Daily Style – Summer Days

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Our last days of summer have arrived. I’m set to wake the kids in just a few minutes for the first day of school and I’m a combination of mixed feelings about my littlest one starting Kindergarten.  In the last week I haven’t been doing a lot of “getting dressed” other than in shorts and summery dresses, and only when need be.  Our last week looked a lot like this in fact. Multiple days spent at the beach, with me feeling brave enough to sport a bikini.  Yes, I think it’s okay for pregnant gals to rock the bikini! Bowling with the family, or at least watching them bowl.  Who do you think would win, bowling ball or belly? Breaking out old non-maternity dresses to try and stay cool and creative.  This one worked perfectly for a hot kids birthday party. I just had to share this picture of em and my little Minnie Me.  It’s eerie sometimes how much we look like each other! And our last day at the beach last week.  Sunset perfection.  Hopefully we can make it to the beach a couple of more times on the weekend before it starts to cool off. And big belly has been busy!  At a bonfire, in the baby’s nursery dreaming of it all coming together, at a birthday party and at the bowling alley.  We’ve been having a lot of fun but we’re tired and ready to move on a bit.  My back is aching and my sleeping is the worst it’s been.  Wish me luck I get through these next two weeks as whine free as possible.  Happy Wednesday everyone!



For the Love Of – Our Last Day of Summer

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Tomorrow my first born enters 2nd grade and my 2nd born becomes a Kindergartener.  I give birth in less than 4 weeks and I’m co-hosting a sold-out event next week.  I’m a bundle of emotions and I have lots to share and write and post, but today I’ll be doing a lot of this on our last day of summer.  Before I get back to that though, a few links I’ve been enjoying.

On the business of blogging; lots of talk about this subject recently and 2 of my favorite reads on the matter:

I’ve never been in love with Juicy Couture, even though I owned several of the infamous track suits.  I can’t help but be a bit enamored with the dynamic California duo though and the empire they created.  Here’s a great article about what they’ve been up to lately – Gela & Pam Part Two

And am I the only one that’s been disappointed with the ShoeMint offering lately?  This month’s was no exception.  I’ve skipped 4 months in a row now and may be thinking about cancelling my account.  You?



For the Love Of – Crystal Cove

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I don’t usually talk much about our day to day happenings around here, but would like to maybe start changing that, because in between me trying to dress myself or think up fabulous new DIY’s, we live a pretty mellow but fun life around here. Summer vacation for us is quickly coming to an end and next week I’ll have a Kindergartner and a 2nd Grader! So for the last couple of weeks I’ve been showing my kids the best time I can while waddling around hugely pregnant, and one of those things involves regular trips to the beach.

 

While we live just 5 minutes away from Seal Beach, we’ve been enjoying trips down the coast to Crystal Cove State Beach, which is just between Newport Beach and Laguna.  It’s a bit of a trek, but the drive is easy and traffic-free, and the beautiful scenery, clear waters, and cool atmosphere make it well worth it.

If you park off of Los Trancos, you can take the trail down to the Cove, or there’s a fun shuttle bus that costs $1 per ride for adults, and kids ride free.  The kids love the shuttle bus and I don’t mind not walking right now, so we always take it. The beach is nestled right amongst a cove, hence the name, and the waves are relatively calm so the kids feel comfortable getting in.  One of the highlights are the tide pools, filled with sea anemones, mussels, crabs and fish.

 

I think my favorite thing about Crystal Cove though is it’s charm.  Old California bungalows that you can rent, fun places to eat like the Shake Shack, and the Beachcomber, and old ranger buildings turned into art galleries give it a bit more of a grownup feel than your standard beach.  The locals like to keep Crystal Cove a secret, but I think it’s too good not to share.  If anyone is visiting Southern California, this is the first beach I’d send them to.



Insiders – Lisa Rodman, PR Manager Neiman Marcus Topanga

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I met Lisa over 5 years ago when we were working at St. John together. She had just come from Escada and had such good, well rounded experience that it was fun to pick her brain.  She was nice enough to let me pick her brain and we became fast friends.  On a personal level, Lisa is one of those engaging women that asks questions, listens and makes you feel important, even if you’re just telling her about your pregnancy symptoms.

On a business level, she is cool, level-headed, and passionate, the consummate professional.  For years her roles in the fashion industry centered in the world of Sales, so when she called me a few months back letting me know she had moved back to LA to work as the PR Manager for the Neiman Marcus Topanga store, I was impressed, but not surprised.  The transition from Sales to Public Relations seemed like a natural fit.  Anyone that meets Lisa can easily see how she could really make any job work, and her latest role as the store’s PR Manager has just proven that.  I asked Lisa a few fashion related questions, not so much about the business end but about trends and favorite items.  I loved reading her answers.

What’s your favorite fall trend right now?
Mixed greens! I love the idea of playing with different shades, from bold and bright to natural and earthy. Being back in California has allowed me to have more colorful fashion moments.

What item are you currently coveting (clothing, accessories, shoes?

I am definitely a girl who likes her bags. I’m currently coveting the Alexander McQueen embroidered unicorn and skull-clasp clutch. The unique handle and whimsical details make this the perfect addition to my ever-growing collection.

Since you have to dress up for work every day, how do you dress for a casual day off?

I really like Annabelle Fleur’s, of vivaluxury.blogspot.com, sophisticated yet edgy style. She is daring without being overt and always looks effortlessly cool. My weekend uniform usually consists of a maxi dress, gladiator sandal and an oversized tote. I top it off with aviator sunglasses and a swipe of Le Metier Haute Lip Crème in ballerina pink.

What are three pieces you think every woman should have in their closet?

1. The Stella McCartney boyfriend jacket because it’s clean-lined and effortless.
2. A great leather legging. They work back to everything and can transform even the most basic of looks.
3. The Manolo Blahnik BB pump. The shape is simply stunning, and it comes in an array of fresh hues.

When you aren’t thinking about fashion and PR, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy entertaining, cooking and spending time with my dog Tobias Patton. Thanks Lisa for continuing to let me pick your brain!  You are a gem and I’m so happy to call you a personal friend!

 



Daily Style – Black & White

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Bolero – St. John; Maternity Tank & Jeans – H&M USA; Necklace – DIY by me

The feet have officially swelled to epic proportions, just as I had predicted.  Style shoots are going to be a bit precarious now for the next few weeks, if they even continue to happen.  We went out to dinner last night and so I had to get dressed up.  I hope no one minded that I was wearing my Sandalista flip flops.  I think you can get away with a lot more pregnant though so I’m sure they gave me a pass.

Swollen feet aside, there is nothing more simple to pull together than a pair of jeans, a white tank and an understated yet chic bolero jacket.  I’ve had this one for years and love that it can be worn the most casual of ways, as seen here, or dressed up over a black cocktail dress and it’s the perfect cover up for going out at night.  While the blazer will continue to always be a classic, the bolero is that unexpected piece you throw on every now and then and it looks just as good today as it did 5 years ago.  And look, you can even wear it when pregnant!

I’m smitten with my latest DIY necklace I’m wearing , and you can find the full how-to over at Nicole’s blog Making It Lovely.  Have a great day my friends!



New DIY Supplies – Wire Guards

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I’m always on the look out for new craft and jewelry supplies to add to my repertoire. Ha! I love combining craft and repertoire in the same sentence. Anyhow, a few weeks back I was talking to my local jewelry supply guy and telling him that sometimes, my wire slipped through the opening of my jump rings when making necklaces like this, if my jump ring wasn’t closed just so. Jump rings can be persnickety little things, especially if they’re sorta cheap, which I am at times.

So he recommended these wire guards to replace jump rings when stringing beads. They’re basically look like little horse shoes with a channel in the middle that you fee your wire through. Because it’s one straight line there’s no way for the wire to slip through it, therefore securing your wire firmly in place. I used them to make my first piece for Making It Lovely over the weekend and I was really pleased with the results! They were easy to manipulate and the results were flawless.

I’ve yet to come across these cool little guards at places like Michael’s or Joann’s, but you can find them I’m sure at any specialty jewelry supply store, or tons of places online.  I see they even come in copper and hematite colors in addition to gold and silver.

So have you found any fun new crafting supplies that you can’t live without?  I’d love to hear!



Sandalista Giveaway

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Flip flops in Southern California aren’t just for summer; they’re usually worn year round and are in many ways a way of life. So us Southern Californians are picky about our flip flops. For a while I stuck with Havaianas, but when our friend Will, an expert in the shoe industry, branched off and started his own flip flop company Sandalista, I had to give them a try. These are hands down the best quality and most comfortable flip flops I’ve ever owned.

The best thing about Sandalista though is that they are completely customizable. You can choose your own design from a huge selection of really awesome artists, or you can upload your own design, like a favorite picture of the beach or your kids. You can choose a foot-bed for men or women, and your strap color as well. It’s such a cool concept, made even cooler by the fact that they’re made in the USA, just a few minutes from my house in fact. The designs last for months too without any sign of wear. Plain and simple, I love these sandals and I think you will too.

The folks at Sandalista are giving away 2 pairs of flip flops to 2 of my readers. You can choose if you want a pair for yourself or give them to your man. You can pick from one of their artist’s designs, or upload your own. The choice is yours. I hope you’re as excited about this giveaway as I am. Summer is still in full swing so there’s plenty of time to enjoy these, even if you don’t live here in Southern California. Enter to win below where you’ll all the details. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Sunday Color Love – Warby Parker Crystal Collection

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I love my Prestons from Warby Parker so much, and they’ve changed the way I look at glasses.  Wearing glasses since I was 8, for years I just slipped them on before bed time after I took out my contacts.  But since getting a pair that I actually love, I wear my glasses just as often as I wear my contacts.  I’m thinking it’s time though to add a fun pair to the mix, and these Prestons in the Bellini crystal color, from their limited edition Summer Crystals collection, would fit the bill perfectly.

After a second pair of fun lenses, it might be time for me to also get a pair of prescription sunglasses.  I’ve never owned a pair so I’m curious for those of you that do wear prescription sunglasses, do you just bring along your pair of regular glasses and switch them out when going indoors?  I’m assuming that’s the case.  Here are the rest of their lenses from the limited edition Summer Crystals collection.  And how about the collages?  Love the color inspiration for each pair.  Fun and quirky!  Happy Sunday everyone! originally found via Nicole at Making It Lovely – thanks for the heads up!



Introducing The Craft Cabinet

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When you’re passionate about something, especially if it involves anything somewhat businessy related, I’ve found it helps to have a partner in crime.  With each of the companies I’ve worked at before, I always had a person or two that I could go to and bounce ideas off of, share frustrations, share things I was happy and proud of.  Someone that just “got it” because they were in the same boat I was.  In blogging my partner in crime I’ve found is Jules.

We joke that I stalked her for a while before she agreed to meet with me.  She’s a self-proclaimed hermit, and I’m the gal from Sales that wants to make friends with everyone I find interesting and fun.  In fact just last week I invited two bloggers out to lunch that I’d never met before just because I think they would be fun to hang out with.  I asked Jules several times to meet me for lunch before she finally agreed.  I think I told her “This is the last time I’m going to ask you to lunch before I start to take it personally.”

Anyhow, I promise there is a point to all this.  Over a year later, Jules and I have met countless times now for lunch, dinner, even my baby shower.  And we’ve shared a 400 square foot room at Camp Mighty.  We’ve gotten pretty close considering she originally didn’t want to have anything to do with me ha!  A few weeks back I was at her house and while the kids were playing we were brainstorming about things we’d love to do with our blogs.  She had the idea to create this Pinterest type party where ladies would bring all the makings for a project they’ve pinned and we’d set aside time for them to create said project.  A type of creative, networking/mingling type of event where local bloggers could meet and be productive.  A few nights later at home I struck up a conversation on Twitter asking if anyone would be interested in joining us for such party.  There was some interest, so I emailed Jules and said “I’m bored.  Kids are in bed and Art’s working, so I’m going to get this Pinterest party idea of yours going.”

Two weeks later and here’s the scoop:  We’re doing it!

We have a date and time: Friday August 17th at 6:30 (that’s 13 days before my due date in case anyone is keeping track)

We have a venue: Salvage Life in Long Beach, California – a darling vintage boutique centrally located between Los Angeles and Orange County.

We have a purpose: Create a project you’ve pinned.  Bring along all the supplies you’ll need to create a project (nothing too huge or food related please), and we’ll set aside time to sit, chat and craft!  If you want to come and don’t really have a project in mind that you want to create, or don’t have time to get the supplies, no problem!  We’ll have some supplies on hand to make some cute and easy DIY’s.  Think Neon Gliter Notecards and maybe some type of bracelet?

What else have we got?: There will be food, drinks and merriment!  Duh.  Jules and I would never plan something without food and drinks!  We’ll also have swag bags for those that come, and a big company having to do with one Tori Spelling, will be providing some door prizes.  You won’t go home empty handed!

Cost: Well while we’d love to do this all for free, we are charging Twenty dollars to help cover the costs of food and fun.

Get yourself signed up!: You can do that right here.  Space is extremely limited so don’t delay in getting yourself a spot!

Andrea, who created that lovely invitation?: Tristan from Besotted Brand created the whole thing from start to finish, including our logo.  Isn’t it gorgeous?  She is one talented lady with more taste in her pinky finger than I have in my whole body.

I hope to see you there.  I am somewhat of an extrovert so if I meet you for the first time, don’t be surprised if I give you a big fat hug.  I sort of have trouble with knowing my personal space boundaries, so warn me ahead of time if you don’t want a hug.  So please join us and spread the word, bring a friend!



Big Belly Project

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Hello everyone!  I’m back from our 5 day trip up to the mountains, where I did everything from fishing, to hiking to getting the best massage of my life.  I’m tired but ready to unpack and get back into the swing of things, which includes blogging!  I’ve missed it the past 2 weeks and am looking forward to getting back to regular posting. 

While we were on our trip I started taking pictures of the places and adventures the belly was going on and I thought it would be fun to document all the things I’m going to try to fit in over the next 5 weeks.  With 2 weeks left of summer break and 2 kids to keep happy, there’s not a lot of slowing down that will be had.  But that’s okay, while I’m feeling good I’ll be out and about enjoying summer and our last days together as a family of 4.

If you’d like to join along on the adventures of Big Belly, follow me on Instagram @fourflights.  And did you all remember I have a Facebook page for the blog?  Well I do, and there’s an awesome Neon Gift Bundle giveaway that I’m giving away on Oh Sweet Joy’s blog, but only to fans of my Facebook page.  So head on over and likey like my page if you want to win some sweet neon!

And stay tuned for a very fun announcement I’ll be posting tomorrow morning!  It involves Pinterest and crafts and mingling with other bloggers.  Now to go and put off unpacking!