Holiday Feel

Blouse- c/o Karen Kane

Shirt- Forever 21

Belt- Forever 21

Shoes- ?

Necklace- Anthropologie

     Something about this look feels so Holiday Festive that I think I might wear it again closer to Christmas! When Karen Kane contacted me to try some pieces from the latest collection I gravitated towards this knit, fair isle button up. When it arrived, and about 3 seconds after I excitedly tore into the box, I noticed it was in fact not knit, but a knit inspired print. This opened up a whole new world of ideas when it came to styling this! I decided to go for a more dressy approach instead of my usual skinny denim and tall boots. I loved adding this little pop of color to break up the outfit and throwing on a statement necklace in a subtle statement sort of way. 

     Keep your eyes peeled for later in this week... I might have a super amazing surprise for you all!

Over The Weekend

     This weekend was filled with family, food, shopping and lots of housework. A 3 day weekend for us meant getting a few things done at our new house. But we reserved Thanksgiving for eating and Black Friday for shopping so all in all it was a successful and enjoyable long weekend!

I gave in and tried the sock bun. The first time went off without a hitch and I felt like a funky and cute Carrie Bradshaw. Then I tried to recreate this look a second time and it just didnt look the same. Beginners luck I guess! 

I got to spend some time with my baby niece and nephew. Here is Addison and I (ina pretty Thanksgiving dress!) playing with my camera on my iPhone. Turns out babies really like looking at themselves!

And of course Brody had to look like a gentlemen as well in his vest and tie! So cute! These little babes are growing up so fast!

Friday was all about comfy clothes to battle the shopping crowds. I managed to score some deals at Nordstrom and Cotton On and boyfriend scored on some new work clothes at Express and Macy's for a great price.

The little guy. He is so happy when both of us are home all weekend long. I just love this pup so much. This past week marked our first year having him (since we got him at 8 weeks old) and it has been the best year ever. 

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving holiday! Now it is on to Christmas!

Balboa Island Photoshoot

Black Jacket- French Connection

Aztec Print Dress- Everly via Shop Sosie

Leggings- LC Lauren Conrad

Boots- Payless

Necklace- Forever 21

     A few months ago I won a fabulous giveaway thanks to Danielle from Sometimes Sweet for a photo shoot with Christina Heaston.  After seeing her work, I have to say I was more then excited! Well, a few weeks ago we met up in Newport Beach, California to take some photos. Working with Christina and her boyfriend, Bobby, was a lovely experience. From the instant we met them it was just so easy and comfortable, and they were so good with our pup, Lewis! We were thrilled to have some photos of our little family and the results were honestly breathtaking! Today I am sharing the first set of photos, and later in the week I will show you guys the rest! 

     These are going to be the perfect addition to the walls on our new home! Also, Christina has a limited time sale on her website for discounted photo shoots. Spaces are limited but if you think you are interested, contact her ASAP! I promise you will not be disappointed!

A big thank you to Danielle for hosting the amazing giveaway and Christina for gifting us with these incredible photos. You two are amazing ladies! Thank you!

Black Friday

In honor of Black Friday I decided to do a little round up of some of my favorite things around the web. Happy Shopping today!

1. The March Jacobs 'Henry' watch is the perfect combination of Black, Grey and Gold. I would love this for a daily watch!

2. A military inspired jacket in a tough fabric with great details adds some edginess to any white tee and jeans. 

3.  The Valora boot from Blowfish is chic and uber comfortable. Great with skinny jeans or a skirt and tights!

4. A statement ring adds a big punch to any outfit for a small price.

5. The perfect envelope clutch in a buttery, dark, leather. 

6. A lightweight dress with just the right amount of sparkle is perfect with any pair of colored tights!

7. Dresses with unexpected details are the best. Like this one with a sequined collar and airy sleeves. 

8. This sweet color blocked skirt would look perfect paired with any black and white fair isle sweater.

9. Add a statement necklace to nearly any outfit around the holidays!

10. A lacy dress is always sweet and perfect. Add boots for day and tall, black heels for night!

11. The perfect black and camel riding boot, in my opinion! 

12. A Kate Spade satchel that is edgy and functional. Looks great as a handle bag or crossbody!

13. Try dark colored stones instead of light in your accessories. 

Construction Zone

     One of the things we hated in the new house was the kitchen. We knew that was where most of our time, money, and effort was going to be spent. The room was crowded, boxy and outdated. So we took it down to the walls (well behind them in some parts, too), knocked down a few more and opened it up.

View from dining room into the kitchen. Found unpainted walls, covered over vents and extra gas lines... No good!

Took out not 1, but 2 layers of tile on the floor! Also started to smash up a hall closet to gain more space inside of the kitchen area to make it a galley style kitchen.

Found some holes in the sub-floor, and a nice little leak behind what used to be the dishwasher. We managed to sell the remaining appliances for next to nothing on Craigslist!

Nice view of our crazy mess!

Another view from the hallway. We also planned to widen the opening to the kitchen since it was so narrow!

The closet, halfway gone!

     This was a fairly big project that went wrong at this point. We had to part ways with our first contractor and the house sat in this state for nearly 2 weeks. But thankfully, a new neighbor was also a contractor and came on board and since then it has been smooth sailing! Can't wait to show you the rest next week!

Just Peachy

Shirt- Old Navy

Jeans- Target

Belt- Forever 21

Boots- Forever 21

          I am not a fan of peach. The color or the food. So when I spotted this shirt on uber sale at Old Navy I was skeptical if I should take it or not. It was $2.99, so I figured for that price it better come home with me. Then I put this outfit on. Black jeans, boots, threw on a belt in a contrasting print and I felt so cute. Then I saw these photos... and I didn't think I looked cute. A little too slouchy, something a little off. So I left them for a week sitting on the computer and took another look. Actually, I kinda do like this outfit. The colors are different, the print is cute... I kinda feel like I work at a posh ranch somewhere. Getting dressed and taking photos can make me so critical day after day, but you know what? I wore it and felt good about myself so that is all that matters. We can't all look fabulous, like we just stepped out of a magazine day after day, but if you feel confident and comfortable that is all that matters! The next day is always a new day. And a new outfit.

Thank You

     I started to write this on Twitter, but 140 characters just wasn't enough! While we were gone this weekend I realized that this little blog of mine had suddenly turned a year old. I know it isn't the biggest blog on the block, but a bunch of you come by every day to see what I am up to and what's going on in my life and it really is amazing. I appreciate each and every comment, and every email and tweet you guys send my way! 

     Originally I started this blog to have a creative outlet and something to channel my energy towards. And honestly, something to keep me company one weekend while the boy was on a work trip! I used to keep a Livejournal for years but this was my first public, put it all out there, kind of blog. Just look how this blog has changed since the photo above. I found that photo on my iPhone from last November! Crazy, huh? 

     In just a year I have gotten know so many inspiring and great ladies and it humbles me and inspires me to be a part of this little blogging community. I also appreciate all the amazing opportunities this blog has given me and I look forward to the next year to come! 

Lucky Charm

Sweater- Forever 21

Jeans- Old Navy

Shoes- Toms

Bag- Forever 21

Watch- Fossil

Necklace- Anthropologie

     We took these photos in Downtown Phoenix on Friday while we were killing time waiting for some family to arrive at the airport. It happened to be a holiday, so the downtown area was a ghost town! We managed to find a Z Pizza to grab a quick lunch! I didnt realize Phoenix was so far from where we were staying, so I didnt get to go to any of your restaurant suggestions!

     I decided wore an outfit that was comfortable for a long car ride, and extra comfortable since I was still fighting my cold. Enter a loose sweater, jeggings, and slip on shoes. I really love the color of this sweater. The off-white yarn with all of the little colored flecks totally reminds me of the milk at the bottom of a Lucky Charms cereal bowl. So to top the look off I added my letter H charm necklace. Im a clever one... nothing gets past me! Even when I start thinking my clothes look like food. 

    

Road Trip Snapshots

Heading through the California Desert on a rainy afternoon! The windmill farms in Palm Springs... so visually amazing! 

First pit stop in Quartzsite, and I saw a jumbo cactus! 

Arriving to downtown Phoenix! 

Waiting at the airport for the boyfriends family to arrive. Such a dreary day in Arizona!

Driving through the flat land of Surprise, AZ. Most beautiful skies I have ever seen!

We spent one day wandering around Scottsdale and having tapas. 

Birds on a wire... for real! A storm was brewing!!

Sunday was race day! The morning started off covered in rain but by the time the green flag dropped it was sunny and perfect!

Phoenix International Raceway completely sold out for Sundays race!

Hanging out in the grandstands, snapping a photo of the colorful (and loud!) Nascar fan behind me!

Kyle Busch zoomin' on by!

A must before we headed out of town... Cracker Barrel!!!

And another must for the road, Dunkin Donuts! I wish we had these in California.