyond yummy food, I really can’t recommend the Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara more. Hope everyone has a great weekend ahead!

xoxo

Photos thanks to Arielle Levy

Summertime Gingham and the Comfiest Oxfords

August 10, 2017 / Style Files / 6 Comments

I may have just spent the last few weeks telling you all about the best fall fashion finds in the Nordstrom sale, but around here, summer is still in full swing in all its scorching glory. And with so many long days and beach weekends ahead, I’m not complaining about it one bit.

But there is that minor little detail of the heat. Y’all, I know we can’t really complain about the weather here in Southern California (OK, we can’t complain at all), but it has been a tad on the warm side lately. So these days I’m pulling out all of the summer dresses, and this one is just about as lightweight as they come. (So lightweight actually that the wind was getting a bit tricky.)

I love that it incorporates the off-the-shoulder trend without requiring a strapless bra (Hallelujah!! – super similar version here), and nothing says summer like a little black and white gingham. This one is perfect when paired with sandals, sneakers, or the comfiest, cushiest, perforated platform oxfords. I know, that’s a real mouth-full, but trust, they’re comf.

Here’s hoping everyone is having a great week and beating the heat. The weekend is almost here, y’all.

xoxo

Photos thanks to Vincent Elejorde; Location: 4130 Calle Isabella

A Few More Last-Minute Sale Picks

August 2, 2017 / Style Files / 1 Comment

1. Origami Cardigan with Pockets 2. Black and Gold Polarized Sunglasses 3. Houndstooth Square Scarf 4. Nike Sneakers 5. Block Heel Ankle Bootie 6. Rose Gold Twisted Pave Bangle 7. Ruffle Bell Sleeve Blouse 8. Stretch Chenille Robe 9. Plaid and Floral Tunic Shirt 10. Rose Gold Strappy Sandal 11. 5-pack Mixed Metal Chokers 12. Mario Badescu Icons Collection 13. Knit and Shearling Slipper 14. MAC Look-in-a-Box Kit 15. High Waist Leggings

Well, friends, it’s finally here – the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is about to be dunzo. It’s the final week of every blogger in the land telling you about this deal and that one, but more importantly, it’s your last week to grab those final goodies before prices go up.

Personally, I’ll admit that I hit the sale more than a handful of times. I started off with the clothing, shoes, and handbags of course, and last week I scooped up a few finds from the home section – check those out here.

This week I may or may not have gone back just one last time. (Haha, I crack myself up – I’ve still got a couple of days left to shop the sale.) But this time I focused solely on the activewear section because I’m back on the Pilates bus, and nothing motivates me more than new workout gear. (Well, new workout gear and tacos and margs – all very motivational.)

I walked away with some spankin’ new workout gear, and y’all, these leggings are amazing. (Also loving this cropped pair.) Also, if you buy one last thing from the sale, perhaps this pocketed wrap cardigan should be IT. It’s perfect for the post-workout errands once the weather cools (or those days when your workout gear never actually made it to the gym), and I’m thinking that it will be my new favorite for traveling. So so cozy for cold airplanes.

So today I’m rounding up just a few more last-minute picks from the sale. Throw ’em in your cart, or kick yourself later. Prices go up August 7th. Happy shopping, y’all!

xoxo

The Best Denim Dresses

July 31, 2017 / Style Files / 0 comment

Madewell dress; Gucci Marmont handbag; sneakers (c/o) DSW; Karen Walker sunglasses (affordable version here); Julie Vos bracelets

Well here’s some shocking news: I am NOT ready for the weekend to be over, and somehow, Monday rolled around anyway. So rude. This weekend my pestering paid off, and we headed to Palm Springs on Saturday. After a couple of days of pool time, a pretty sweet hammock nap, dinner at Ruben & Ozzy’s, and drinks at the Bootlegger Tiki, it’s back to the real world and back to the Pilates reformer. (That part can’t come soon enough.)

One thing that definitely made the desert trip with me this weekend: this denim dress. Although denim may not sound like the most lightweight material to take to 109 degree heat, I’m telling you, this dress is about as airy as they come. (I’ve got a thing for all denim dresses, really. Remember this one from last year? Still wearing the heck out of it.) The fit is nice and loose, and I love the roomy sleeves – they’re like built-in air conditioning.

This was probably my favorite purchase in the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, and it sold out FAST. Real fast. Currently it’s back in stock in a couple of sizes, and if your size is there, I can’t recommend this little shirtdress more. And if your size is still gone, then I’m rounding up a few more denim dresses below that are definitely worth checking out. (Because nothing breaks up the Monday blues like a little online shopping, right?)

xoxo

Photos thanks to Vincent Elejorde

Searching for "sneakers"

How I’m Focusing on a Healthy Holiday Season

Favorites From the Nordstrom Fall Clearance Sale

15 Fall Finds I’m Digging Right Now

Snag My Favorite Leggings on Sale

Shopbop’s Entire Site Is on Sale

The New Favorite Fall Combo

Stay Here: Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara

Summertime Gingham and the Comfiest Oxfords

A Few More Last-Minute Sale Picks

The Best Denim Dresses

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