Poodles and Parking Lots

Sweater- Forever 21

Tank- Charlotte Ronson for JCPenny

Jeans- Old Navy

Boots- Forever 21

Bag- Urban Outfitters

Necklace- Metropark

     Before we move on... that is not some severe belly button, that is the top of my zipper!! It totally sticks out. I don't know why but it totally looks like pregnant belly (which i'm not)... I did eat some Five Guys so that might be contributing to it as well... Do you like the sweater? It's covered in poodles with bows on their heads, how could you not?! I thought this was so quirky, I had to get it. I originally thought it could spruce up a basic black dress but I ended up pulling it on to run a billion errands last saturday. I like the sweetness of the sweater against the toughness of the tank. Nothing really matches but sometimes it is more about putting random pieces together and seeing what happens and I was pleasantly surprised. 

     In case you ever had dreams of sponsoring The Weekend File, October is right around the corner and I have some very affordable rates and some very great sponsors. If you are a blogger, shop owner or Etsy seller, email me to inquire about rates and space!

One

So my little guy is a puppy no longer... Lewis officially turned 1 last week!

I wanted to get him a Pupcake... but because I didnt research this before hand I couldn't find one locally, but the store where he goes to get groomed has a little "bakery" and they had puppy cannoli's made of carob and yogurt and wheat flour! 

I also didn't think about how he would probably lick the flame if I lit his candle so I decided to leave it as is. Really, he is fixed on the cannoli, he didn't seem to mind!

And there went the cannoli in a million little pieces on the floor but Lewis made sure to clean up! He even forgot about the party hat so it stayed on perfectly!

So there ya have it... Lewis had a good birthday and I have the best dog in the world!

Modern Mailboxes

     At our new house, the previous tenants have left us some pretty cheap and ugly fixtures on the outside of the home. One thing I particularly don't like is their paint-peeling, crooked, ugly tin mailbox. We plan on switching all of the fixtures to much more modern, contemporary designs. I thought getting a mailbox would be easy but it has proven to be harder then I originally thought, and much more expensive. 

     I found Chiasso Modern Design online and they seemed to have the best selection of mailboxes that caught my eye for a more affordable price. Other sites had some close to $300! These 3 are all the same price (which makes it harder to pick) and the ones I gravitate towards the most: 

1. Quite possibly my favorite! The windows will mimic the windows on the new garage door, but it is a little boxy. I like the detail and the magazine holder the most.

2. Another take on the windows, this time these match more with the front door. Has a more curved look which I also like. It might be mind games, but it appears that the mail slot is smaller then the other two.

3. Simple, sleek and no windows so no one can see when I win the Publishers Clearing House million dollars, but it might get lost on the house since it has no defining features. 

So... 

Which is your favorite? Which do you like the least? Let me know what you guys think in the comments below.

Little Bows

Top- Forever 21

Sweater- Forever 21

Jeans- Old Navy

Oxfords- Payless

Necklace- Forever 21

Watch- Fossil

     Life has been pretty much non stop lately. I have been so busy I don't even remember if I told you guys about my floods. Yes, plural, as in more then one flood. Well last week I came home from work at like 6pm and the dog would not leave the fridge alone. So I go over to the corner to see what's up and I walk right into a puddle. Our fridge had been leaking from the back for quite awhile and we didnt even know until it came all the way out into the front. The cabinets on the sides are warped and I am out $100 for a fix on that baby. Then last friday I wake up and hear sprinklers, I casually glance outside and I cant even see the concrete! Something happened to the system (still not even sure what) and they wouldn't turn off and it literally made a river in our yard. Thankfully it didnt come into the house but man oh man,  was there a lot of water! And did I mention this is the house we live in now!? Not even the new one! 

     So we went on a little date to the spaghetti factory and had pasta and glasses of wine (that cost more then our food) and this is what I wore. I pretty much die for this outfit. Skinny jeans, cute top, statement necklace, comfy sweater, cute shoes... my favorite recipe for a good outfit! 

Yellow House Before: Front & Back

Today is the first set of 'before' photos of the new house! A lot of work has happened already but I want to show you guys the house as it was, so we can look back in a few months and see how it has changed! I am going to break them up into separate posts so I can hear your ideas and thoughts! Enjoy!

So this is how she looked back on inspection day! This house was built in 1956 and from what we hear from the neighbors... for the last 20 years, not many upgrades have been made. The house was a short sale so we knew we were going to be taking on some projects.... 

Dead grass, lots of weeds, original windows, dingy paint, broken shutters... the list goes on and on but we have a pretty good plan of what we want to do to the outside! We already tackled the roof and the termite issue.

Walkway off of the driveway. That huge window looks right into our living room and gives the house a really open feel. I want to change out that red concrete entry way but I don't have a great idea yet. maybe a mini deck? Maybe paint it a crazy color?

This is the oversize patio in the backyard. I love that funky brick wall on the side, I am going to clean it up and make it a focal point for the yard. The sliding doors come off of the dining room and the small door is where the kitchen is. As for the patio... we knocked it down and that blue carpet is no longer! 

The larger of the two side yards. That weird shed is full of cinderblocks and water (why!?) so we need to remove it, fix the door that leads to the garage, and the shed to the right we already removed. When it got detached we noticed the house was originally an orangey-brown color!

What do you guys think? Anyone want to come pull weeds with me? Kidding! (Maybe...)

Burnt Orange

Sweater- Forever 21

Shirt- LC Lauren Conrad

Jeans- Old Navy

Flats- Target

Necklace- Forever 21

     Thankfully we have had a few cool days lately which resulted in me pulling out a sweater and some light layers and feeling so happy. Not to mention I am giving my air conditioner a well deserved break! If I could sum up my favorite style it would be this right here. Swap the flats for tall boots and add a scarf for cooler weather and I am happy camper. 

     I am trying to get some posts together for you guys and the new house and how it is coming along. Would you rather wait and see before and afters or hear about the journey as it is happening? Because let me tell you, we have already learned and experienced so much in these few weeks... both good and bad. Like I just never new how expensive a refrigerator could be! And what happens when it rains and you don't have a roof! 

     Speaking of fall... I am totally craving Pumpkin Pie. Only type of pie I like and I am trying to hold out until later in the season. Don't even get me started on Candy Corn either... I almost bought a 5lb bag at Target until I realized I would probably get a cavity or something if I ate the entire thing. What are your favorite fall goodies? 

Weekend Scenes & A Winner

One sleepy puppy. This face is totally "Moooom!! I am trying to sleep here!" face. Puppy had a fun and playful weekend full of visitors and playing around outside. Its finally cool enough to run around for hours!

Went down to OC to sell some clothes at Crossroads Trading, meet this cutie for lunch and spend some quality time with the bestie. 

Oh where did we have lunch you ask? Just you know, the Grill em All Truck! We were driving down the street and saw it just parked and I will say, I got pretty excited. In case you don't know, these dudes won the first season of the Great Food Truck Race and the make some killer burgs.

We waited almost an hour, but that was to be expected at lunch hour and the fact that they are pretty well known (plus the Seabirds truck was there too, and they are on this season of  The Great Food Truck Race). But I decided on a Waste em All. Green Chilies, Beer Battered Onions and Pepper Jack. YUM!

New tea towels for the kitchen. I love them, especially because that tea cup looks like an Orla Kiely print and she is my most favorite. Did anyone see her London Fashion Week presentation? Amazing!

And finally... it is boot weather! Those are the original hardwood floors at the new house from 1956. I have never lived in a one story house and I have never had wood floors. If you have any good (safe for the pup) cleaning products and recommendations for wood send them my way! I gotta keep these babies in good condition!

And... The winner of the 8x10 Splendid and Sound Giveaway is.....

Shepherd's Daughter!!

Please e-mail me your contact info so I can get this lovely print out to you ASAP!

Happy Birthday Lewis!

      Today my little puppy's first birthday. I know to most a dog is just a dog but this dog really, truly has made Geoff and I feel like a family. Last year I was begging for a dog, checking out the shelters and on Petfinder constantly looking for a puppy. I had this criteria that I wanted to adopt a dog and I already wanted him to be a year old. 

     One day in November I wandered into a pet store in Newport Beach and saw this little fluffy white guy in a cage with two crazy pugs. I asked to hold him and instantly I knew I couldn't leave this dog there. Many photos and a few videos sent to boyfriend at work and we agreed to go grab dinner "close" to the pet store. Well Geoff was smitten with him too, but not totally sold. So we went and ate. And I bought him beer and we were coming up with names for our little guy. Once we decided on Lewis (CS Lewis for those of you who wonder where it came from) it was done. We went back and paid for our new puppy. But knowing we lived an hour away and had nothing for him we decided to get him the next day.

     In the pouring rain we went to Petsmart and bought $200 worth of puppy supplies and picked up our little guy. Having Lewis for even 10 minutes we were like those new parents. He didnt know how to walk on a leash (I didnt know that!), he cried the whole time in the car, and he peed on the floor. It was trying, and there were fights, and sleepless nights. Days where boyfriend said he would return him (but you can't) and nights where we stood in the rain outside on the grass trying to make our puppy go potty. We lived through sickness and shots and surgery and groomers and training and I wouldn't have changed anything.

     Now, a year later... and nearly 20 lbs more this guy is so fun. Lewis is playful and loving and (pretty much) well behaved and is just the coolest dog. I know that sounds crazy... but he is. He has a great personality and I really, truly couldn't have imagined having another pet, or not having had him through those crazy days. He really taught us a lot about caring for something else and having to work together and for that I thank him. I have given up a lot to be home to take care of him but I am glad I did. Some of my favorite nights now are just us cooking dinner and playing with the dog at home and going for a long walk. 

So Happy Birthday Lewis. 

You get a puppy cupcake and a party hat and we are going to have fun today!

Fall Favorites

     While we are experiencing an Indian Summer here in Southern California, I know that Fall is right around the corner and I can't wait. Fall has got to be my favorite of seasons. Deep colors, tall boots, chunky knits and cool nights. Here is my collection of things I would love to have in my Fall wardrobe. Which of these items would you wear?

1. A mustard colored maxi dress in a soft chiffon print is perfect for dressing up in heels or down with boots and a sweater. 

2. I love layering textured, heavy knit shorts over leggings for a schoolgirl-ish vibe. 

3. I am loving animal print in a more subdued, dressed up way. This grey leopoard print blazer looks polished and put together. 

4. Hunter wellies but covered in gold sparkle. I have always said, wellies are going on these lists until I commit and buy a pair!

5. I am loving feminine gold chains with deep jewel toned stones. This oversized hunter green necklace does the trick.

6. A tough, structured leather clutch with metal accents can be paired with jeans and a tee or a even a sweet floral dress. 

7. A large neck scarf with a festive wild horse print will add a touch of whimsy to any outfit. 

8. Nothing says fall date night quite like a white lace dress, thick colored tights and black heels.

9. A colorful, long-sleeved zig-zag print dress is perfect for the office or the weekend. 

10. A fair isle print made more serious in a cotton blend blazer. I would make this my go to sweater all season long!

11. Mixed metal bangles in an oversized style will go great with any outfit. 

12. A feminine twist on a classic mens brown suede construction boot.

Under the Eiffel Tower

Dress- Forever 21

Belt- Thrifted

Sandals- Issac Mizrahi for Target

Handbag- c/o Handbag Heaven

Sunglasses- LC Lauren Conrad

Bracelets- Forever 21

     No I didn't go to France without telling you guys and sadly no, this isn't thee Eiffel Tower! But this is a pretty sweet wall on the side of a luggage shop in our town that I have been wanting to take photos by for about a year now. I am not going to lie, there was a bum sleeping by the photo of the Tower of Pisa so off to France I went. Thankfully, people don't seem to frequent luggage shops on a Sunday. I wonder why? 

     Anyways we had just left a BBQ and I forgot to adjust my belt from the "Eating Notch" to the "Fashionable Notch" resulting in baggy belt syndrome. Am I the only one who does this or do you ladies totally get me right now? I don't go as far as unbuttoning my pants or anything but this belt just happens to sit on that prime BBQ enjoying spot. I think I was in a chip and dip coma. Apologies!!

     Don't forget you have until tomorrow to win my super cute giveaway for a 8x10 "Home is Wherever I'm with You" handmade art print. I have one and I looooove it and I know you will too!

Wrapped in Jersey

Dress- Old Navy

Belt- Forever 21

Necklace- Thifted

Ring- Vintage

Sandals- Issac Mizrahi for Target

     Have I mentioned life is busy lately? So busy I didnt even have time to think about participating in the Everybody, Everywear challenge today!! In case you didnt know it was for colored pants. For one, it has been too hot for pants. For two, I don't even think I own pants of color. I think a hunter green pair might be it. I am not that wild of a blogger I guess. So I am going to leave today to the pros with purple pants and I will stick with a basic jersey dress. 

     This dress has been in my closet with the tags attached but it is so soft and easy to wear I decided to try it. The neck line on the front and back are really unusual, I think you can wear it either way. Heck, It could be backwards here right now and I don't even know! I was feeling uninspired so I threw on a belt and some turquoise jewelry. Too simple but all we did was eat mexican food. Gotta keep it loose when chips and salsa are involved! And in case you are wondering, that is the gigantic, unkempt willow tree in our new backyard. I don't know if I love it or not yet. What do you think?