Glitter and Gold

where do you go at night?

2012-02-24T03:00:00.001-08:00

I may be here . . . . in my dreams

and you will find me lounging poolside in this . . .

or this . . .

and by night I will be roaming the hotel grounds in this . . .

all clothing via

Photo of the day (via)

"I shot this calf on the road in 2011 on the eve of Diwali at Neyveli, which is my hometown. Due to crackers going off everywhere, the cows couldn’t rest near homes so they sought the middle of the road for rest. The fog, noise, and the back lighting of the streetlight made me take this picture."

better late than . . .

2012-02-23T16:26:00.000-08:00

I actually fell asleep last night with my laptop open on my lap while in bed . . . I was about to write a post but . . . I didn't! The lack of sleep just took over my body and I was out.

anyhoo here is what I wore to work the other day . . . the shirt and pants are from here and are both amazingly comfortable and fit great. The cardigan is Calypso (old) and the necklace (last seen here) is Betsey Johnson (Mr. Hotpants picked this out himself) . . . so there you have it, the short and sweet post. Toodles . . .

Sharing & Letting Go

2012-02-22T03:00:00.000-08:00

I get wrapped up in everyday things and then something stops me in my tracks, slaps me in the face and says "slow down crazy lady! instead of trying to do it all, stop and sit down with your babies, talk to them, tickle them, let them get dirty and make a mess and do something un-perfect." Letting go is a major thing I am working on in my life. I am a perfectionist to a fault, I don't adapt to change very well and I tend to loose sight of the humor in things so I am trying to recognize those things when they happen and change them.

I am trying to "let go" of my expectations and just let life happen without having to control it (this is seriously HARD) so I want to share with you 5 things that I am focusing on this month.

Here are my 5 things. . .

1. Take a bath with both girls at least once a week. I already do this and it is honestly one of my favorite times with them. It's not so much of a chore when I am in there with them splashing, blowing bubbles, playing boats & dinosaurs . . . and it is so much easier to wash them and their hair. Try this if you haven't already and I bet it becomes a special bonding time for you and your bean(s) . . . these will be precious memories.

2. Let Emerson crack the eggs next time we bake. I normally don't let her do this because the potential for disaster is high! but how will she learn if I don't let her try? It may be a messy, sticky, and not picture-perfect event but I will take a deep breath, relax (have a glass of wine), laugh and let the flour and eggs fly . . . . literally!

3. At bedtime, once or twice a week, rub Emerson's back or kiss her face all over to help her fall asleep. She whispers "kiss me, mama, kiss me to sleep" . . . I did this last night and I was in heaven. I kissed every inch of her little face; her eyelids, her forehead, her ears, her chin, her cheeks, her little lips and she nodded off to sleep . . . . it was incredibly cozy and will forever be a special memory for me; even the smell, her still-baby smell lingers with me.

4. Hug and kiss Mr. Hotpants more . . . . plain and simple; I don't do it enough.

5. Relax a little more when Emerson paints in the house. I am always a little on edge when she is twirling that paintbrush around with a heaping glob of green paint on the end of it. But I just need to remind myself that the paint is washable, clothes can be stain-treated, hardwood floors are easy to clean, and Mr. Clean pads can get almost anything off anything . . . . so I need to breath and relax and watch her create her masterpieces.

Photo of the Day (via)

"A pride of lions behaves naturally for the camera—a remote-controlled car outfitted with still and video cameras to capture the lions at ground level. The equipment was field tested by photographer Michael "Nick" Nichols while on assignment for National Geographic magazine."

I got 5 minutes

2012-02-21T03:00:00.000-08:00

and I almost got through an entire magazine this past weekend . . . almost; it sits unfinished next to my bed until next weekend. Everything was so pretty and I really savored this time to myself (I used to read 10 magazines a week, completely uninterrupted . . . . haven't done that in 3 years.) I had to share some of the things that caught my eye

Photo of the Day (via)

An adult emperor penguin in Antarctica takes care of the young ones while the other parents are fishing

she says the darnest things

2012-02-20T03:00:00.000-08:00

Such a busy weekend, fun and sweet, but it was here and gone in a flash! We went looking at houses in two completely different neighborhoods and very easily ruled out one area that we did not want to live in so even though we found nothing, we accomplished crossing off a certain city from our list, so that felt somewhat productive!

Grandma came and watched the girlies while we went out looking and when she asked Emerson where mummy and daddy were going, she matter-of-factly said "The house shop, to buy me a new house" LOL . . . I love their literal translations at this age.

And another awesome Emerson comment . . . The flyer below came in the mail the other day and Emerson grabbed it, clutched it to her chest, hugged it, then held it out and lovingly looked at it, sighed and said "Aww mummy, look someone sent a photo of you and daddy." And I totally know where she got that idea; this is exactly what Mr. Hotpants does when he saunters through the door each night. . . . and this is precisely what I look like after a full day of work, dinner with the girls and getting bedtime started . . .

Although it did get me thinking that maybe Mr. Hotpants and I need to sign up for a salsa class . . . stay tuned

On a separate note I have been secretly stalking the National Geographic website. They do a "photo of the day" that I am addicted to viewing. I thought it would be a great idea to share the images, daily, with all of you. Some are inspiring, some are heartwrenching, some give me hope, some leave me awestruck, and some break my heart but they all make me "feel" something, remind me how lucky I am, how beautiful the earth and its creatures are, to reach out and help others who need it and to teach empathy and compassion to my girlies . . . here is the first one . . . it is quite stunning (we actually just saw giraffes up close at the zoo yesterday and they are truly amazing creatures)

"Giraffes are pictured at dawn in Kenya's Samburu National Reserve" via

me

2012-02-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

Here is what I wore to work yesterday. . . excuse the iPhone self-pic, I don't currently have my own camera crew. . . yet! The weather here in LA has been like a yo-yo, going from gorgeous, sunny 75-80 degree weather to rainy, windy and cold the very next day! So it makes choosing your outfit in the morning a mind-twisting chore!

Rag & Bone Bell Jeans (here and on sale here), Joie draped wrap (on sale in gray here), Banana Republic blouse (on sale here), Infinity leopard scarf (F21, similar here) and Payless nude patent wedges (here), vintage bracelet found (here)

A close up of my bracelet; its half solid bangle and half bracelet with huge gold claws holding gorgeous emerald green beads. One of my favorite random pieces!

The Payless shoes were a great find for me because I have been in love with both these pairs (Pour La Victoire and Christian Louboutin) for a while now and the Payless ones were ridiculously cheap, I mean practically "free" and they are honestly very comfortable, especially since I wear them for work and walk almost 2 blocks from the parking lot to my office!

I have to say the color and overall look of this shoe is way nicer in person than in this photo.

Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

2012-02-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

That there is no way in h*ll that these sleek chic booties are from . . . .

P A Y L E S S (here)

the details remind me of these gorgeous Gucci bamboo-tassel booties that I saw at Neimans and Saks last year

Material Girl

2012-02-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

So Mr. Hotpants did it again . . . . he is quite the "wowzer" when it comes to gifts. He surprised me last night with VIP tickets to the Madonna World Tour 2012 concert at the Staples Center in October!!! {insert serious celebratory "Vogue" dance moves here}

Plus a babysitter (thanks Granma!!!) to stay with the girls so that we can check into our junior suite here!!

Is it sad that it's not until October and we are already dreaming about the good 8-10hrs of solid, uninterrupted sleep we are going to get?

Thank you sweetheart for this wonderful journey through life we are taking together; you make it absolutely wonderful (and we make really pretty babies!)

Sleepy . . .

2012-02-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

I got stuck on Shopbop for way too long last night and I am kicking myself for it this morning! . . . "Sleep when you can get it, girl" (my brain talking to itself this morning!!!) . . . . but all the spring and summer flowy-glowy things are out and I want them . . . . ALL!

Really?!!?

2012-02-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

First of all I hope you had a fantastic weekend. The weather here was perfect (for us) sunny but briskly cold. We celebrated a special granma's birthday with Mediterranean food, yummy lemon-raspberry cake, prosecco, and family fun with all the babes. But now, as always, it's Sunday night and I'm like "WTF" where did the weekend go? I was going to do this, and take care of that, oh and tackle that one project I've been putting off" . . . . but no, here it is Sunday night and I pretty much have the same to-do-list as I did Friday . . . . ay ay ay . . . se la vie!

So I have an interesting (shocking) story to share. When I was pregnant with both girls, I got the same little lump in one boob and then after I had the girls it went away. My ob/gyn said it was nothing, but guess what, even though he has a medical degree and he is a smarty-pants, he is a man and this is my body. I decided I was going to have a mammogram after I had recovered from Harper's birth. So on Thursday I called a radiology institute in our area and the conversation went like this:

ME: "Hi, I want to know how I go about scheduling a mammogram and how much it will cost?"

Unhelpful lady: "Well first, who's your doctor and what insurance do you have" (nice fuzzy-feeling welcome)

ME: "Oh I have insurance but I'm just coming in on my own so I want to know the cash rate."

Unhelpful lady: "What do you mean? Your doctor's not sending you?"

ME: "No I just want to do it as a preventative thing, you know, for my health, I have two little girls and I want to take care of myself" (thinking she will be all "wow your so smart for taking care of yourself")

Unhelpful lady: "How old are you? Do you have a family history or something? Is there anything wrong with your breasts?"

ME: "I'm 35 and no, there is no family history and I don't have any lump or bump that I know of, but I still just want to have one; and I am completely willing to pay for one"

Really unhelpful lady: "No, no you cant have one. You don't need one. Goodbye" (phone goes dead)

I was shocked and p*ssed and sad and disappointed that another woman would not see the importance in this, oh and did I say p*ssed?!!!

This is my body, don't I get some say in when I can have some tests? The recommended age for a mammogram is 40 (younger if you have a family history) so I am not off by much, and I am always hearing about young woman and mothers being diagnosed with a rare, aggressive breast cancer that, had they found it earlier, would have had a better prognosis. I don't want to be that woman, that mother. So I am not giving up. I will speak with other ob/gyn's and call other centers to get more opinions and more information and to hopefully have a preliminary screening. What are your thoughts? Should we have more say in our own health, in our own life prognosis, should we be able to take some preventative measures to give ourselves a long quality life?

What do you see?

2012-02-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

I deeply believe that a photo speaks a thousand words. I am pretty sure no-one knows this about me but I can get lost for hours on the National Geographic and Time Magazine websites searching through their hundreds of albums and photos of the year. The photos speak to me, they remind me both how absolutely wonderful and awesome life can be then on the other hand how this world is in an awful and dire state. There are photos of everything, from every nook and cranny of this earth. The photos are eye-opening, heart-wrenching, full of emotion, full of stories, full of hope . . . .this Friday I leave you with some wonderful pictures that caught my eye

I'm a big kid now!

2012-02-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

I have 2 degrees, I've been married 7yrs, I'm a mummy to two beautiful little girls, we own a home, we have 2 cars, we have a dog, we pay property taxes, we have college funds and life insurance and big people jobs, heck Mr. Hotpants owns his own business but it wasn't until now that I felt all growned up!!!! I feel like I am finally a member of the big girls club! And as ridiculous and weird as this is, it is because of these two little gems that have newly entered my world . . . maybe it is because these things are more in-line with taking care of "me" instead of worrying about doing everything for others!

My new Balenciaga Work bag . . . I never thought I would actually own one and it just makes me feel all growned up! They are stunning bags and extremely comfortable to wear . . . she is pre-loved; I got her here. There is a green weekender for sale right now that has been texting and emailing me love notes . . . le sigh

Update - someone bought my baby green!!!! waaaaa. . . . . but I could easily be swept off my feet by this lovely (blush)

I found a new and wonderful dermatologist, Dr. Batra, who prescribed Retinoic acid for my per-cancerous, sun-damaged skin on my nose. I am using it all over my face and WOW this is how celebrities have perfect skin (well this and botox). I just started using it (you have to use it very slowly as it makes you peel) but my skin feels baby soft. I know I am soooooo late on the bandwagon with this but it is making me feel like I am part of the secret big girls club!

Oh and this roller-ball depuffer thingy is awesome for those mornings where I have slept with a pair of feet on my face and a knee in my back (sounds physically impossible right? you'd be surprised the positions these little people can get themselves into)

urban for the home

2012-02-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning lovelies . . . . I have to admit this post almost didn't happen . . . I am about 60 seconds away from ripping every strand of hair out of my head. Little Ms. H is screaming hysterically right now and has been for the past hour and I CAN'T take it tonight! The crying sounds like fingernails on a chalkboard! Thank god I have a husband who I can literally "tap-out" too and he steps in fully and takes the brunt. He doesn't get bothered by the crying, I think he actually secretly likes it because he gets to snuggle and hold his little Ms. H for a few precious moments. Me on the other hand, well lets just say the window was open and I had two feet out!!!! I'm telling you this parenting thing is not for the faint of heart. . .

anyhoo . . . I knew Urban Outfitters had stuff for the home but I had no idea that it was "super-cool-I-need-in-my-house-NOW" stuff!!! Look at these pretties . . . and the prices are insanely affordable.

these would be gorg over a kitchen table or island!

I might have to get two of these for the sides of our bed

Love the industrial look of these for a kitchen or study/library or even a kids room

Their headboards are so chic and affordable

Digging this stripped one, like A L O T!!

I am really drawn to the colors in this blanket/quilt . . . looks so cozy

another fab headboard! very art deco

This would be a fantastic and fun night light! I may have to try it out for Emerson

Such great rugs at awesome prices

LOVE this chair . . . throw a sheepskin rug on it and give me a cup of hot tea = heaven (and LEAVE me alone)

Great little table, especially if you have babies/toddlers . . . rounded edges (less severe forehead bumps) and the hidden shelf for putting all their ~~crap~~ stuff

Definately will be getting this when we have a house for a kitchen, playroom, or kids bedroom. What a wonderful way to make you smile every day

great ikat rug . . . really nice color combo

quantity 1 . . . add to cart

quantity 1 . . . add to cart ....... CHECKOUT!!!

Our life in a nutshell. . .

2012-02-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

This just about sums it up . . .

Weekend recap

2012-02-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

We had a lazy weekend and it was wonderful. We didn't have anywhere to be, no pressing deadlines, and no set plans. I got a wonderful 3-mile walk in with one sassy lady, a day of soccer and park playing, made some homemade baby food for little Ms. H, a killer black bean salad for my lunches, an amazing day at the beach and made a fabulous mean-green-smoothie (kale, spinach, romaine, pear, & ginger) with our Vitamix blender.

Here are a few pics . . .

Oh and remember when I mentioned that I had bought a few things before I went on my "saving spree" . . . . well here is one of them! The Balenciaga Work bag in black (got an amazing deal) and I am literally giddy about this purse! It is beautiful and buttery and soft and sexy and yummy . . . I could go on and on and . . . I think I may have found an obsession??!!!

Happy Weekend

2012-02-03T15:35:00.000-08:00

We don't have much planned (which is exactly the way I like it) . . . I believe Mr. Hotpants will be cooking up some yummies for the Superbowl and that's about it! Oh and I will be figuring out our Vitamix blender so we can start making some yummie super-green-food smoothies!

I will leave you with a print that I adore and may have to get for our house!

I may have pee'd my pants . . .

2012-02-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

Have you seen this? It is absolutely hysterical . . . It had me at “meltdown” . . . First of all I had no idea she was all kinds of funny like this and secondly I love how she shared the home video with the entire world . . . I would say a down-to-earth celebrity, wouldn’t you? It reminds me so much of the giggle-fits that my sister and I can quite frequently get ourselves into! . . . Oh and I have her shirt too!

melting . . .

2012-02-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

February always gets me thinking of love and being all mushy and flooded with emotions. I like it. Some people think Valentines Day is silly but I don't. I like that as soon as we enter into February the world around us turns into one big red-heart balloon filled with Sweetheart candies.

Why is it bad to have a month dedicated to L.O.V.E? To stop us in our tracks and remember what is important in life . . . . love, friendships, family, memories . . . . things that are so much more than material things. I love to love, I love to be in love and I especially love being loved.

And while Valentines does not mean gifts for me I can't help but share a few beauties . . . How incredibly romantic, whimsical and beautiful are these flower arrangements from this Los Angeles based florist!

My favorite ..... peonies!

And to make your hearts swell with pure love, read this incredibly honest birth story post and then read this amazing follow-up birthday post . . . . this little blonde "wonder" shows what life is truly all about . . . . love; unconditional, unwavering, non-judgmental love. Pure and simple and lovely.

2012-02-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

Sorry about the "no-show" yesterday but I am having an especially rough few days of no sleep, horrible sleep when I do get it, tension headaches, sore neck, etc . . . basically I feel like I have a hangover but I didn't get to go to the awesome beer-bong, jello-shot "party" to warrant one!!!

Alas on to the topic at hand . . . . saving money!

Contrary to what you may think, I am not that good at this. Let me rephrase that, we are good at putting money in our girlie's college accounts, good at putting money in our big rainy day (or new house) account and we are good at contributing to our 401K plans BUT I am not good at saving on the smaller stuff . . . the everyday stuff: the clothes, the shoes, the trips to Target and the pharmacy (these stores must have tractor-beams that suck me in and then they have mind control over me because I never get out of there without spending at least $100) Do you have this problem? I think my mind thinks that $15 here and $48 here is small but when you do that a lot, it adds up and pretty much NONE of it is a necessity! So I am going to share a few things I already do to save some money and some new things I am going to try (key word here is "try"). I want to see how much I can save by June!

Things I am already doing:

1. Take my own lunch and snacks to work instead of buying out everyday

2. Paint my own nails most of the time - I actually prefer this because I am so particular about the way my nails are filed. I do however go and get the occasionally mani/pedi but more for the relaxation and hour of "me" time.

3. Pay as many bills as I can with automatic debit and/or online so as to avoid late fees

4. Carry quarters in my purse and car for parking meters (here in LA, meters are everywhere and I am constantly dodging tickets, so having the change with me helps)

5. I canceled services/things we were not using - call waiting & voicemail for our home phone (um I don't even know our home phone number! we never use it), Netflix (you can get movies so many other ways now - Hulu, OnDemand, Amazon, iTunes), and my gym membership because I wasn't going on any consistent basis. Now when I have the time to workout I will go for a walk/jog or take a yoga class!

Things I am going to start:

1. Repeat my daily mantra "There is nothing I really need"

2. Reward myself when I get back in shape with new clothes but not until then - there really is no need for new clothes in between Winter and Summer anyways!

3. Shop my own closet for my Spring wardrobe - I know there are a ton of things in there that I can either pair with different things for a lighter look or alter to make more spring-friendly.

4. DELETE all the daily emails from Groupon, Rue La La, Guilt Groupe, etc, etc, etc because they are just too enticing and to be honest not that deal-worthy (I wanted to buy something at Christmas and I missed the online sale but remembered the manufacturers name so I looked on their own website and it was about 50% cheaper on the actual manufacturers website than on one of these discount sites!!!!) Be wary!

5. Stop buying for the girls (this may actually be the HARDEST one) - they have toys and shoes and clothes throwing up out of their bedroom --- they need for nothing and I need to remember this!

Disclaimer - this post does not take into account a few things that I have already purchased before my "no buying" plan went into effect! and I can't wait to share them with you when I get them!

One giant leap for mankind . . .

2012-01-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

Hope you had a fantabulous weekend! We spent it with family and it was wonderful! Had the BEST, and well overdue, dance party with the hottest chickas . . . me, my stunning-as-always-sister, a gorgeous almost 3yr old (I'm not biast), an absolute riot of a 10mth-old, a slobbery-hot-mess of a 6mth old and 2 overly enthusiastic puppies! . . . I know, I know it sounds like many a night you may have had in Vegas . . . when in Rome!

Moving on . . . Yow-za! I love a good unexpected SALE!!!! I got this awesome neon yellow Cosabella set for next to nothing . . . . and these Soludos, that I have been meaning to buy for the past 2 summers, for .....$10!

I don't think Mr. Hotpants can miss me in these!!! Although I am pretty sure neither can the astronauts on the space station!

Fluorescent Friday

2012-01-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

loving these

crushing on this

this painting is pulling me in

a sweet hand sculpted bunny rabbit to brighten a room

this adorable sock monkey

and I may have to order this fabulous infinity scarf

Laughed till I cried

2012-01-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

This blog is frickin hilarious . . . . Dads, you should follow these guys, they have the most hysterical posts about parenting, kids, breastfeeding, fist bumps (you will have to read to find out) . . . . Check out this one about sleep positions . . . . we have a "Snow Angel" crossed with a little bit of the "stalker" . . . what do you have?

My favorite!!!

I'm not sure what sequence of events would have to take place to get into this position???

Our dog used to lay on us like this as a puppy

Love that the dad has one eye open!!!

a little gem!

2012-01-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

I found a great new online store, Nasty Gal! The prices are great and the fashion is perfect . . . here are some of my spring must-haves!

What do you think? Great stuff right? Go check out the store yourself; there are so many other pretties

wow . . .

2012-01-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

She is STUNNING at 5mths pregnant!

Really!!!???? I am so bummed, I thought they were in it for the long haul! Poor kids : (

Love her sleek simple look!

Just yummy!

a snapshot

2012-01-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

For your Sunday morning coffee read I give you a "20 minute snapshot" of our Saturday night . . . prepare yourself, it's sexy!

To set the scene, Mr. Hotpants was in the shower, I was in the kitchen feeding Ms. Harper and Emerson was dancing around singing "Jingle Bells," then the 20 minutes began . . . (insert "Jaws" theme music here)

Emerson leaves the kitchen to go talk to daddy in the shower, 3 minutes later Emerson comes flying into the kitchen with no diaper on and poop smushed all over her little bumbum, she was saying "mama help me, my bumbum hurts" and I hear Mr.Hotpants yelling "Emerson come back here; jump in the shower with daddy and wash your bumbum." Harper is laughing hysterically in her high chair at all of this. I get some wipes and clean Emerson up, she calms down and goes into the living room.

I finish feeding Ms. Harper, take her out of her highchair and let her crawl around. I clean up the kitchen and then head out to the living room only to smell, you guessed it, poop again. Ms. H had pooped this time so off with the diaper, wipe her little tushy and then I leave her bumbum to air dry for a second while I go and get a diaper and cream. I come back out to smell something awful . . . more poop! I check Emerson, nothing there, check myself, nope not that either, then as I walk into the kitchen I catch Lucy (our dog) following Ms. Harper and sniffing her bumbum! Ms. Harper had pooped again and it was everywhere, it was all over the hardwood, her feet, her PJ's, her legs . . . little bits were stuck to her toy she was holding . . . . and our dog! Our dog was sniffing her like she was another doggy! AAAAAHHHHHHHHHH

Strip off the clothes and stick her straight in the kitchen sink, I rinse her bumbum, then sit her in a little bath of water. As I am soaping up Ms. Harper and cleaning her off, Emerson comes tearing into the kitchen, screaming "I pee pee'd on my little potty! YEAH YEAH YEAH" . . . . This is GREAT news, as we are potty training right now! High-fives and yipee's followed. Emerson gets a "congratulatory squeezy yogurt" and heads back into the living room. I finish washing up little Ms. H, dry her off, put on a diaper and PJ's and set her down to crawl around while I clean up the kitchen sink.

Finally I think, I'm done for the night only I'm not!!!! I walk into the living room and there she is . . . . little Ms. Harper has her hands in Emerson's little blue potty and is splashing around in . . . . Emerson's pee (we put the potty in whatever room Emerson is in so as she can go right when she needs to while we are potty training) . . . . . ARE YOU FRICKIN kidding me! Could this Saturday night get any grosser???? And this all did really happen in like 20 minutes!!!

I kept thinking to myself, "Seriously . . . no really, seriously, this isn't my life is it?"

So . . . . . I hope you all had as sexy a Saturday night as we did over here, and I hope this gave you a good Sunday morning laugh! Things could be worse, right?!

a peek . . .

2012-01-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

some people have asked what I wear as a working mummy so . . . . here is an outfit I wore to work the other day

Saint Grace maxi dress, vintage Gucci belt (eBay find), Forever 21 vest,

Calvin Klein long cardi (old), Tory Burch Eddie flats, Betsey Johnson chain necklace

Okay so enough about me lets move on to some DELICIOUSNESS! You HAVE to try these . . . you will not be able to eat just one! These are my favorite "healthy" snack now and completely satisfy my sweet-tooth that attacks daily around mid-afternoon!

delicate . . .

2012-01-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

I had no idea there were such beauties on Etsy. These are all organic handmade lingerie ..... I love them ..... perfect for the romantic month of February coming up (although I'll probably be wearing these - got them as a gift and they are amazingly comfy)

brookthere - "handmade organic & sustainable clothing by brookthere on Etsy, from her studio in downtown Portland, Maine. (Organic cotton shirts, dresses, and lingerie, organic wool jackets & sweaters, and organic cotton shirts for men.)"

how absolutely wonderful do these look? I am really enamored with the delicate simplicity of these. . . . I want a set in every color!!!! And I love that it is handmade in the US and that it is organic.

and people wonder . . .

2012-01-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

why I want to adopt a child . . . . . I have no words as I cannot look at this image and not cry, in fact, I weep.

Skin Food . . .

2012-01-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

literally this is it! It is rich and creamy and makes my skin feel great. I have a hard time with my hands and cuticles always being so dry but this has really helped out recently.

This is the yummiest, creamiest protein powder ever! I have tried quite a few different ones and none have tasted as good as this one. It is also the only one that I found actually made me feel full and can tie me over between lunch and dinner. It is a little more on the pricey side but I think it is totally worth it!

And what do you think about these bursts of color!!!! They have me smitten

via

the buck stops here . . .

2012-01-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

I am trying this today . . . or tomorrow . . . or Wednesday . . . I'm scared; I think it's going to kick my a*s! . . . Try it with me! It seems like a quick and dirty workout for busy mums.

Source: tumblr.com via Shannon on Pinterest

I hope you are . . .

2012-01-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

having a fantastic weekend . . . I am hoping mine is filled with fresh flowers, champagne, and yummy food!

baby lock-down aka baby proofing

2012-01-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

So . . . since this little monster has decided to blow through every milestone there is and is crawling, sitting, pulling to standing on the furniture and honestly about to take her first steps ALL before she turned 6mths a few days ago . . . baby proofing has become needed asap!

"Trouble? Who me?"

Do you see that mischievous smirk . . .

We baby proofed when Emerson was mobile but we didn't really need it as she was never really interested in the cabinets but little Ms. Harper is going to be all over them!!! She is into everything and a total climber!!! HELP!

Here are some of my favorite baby-proofing gadgets that we currently use . . . .

Fridge lock- we actually just bought this because Ms. Emerson was in and out of the fridge (like her daddy!) ALL day snacking!

Pinch guard - these have been great for us at all different ages. When they are little it helps with not getting fingers jammed in doors, not getting locked in the bathroom (happened to Emerson!!) and when they are older it stops them from being able to slam the door in your face when they are "grumpy with you mummy!"

Toilet lock - water safety is one of the biggest hazards when they are so little because if they peer into the toilet and fall in they don't have the skills to pull themselves out!!! Terrifying . . . so we have these on all our toilets.

Oven lock - we got this when Emerson started standing on broiler handle at the bottom and holding onto the oven handle while the oven was on!!!!! It works great!

Night light - we just go this one for Emerson and so far she loves it. It is rechargeable, changes color or can stay on one color, and has a 30 minute timer or an option to stay on all night. If it is on the charger and there is a power outage it will automatically turn on to the battery setting (I love this as for some weird reason we always have power outs!!!) The have a few different options too - hippo, dinosaur, angel, bear, moon and moose!

We have also found that a string of Christmas tree lights also work great as a night light and are so whimsical

Joyeux Anniversaire

2012-01-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

A year ago today I got up the courage to share my life with you all on this little blog and I am so happy that I did.

I have met wonderful bloggers, learned valuable things about myself, been technically challenged with figuring the whole "blog" thing out and pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoy it. Disclaimer - it is kind of like "free" therapy for me, but don't tell my medical insurance that or I am sure they will try to bill me somehow!!!!!!

I want to give a huge thank you to my special "King" for giving me the encouragement and confidence to start this blog . . . she laughs (sometimes hysterically with snorts) at my stories and the craziness of my life and told me that my openness and honesty is something I should share with others . . . . and so I have and I hope you are enjoying this ride with me.

I am proud of myself, and for those of you who know me, that is a hard thing for me to admit far less post to the world, but I am. I am proud for sticking with it, for enjoying it, for being honest and open on it, for reaching out to other bloggers for advice, guidance, or in support, for involving my awesome mummy friends and sharing hopefully some information that may help them, inspire them, and make them feel normal.

Thank you to everyone who stops by and to my family and friends that read and laugh and comment. I hope to get more followers, continue sharing fun stories & branch out with this blog in 2012.

Take the ride with me . . .

All the colors of the rainbow!

2012-01-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

How rad are these tea kettles and coffee makers? The kettle is definitely going on my birthday list or my Easter Bunny list?! I just don't know what color? What would you choose?

Speaking of color, how wonderful are these dining rooms!?? I have literally been on the hunt for a distressed farm table since I fell in love with the one my step-dad had! But they don't seem to come cheap and I don't want to buy one for the house we are in now because when we move to our McMansion" we will need a larger one! ha ha ha . . . So if you see a cheap-ish version let me know

via

it feels like Friday . . .

2012-01-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it is only the beginning of the week, for some reason I cant get my mind to agree with me and I keep feeling like its Thursday or Friday.

Here are a few things that will keep me going this week . . .

Trader Joe's organic coconut oil (you can buy almost anywhere - Amazon, Whole Foods, etc)

You can use it for so many different things . I actually gave this as a gift to all the ladies in my family! I use it right after the shower, while my skin is still damp, and I cannot explain how silky, velvety soft it makes my skin! And it is the weirdest stuff to use, it is a solid in the jar but when you scoop some out and put it on your skin it literally melts like b.u.t.t.a (butter) . . . and if you don't like the smell of coconut, skip this all together because, while it is not overpowering, it definitely smells coconutty!

And mama's I use this on my girls skin and it is wonderful. It's organic, natural and has no harmful, carcinogenic chemicals like other lotions.

It contains lauric acid which is extremely great at helping your immune system against viruses. It is known to help in weight loss and digestion if you cook with it. I did a mummy interview with a fantastic lady who puts coconut oil in her shakes! I am trying this tomorrow morning! I also read that you can add it to your coffee so I tried it and it was kinda yummy! And I did have a very pleasant energy-filled morning . . . maybe it was the coconut!

My calm within the storm . . . I ordered this based on a few recommendations and on the fantastic reviews . . . I have used it for 3 days and I have to say it has a gentle & mellow calming effect on me. I take it at night and it has just let my mind and body slow down and get ready for sleep. It also tastes pretty yummy (raspberry-lemon) kinda like a Emergen-C

Givenchy's Fall 2012 line - while the whole collection is absolutely beautiful, it is these boots that are haunting me . . .

My New Year . . . a "do-over"

2012-01-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

We didn't recognize the new year far less celebrate it. We traveled back east with the 2 babes from the 27th -31st; arriving home at our place at 10:30pm on the 31st. We never made it to midnight and the next day we had that "exhausted-hangover-feel-like-you-drank-a-ton-but-didn't" feeling that lingered all day and into our evening.

Normally I feel refreshed, excited and motivated at the start of the year but this year it started off unorganized, blurry, exhausting and with everything being discombobulated (I am loving this word right now.) Soooooo . . . . .

I am having a "do-over" . . . my New Year is going to be January 14th. This will give us a chance to get back into a normal routine and then I will be able to reflect and think about what I want to tackle and accomplish in 2012. And when I mean celebrate I am talking champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries and fireworks . . . okay maybe not fireworks but maybe sparklers???!!!

And I can't wait to share my "New Years Challenges" (I prefer "challenges" than resolutions; it's not so absolute and has flexibility in it for change) with you all and some exciting, insightful Mummy stuff! Also can't wait to share how I am going to start saving money and taking care of my mind and body! Go 2012 . . . . but not until January 14th

merci, grazie, gratias agimus tibi

2012-01-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

or in other words . . .

to everyone who reads my little blog. I love writing it and sharing some of my craziness, my stories, and my loves. I appreciate you taking time out of your precious day to read along with me.

If you stop by and enjoy my daily chats, I would love for you to "subscribe" or "follow" my blog . . . . in the blog world the more followers, the more RAD you are, so get a move on! ha ha ha

Is it a little weird . . .

2012-01-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

that I am really sad that these two didn't last??? They seemed perfect for each other and so blindly in love; it was young and crazy love but they were that cool funky couple that I just wished would have been together 20 yrs from now (like Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed) . . . . do you feel me?

Wake up!!!

2012-01-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

Alexander McQueen meets Missoni . . . and they make beautiful babies . . . .

I am loving the vibrant freshness of these little messenger bags

And I "heart" these little Pedro Garcia gems . . .

Oh and I may or may not have already bought all of these . . . . (ahem Christmas money and returns!!!)

A few of my new favorite things!

2012-01-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

These found their way into my HUGE stocking . . . okay, so I laid out a trash bag as my stocking!!!

Clarisonic - my skin has NEVER felt this good, even after a facial!!! Go and buy yourself one today!

Sonicare toothbrush - I was in total denial about getting an electric toothbrush because they are so ugly sitting out on the sink but this one is awesome you can charge it and it will stay charged for like 4 days, so I can put the ugly charger away! Oh and my teeth feel squeaky clean after using this . . . . kinda worried how "dirty" they have been for the past 30 years now??!!!!

Awesome shoes - I got these in black and they are the most versatile and sexiest little shoes ever! They are going to look great with my cigarette pants (below) for work, sexy with skinny jeans for those rare date nights and would look great with a LBD!

Ugg Slippers - not much to say here . . . Ugg + slipper = pure happiness

Amazing Emersonmade shirt and black cigarette pants! The material for the pants is amazing . . . I can't wait to wear these!

My Drybar addiction enabled again! Mr. Hotpants really knows how to make me smile : )

This beautiful silk teal Joie blouse

The awesome Kindle Fire (Amazon) - totally saved us on the flight and in the airport!!!

and last, but not least, 2 flights to Maui for me and Mr. Hotpants!

So to all my Santa's . . . "wow" and a huge THANK YOU!!!

Where to start . . .

2012-01-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

I had no intentions of falling of the face of the earth (blog world) for this long! And I can't even say I entirely enjoyed it as it has been an absolute blur and I am thoroughly exhausted.

It went a little like this: pack the car up with presents and drive to the parentals, unpack the car, celebrate Christmas, then pack the car back up and head home, unpack the car at our place, pack 3 suitcases up and jet out of LA early on the 27th with the 2 babes in tow, arrive at Philly airport take a bus, get the rental car and drive to, wait for it (and please don't be too jealous) . . . . Delaware! No I didn't stutter, I did say Delaware (insert your jealous tantrum dance here) . . . we spent 4 fun days visiting family then, you guessed it, packed up and headed home, only to unpack again when we got here (disclaimer: there are still 2 cases unpacked - I just can't do it!)

To add to all this delightful chaos, our nanny has been gone visiting her family in Brazil, Harper got her first tooth on our outbound flight, Harper is not sleeping longer than 3hr stretches and I DON'T KNOW WHY??!!!! (pulling my hair out here)

So for my first post back I am going to leave you with some photos from the past week or so because to be honest I am so discombobulated that I I don't even have any idea what day it is and my brain hurts . . . . I will be back tomorrow with something interesting I promise!

We got a scooter from Santa and a . . .

bike!

and many, many safety pads (nose-picking break)

Harper on the outbound flight trying to get close enough to eat the DVD player

Playing at Grandma's house with daddies old books from when he was a little boy!

Delaware was pretty chilly so the babes were all bundled up

Trying on her new robe

Part deux . . .

2011-12-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

I can't believe we are heading into Christmas Eve! I have to admit I am super excited because this is the first year that Mr. Hotpants and I get to stay up on Christmas Eve and build toys!!! Just like our parents did . . . I plan on putting on some comfy jammies, having a glass of champagne and kissing Mr. Hotpants a lot while we build a piano, a bike and an activity table .......... ohhh and I have to remember a bazillion batteries for the other toys!

I leave you with some more of our awesome holiday photos because these girls are just delicious!

Merry Christmas

Does she look like she is hiding something? That's becasue she was! Chocolates!

Thanks Jylare

Like Father . . .

. . . like daughter!

Ummm have to say I'm kinda likin this one of Mr. Hotpants . . . sexy and mysterious!

look at these two again . . . LOL

a new me?

2011-12-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

I am proud of myself. I am a complete perfectionist. I like handwritten thank-you notes, I love wrapping paper, I adore note cards on thick cardstock . . . . I love wrapping presents and adding beautiful bows, and ribbons, and labels, and putting glitter in envelopes. I love all the prettiness of it BUT I had to let it go this year. . . . and it feels so good and freeing

My Emerson wants to help me wrap everything, and I mean everything! We have even wrapped her sippy cups, her bowls, a box of crackers and one of her shoes. And she tries so hard to copy me and do as I do, that I just did not have the heart, or even really want to, go back and fix them or correct her. So instead of presents like these under our tree . . .

. . . we have a tree full of gifts that all look like a version of this! But the memories I have and the fullness in my heart are so much more than any perfectly wrapped present! I am proud of myself for letting go and just "enjoying" life instead of trying to control it, even if it is just this one little thing. It's a start right?

Don't be jealous that we can afford to throw 3-4 labels on each gift . . . we are high rollers like that!

Here is something I'm admittedly jealous of . . . . look at all these orange bags Nicole's assistant is carrying!!!! . . . le sigh ....... that is some "merry" Christmas going on there!

I'm addicted . . .

2011-12-21T12:00:00.000-08:00

to my daily emails from The Daily Groove. My wonderful and patient therapist recommended this to me when I asked her how she kept herself sane through the daily chaos of raising children. She said that she read her daily email from this site and it would help her put things in perspective and boy was she right!!! Read yesterdays email . . . I so needed to be reminded of this; it shed such light.

Life Is Messy... Get Over It!

In man's quest to conquer nature, our culture has
developed an unhealthy aversion to the natural
messiness of life.

Heaven forbid you should eat an apple that isn't nice
and round and free of bug bites. Those get made into
applesauce so we never have to see their messiness!

And if our high-tech, Star Trek fantasies were real,
we could avoid the messiness of birth and simply
"beam" babies out of the womb -- without a drop of
blood in sight.

Even if you're a "crunchy" parent who's not afraid
of nature's messiness, there may be other kinds of
messes you abhor, like the messy ways children learn,
explore, and process emotions. Or the messy way *you*
grow through parenthood.

Today, whenever you feel bothered about anything, ask
yourself, "What 'messiness' am I resisting?" Are you
not allowing your *own* process to be messy?

Well, get over it! Life IS messy.

Let life's messes remind you how good it is to be ALIVE!

She has gone and done it again . . .

2011-12-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

That Jylare is a miracle worker with her camera! Some of our new photos . . . le sigh, I am in love with my family!

Another day another dollar . . .

2011-12-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

Getting dressed for work in SoCal during the "winter" can be problematic as the weather literally changes from morning to afternoon, from day to day. And I don't mean cold in the am then some rain . . . I mean cold, overcast, foggy and drizzly in the morning then perfect 75-degree summer afternoons!! Here are a few pics from some work outfits from last week; alot of light layering usually works best, oh and an umbrella because honestly here in SoCal, you never know. . .

Tory Burch Eddie flats, Adrienne Vittadini cigarette pants (random buy but the perfect pants!), Forever 21 leather jacket (old) and leopard infinity scarf (in stores now), vintage Gucci belt (eBay), Banana Republic blouse and my absolute favorite, Carrie Bradshaw-inspired leather glovettes (bought on eBay 2yrs ago)

Now I just need that clutch!!! Prada??

H&M boots (here), Romeo & Juliette leggings (BEST ever), Patterson Kincaid black tunic, Old Navy blue crew sweater, Forever 21 infinity scarf & Chanel-inspired cuff

Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

2011-12-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

S H * T . . . . .

AAHHHHHH is Christmas really this weekend.

Essentially we are ready but really?! Where did the past 4 weeks go? Wasn't it just Thanksgiving? Weren't we all just blogging about maxi dresses and wedge sandals? . . . . wasn't I just pregnant?

Although I love Thanksgiving, I really wish it was in September or October so that we could start enjoying and getting into the Christmas spirit in November. I feel like just when I am finally getting into the spirit, Christmas is gone and over.

And each year I have lofty ideas of baking tons of Christmas goodies, cramming in Christmas festivities: plays, ice skating, tree lightings, Disneyland Christmas fireworks, spiced cider mulling on the stove as I wrap gifts and listen to Christmas carols, Christmas shopping at the beautifully decorated stores and wrapping my gifts in gorgeous paper and ribbons . . . . but what normally happens is . . .

I order everything online two weeks before, wrap either early in the morning or late at night in my PJ's and just to get it done, listen to Christmas music while sitting at my desk at work, and my gifts are wrapped with the help of a 2yr old who loves TONS of tape and thinks each present needs at least 4 "To & From" tags . . . . I keep thinking "next year I'll get it!" Anyone else feel this way?

Anyway, on this Monday I leave you with the cutest little set of cheeks EVER . . .

Hallelujah . . .

2011-12-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

This is an outfit I would love to rock for a cozy, glammed-up night at a friends holiday soiree . . . .

I would pair it with these accessories:

Gorgeous and fun Anya Hindmarch clutch via

insanely gorgeous Yves Saint Laurent's

Show-stopping Charlotte Olympia's

or these sizzling Louboutins

Foto Friday

2011-12-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

On the 6th day of Christmas

my babies gave to me

6 crushed-up crackers in our bed,

5 sticky gingerbread-house white frosting fingers,

4 antibiotic-induced, diarrhea, blow-out diapers,

3 public meltdowns,

2 hours of sleep, and

a healthy dose of whooping cough

A few weekends ago we had our Christmas session with the fabulous Jylare. Here are a few outfit shots and behind the scenes shots. Cant wait to get the professional ones hopefully today!

Harper's fancy dress (Babies R Us)

The girls "casual" clothes.

Emerson - Grey skinnies similar (Gap), Crocs Crocakiddo boots, H&M Cable knit sweater, Janie & Jack faux fur vest (last year), Oeuf neckie

Harper - cable knit leggings and dot shirt (H&M)

Emersons outfit #1 (Granma and I could not choose just one Christmas outfit for her so she has two)

Dress and shrug (Janie & Jack), gold ballet flats (2Scoops) ... love these shoes

Emerson's 2nd outfit (all Janie & Jack)

And here are some of our outtakes (taken on iPhones) of all the grandchildren. This was a pretty funny, albeit freezing, photo session with all these babes!

I am thinking if the professional one of this comes out somewhat good then it will be our Christmas card! Love the strangling hold Emerson has on poor Harper!

I will post some of Jylare's professional ones on Monday

Have a cozy cuddly weekend

have you seen any marbles?

2011-12-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

they are round, glass, kind-of-cracking, and all different colors? You have!!! Great because I am LOOSING MY MARBLES with all the crazy non-sleep musical beds that is going on in this house right now!

If I wasn't so tired (haven't had anywhere near a full night sleep in 4mths) I would be able to laugh my a*s off at all of these adventures BUT it is so hard to see the humor in it at 2am, 3am, etc . . . . but I am laughing as I type, well crying/laughing ha ha ha.

Emerson is a little girl that does things in her own time. We have never needed to push her into a transition; she has gradually, when she was ready, always done it on her own (which I love about her!) So imagine my delight when she decided to sleep in her big girl bed at nights! She had been napping in it for about 6mths but bedtime was a NO!

I was elated and proud and so excited that she, again, did this on her own . . . . and that all lasted for about one night! OMG what was I thinking??? We should have left her in her crib till she was 10!

We have gone from a 30-45 minute bedtime routine to a 2-4hr ordeal . . . we are now scared of the dark, need to have the door left open, daddy needs to come in "one more time" like 10 more times, there is some sort of "grumpy" pink dragon hiding somewhere? (whom, I was informed, is not getting any presents from Santa) and numerous requests for water, band-aids, one more book and "stay 5 more minutes."

To say we are exhausted is a complete understatement . . . . I haven't spoken more than 2 sentences to Mr. Hotpants in about a week! And to add to the complete excitement of this new phase, our little Ms. 5mth Old is all over the place with diarrhea, a gnarly diaper rash and a new sleep schedule ..... aka she is not sleeping!

But perhaps the funniest(?) part in all of this are the "tales of a wandering 2.5yr old" . . . . let me enlighten you with some of the recent escapades . . . .

1. Emerson climbs into bed at 2am, we tell her to lay down, snuggle and go to sleep. Emerson's response? "Mummy, daddy I show you where Max (her elf) is?"

2. I wake to Emerson sitting at the side of our bed, on the carpet, with a cup and a gallon of milk . . . . pouring herself something to drink ....... 5am

3. The other day I woke up startled and panicked! Something cold and heavy was on my head! My first thought? Where am I? What is going on? Who is in here? . . . . I wont keep you in suspense too long but it was a bunch of cold bananas sitting on my face! Emerson wanted one to eat ...... 5am

4. One nights escapades - Harper wakes for a bottle 11pm, Emerson climbs into our bed 1am, Emerson tries to strike up a conversation with mummy & daddy 1:05am, Emerson asks for her DVD player to watch Dora 1:10am, Harper wakes for ???? (who knows?) 2am, take Emerson (finally asleep) back to her room 2:15am, Harper wakes again 3am and as I am walking out our bedroom I notice Emerson passed out on the floor next to daddy's side of the bed, feed Harper 3:15am, carry Emerson back to her bed 3:45am, wake to Emerson's feet over my face 5am, Emerson wakes and asks for a squeezy yogurt 6am. And guess what? I had to get my butt into work for a 9am meeting after this night ha ha ha ha . . . . seriously help me!

5. I wake to a funny rustling noise and a door being closed only to find that Emerson has brought every single Christmas present from under the tree into our closet . . . . 5:45am

6. I am feeding Harper in our bed at 2:30am, Emerson walks in and whispers something to me that I don't quite catch but say OK anyways. Off she goes into the dark hall to her room, only to return with banging and clanging and smashing . . . . she carried her 2ft Christmas tree into our room to put next to the bed so she could see the lights . . . apparently I had agreed?!

7. We have a candy advent calendar that is missing Dec 17, 18, 19 candies and looks like it has been dragged behind a car, it is so torn up . . . . this had to have happened prior to 5am sometime in the last week.

I am asking Santa for this book

For some of you this post will be hilarious and relatable, for others it may be free birth control (your welcome) and for some it will bring back funny memories (funny now cause it was 10yrs ago) . . . . . but I hope all of you got a kick out of it because this little girl is keeping us on our toes.

BTW - we installed a fridge lock yesterday . . . . no more cold bananas.

Baby it's cold outside . . .

2011-12-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

This time of year makes me want to stay indoors, close the blinds, turn on the Christmas tree lights and curl up with some delicious treats while watching Christmas movies . . . Here are some of my favorite yummies and top movie picks. . .

Peppermint Bark

Peanut Brittle - oh the buttery goodness!

Milk Chocolate Molasses Chips . . . . these are the first ones I eat in an assorted candy box but an entire box just of them . . . hells yeah!!!

And I can't forget my TJ's favorites

As for movies, these are my absolute favorites to watch every year . . . all of them give me that warm -fuzzy feeling!

Oh and a little extra; check out some of these "out-of-this-north-pole" candy recipes here!!

A pie in the sky . . .

2011-12-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

On the 5th day of Christmas

my babies gave to me

5 sticky gingerbread-house white frosting fingers,

4 antibiotic-induced, diarrhea, blow-out diapers,

3 public meltdowns,

2 hours of sleep, and

a healthy dose of whooping cough

By the way all of the above are very true and are happening daily in our casa . . . . ha ha ha

And in other news, these are some things I am crushing on at the moment . . .

I am going to keep this idea in mind for Christmas card photos next year . . . . so romantic and cozy! Doesn't it make you want to run and smooch your special someone . . . like . . . right. . . .now!!!

I think this is a great gift for that someone who has everything and appreciates a little classy vintage with a mod twist!

I like this

and this

I would love to hang a few of these in my backyard (when I get one) . . . . they add some rustic whimsical charm

Look, someone else is enjoying the elf too (by the way I love this blogger, isn't her lamp & wallpaper TO DIE FOR!)

I am going to try making these delectable popcorn's this weekend if things slow down a bit! I mean truffle Parmesan popcorn . . . holy moly, I am salivating at the title!

are we ready for solids yet?

2011-12-12T16:25:00.000-08:00

I am loving the solid colors of these ladies outfits . . .

Walking on clouds

2011-12-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

On the 4th day of Christmas

my babies gave to me

4 antibiotic-induced, diarrhea, blow-out diapers,

3 public meltdowns,

2 hours of sleep, and

a healthy dose of whooping cough

I was insanely lucky to find two pairs of Tory Burch Eddie flats last week here for LESS than the price of one pair!!!! I know, I know, sit down, take a breath, and zen-out for a minute! Insane right?

I had been contemplating buying them but at $180 a pop it always seemed steep for a pair of flats! BUT Mr. Hotpants is always saying how I should be wearing supportive shoes and not heels and flip-flops all the time . . . so guess what honey? I listened to you and got myself two pairs! Thank you so much for your loving advice and your shopping approval; you were absolutely right . . . they are like pillows for my feet! These are the two I got . . .

I love that Tory puts these special "Care" instructions on her website for her shoes. This will probably let me get more miles out of these babies . . .

We recommend spraying leather shoes with a treatment like Meltonian before wearing.
Remove salt stains during the winter by dabbing a solution of equal parts white vinegar & water. Wipe clean with a water-soaked rag and air dry away from any heat source.
Remove scuff marks by dipping a clean cloth into water and then baking soda. Gently rub the spot. Dab clean with a water-soaked rag and buff dry.

Merry Weekend . . .

2011-12-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

I finished up my week with a shag vest, that has now become my favorite go-to accessory, a peppermint latte (skinny, no whip) and a date with Mr. Hotpants at his work Christmas happy-hour here.

shag vest

Hope you have a festive and cozy weekend, I know I will. I am going to cozy up with my little elves . . . Emerson has her 1st ballet recital this Saturday! Going to be way too cute . . . . she probably won't even stay on the stage!

She was not sure what to think of the Christmas Tree!

Shop, laugh, drink, and canoodle

xoxox

Emersonmade

2011-12-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

I know, I know you have all heard about her and LOVE her, but I just had to post some of my absolute fav's from her collection. And can I say her name and name of the line is TO DIE FOR (I suppose I am a little bias!)

Flirty, flowy blouse

Love this tuxedo blazer - what a great way to jazz up any outfit

Amazing camel car coat - great silhouette

This is the perfect classic white shirt - crisp, tailored, and fresh

Another one of her flowy blouses - this one has little tiny bee's!

I have been on the hunt for the perfect cigarette pants - could these be them??

Amazing cigarette pants in Poppy red!

I love this concept - She has "Bag-O-tanks," "Bag-O-T's," and "Bag-O-Dresses" - and each one contains 3 of either the perfect white T, the perfect layering tank or the simple cotton sheath dress!! Genius

Okay these jeans are awesome and on SALE!!!!

Cute little skirt . . . reminds me of Kate Spade

Her favorite grey skinny jeans - I love this pic taken at her home (a real farm!!!)

The funny girl!

2011-12-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

First let's get to my mummy Christmas carol. . .

On the 3rd day of Christmas

my babies gave to me

3 public meltdowns,

2 hours of sleep, and

a healthy dose of whooping cough

Kristen Wiig is not only hilarious but actually quite stunning .... I love, love, love this blue suit!!!

Weekend ramblings (con't)

2011-12-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

How much does SJP rock this outfit!!! I love it . . .

The 46-year-old actress paired her Valentino dress and coat with Jimmy Choo shoes. She brightened up her outfit with aqua American Apparel tights and House of Lavande jewels.

and to continue my Christmas carol . . .

"On the 2nd day of Christmas

my babies gave to me

2 hours of sleep, and

a healthy dose of whooping cough"

here are the weekend photos I meant to post

We are glamming it up this Christmas!

Emerson's dancing Christmas Mickey - he is pretty freakin cute!

Cadbury's chocolate advent calendar! Yes please - is it bad that I am a little huffy that I don't get to eat the chocolate? Do you think she will know if day 8 is empty? I can blame it on the dog!

Up to no good - if you look closely that is a mini water pistol in her little hand (down at the left) . . . . lets just say our dog was mysteriously soaking wet!

Papa and baby-girl at the Christmas tree lot! I am loving her little hairstyle that is evolving!

what is happening . . .

2011-12-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

I don't care if this is real or fake, the message is incredibly powerful, true, and overwhelmingly sad. Watch, listen, cry and then make it a point to stop the bullying of children everywhere - start by educating your child to love not hate.

My twelve days of Christmas . . .

2011-12-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

Wow we had a fantastic weekend, busy, but completely filled with family, food, laughs, and tree shopping! We also had a fantastic photo session with Jylare; there are some "behind-the-scenes" pics below along with some other weekend pics!

I thought it would be fun to do a "mummy" version of the Christmas carol "12-Days of Christmas" with things that really are happening in my "mummy-life". . . so without further adieu here is my first verse . . .

On the 1st day of Christmas

my babies gave to me

a healthy dose of whooping cough

Park day with Papa after Soccer practice

Me and my girls picking out our tree with Papa and Mr. Hotpants! (If I look tired it may have something to do with the fact that these two gorgeous, but non-sleeping, girls were up for a good stretch of the night last night . . .

I am having problems uploading any more photos tonite and I am sleeping while typing this so I will be back tomorrow with more weekend updates and some Christmas gift ideas . . . . oh and the next verse of my mummy christmas carol!

Friday Ramblings . . . .

2011-12-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

Hello peeps! I can't believe it is Friday again; this week has dragged on and flown by simultaneously! We can now add, whooping cough and ear infection to our evergrowing list of sicknesses this month!! We have a crazy busy weekend but it is going to be filled with fun Holiday festivities.

First dinner with my dad (Papa to the girls) Friday night . . . . I am pretty sure this is going to be delicious Indian food, well I am hoping it is Indian (hint, hint Mr. Hotpants!) Then soccer practice on Saturday morning with Emerson's BFF, followed by Christmas tree shopping and decorating with Papa!!! Then on Sunday we have a family Christmas photos shoot with my awesome and favorite photographer of all time, Jylare (she did my maternity pics and Harper's pics). I can't wait to see her again, she is such a wonderful lady!

So onto my Friday ramblings. . . . You have got to love a man who can speak fluent french, especially if its Bradley Cooper!!! Ladies this is for you .....sorry Mr Hotpants but I just had to share!

I also wanted to share some of the simply stunning UNICEF Snowflake ball gowns that the ladies wore this year (doesn't that name just sound wonderful and whimsical - I wanna go!) I love these dresses , they are feminine, delicate, and quirky all rolled into one . . . . and I swear all these women just keep getting more beautiful with age!

This Sally Hansen Insta-Dri has "instantly" become my new favorite polish! After just one use, I was hooked. I love this polish because of the time factor. There is none. It goes on so nicely and dries so quickly, it has made painting my nails fun rather than the chore it used to be. It dries to a smooth-as-glass finish. I've purchased this in three colors and cannot see bothering with any other brand any time soon. Love it! And its only $3-4!!!

Uptempo Plum

Rapid Red

Slick Slate - My fav!!

fancy that . . .

2011-11-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

What a great little addition to my Holiday closet these would make. They would kick any outfit up a notch, whether it be jeans, flats, and a tank or a great LBD.

Happy Wednesday

via Shopbop

via

weekend in review

2011-11-29T05:00:00.000-08:00

We had a busy & packed Thanksgiving weekend filled with family, delicious food, awesome wine, boogers, fevers, sharing why we are thankful, out-of-town family, boogers, more fevers, chocolate-covered-peppermint-marshmallows, (I know!!! right) warm apple pie, soccer, cousins, boo-boo's, oh and did I mention boogers and fevers?

Fun but exhausting! . . . . come to think of it this should be our family creed! Our 2yr old is still spewing snot and coughing up her pint-sized lungs and our mini-miss is holding at a perfect 101 fever and has lost her voice!

Bring it on bacteria and viruses, bring it . . . . I am equipped with the Nosefrida . . . . the official Snotsucker Nasal Aspirator . . . . oh yes, be afraid, be very afraid . . . this thing works wonders. If you are a parent, or are going to be, you MUST get this. I thought it was the same as the blue bulb thingy you get from the hospital so I put off getting it until now and OMG I was wrong! The blue bulb has nothing on this baby. To be honest and weird, it is kinda fun using it!!!! Its like a competition to see who can get the most snot (disclaimer - probably have to be a parent to understand that one)

And just for good measure, a few pic's of the weekend festivities . . . .