Skinny Trick ~ Plain Greek yogurt & honey { +agave rocks!}

Did you know that yogurt is one of those deceptively healthy snacks? So many of us check the fat content, but neglect to consider the sugar in most yogurts. Especially the flavored ones. This was brought to my attention by my father in law recently when he was out visiting. He reminded me to take a look at how many grams of sugar was in that deliciously "healthy", organic, mango yogurt I was devouring. And even worse, the strawberry yogurt I was putting into my daughter's lunch box every day. Holy cow. I've been so caught up with making sure everything is organic, low-fat... that I neglected the obvious. Sugar! The solution? A drizzle of honey in plain, non-fat yogurt and it's just as delicious. Agave syrup works just as well. I've also been using agave in my coffee every morning. No weird taste, just yummy coffee! Do you have any "skinny" or healthy tricks? I'd love to try!

Red shorts/short hair

Apparently, I'm all about the vintage red bottoms. Two of my favorite pieces that I wear non-stop (and have for the past few years) are these red shorts and these silk, red trousers. It helps to have some interesting pieces to toss on when you would otherwise just be reaching for denim. These days, making serious effort in an outfit, is a serious challenge, so I'm trying to tailor my go-to wardrobe down to easy and interesting pieces I can just toss on. (More on that later.)

On another note, I was just reading an article on Katie Holmes yesterday and whether she thinks short or long hair is easier. Like her, I've had both. I have to concur that long hair is much much easier. You would think it's the opposite, right? It's true, with my long hair I found myself doing nothing more than tossing it into a top knot bun every day, but who has time to deal with a "hair style?"... not this mama. I've had super long hair for most of my life and this is the second time that I've done a serious chop. It was bold and refreshing and fun... but I must admit, now that it's growing out a bit, I'm finding it easier. Much more versatile too! What do you think? Are you a short or long hair fan?

Hip'tique + Kelcey Fisher/Fashion + Art = My favorite combo

Last week, Hip'tique in Santa Monica hosted a special fashion and art night with artist, Kelcey Fisher. Not only was I dying to spend some time with a girlfriend I hadn't seen in forever, I was eager to get out and see some local art, check out Hip'tique's warm weather fashion and meet the artist responsible for this multicolored, fashion/pop/street art hybrid A-MAZING-ness. Totally crushing on the painting above and seriously considering the piece for one of our (many) empty walls. I serendipitously wore the perfect, bright pink dress (last seen here) that vibed quite well with the aesthetic that night. 

Noa Bolozky of Sunset and 5th

 Christine Berardi - Hip'tique, Kelcey Fisher - artist, Tanya Dempsey - November Grey.

And just like my last fashion choice dilemma at Hip'tique (remember it here?) I am now positively in love with two Clover Canyon pieces I must decide between. Stay tuned!  For more on Kelcey, visit here. More on Hip'tique, go here.

{Clover Canyon blazer pic via Hiptique/Dress pic via Revolve Clothing}

{Happy Weekend} Vintage by the beach

I read this funny quote on Pinterest or somewhere: "Yay, it's the weekend! Oh, wait... I'm a mom." I laugh and laugh at this because it's true. As a mom, your job never stops. And with this little guy crawling all around now, I can't take my eyes off him for a second. It's such a fun age. He claps and gives kisses and loves to dance to music, but man, oh, man... he gets into everything. Poor dogs, their food is always on the counter now. I should stop typing and get to it, but wanted to wish you all a happy weekend. (Whether your work stops or not.)

Chambray top - Old Navy

Red silk pants - Vintage

Necklace - Vintage

Sneak Peek ~ My little girls room

Amongst the 10,000 other things I'm trying to wrangle on a daily basis, I'm also attempting a carefully thought out and decorated home. This takes time. And planning. And budgeting. And patience. Which I don't always have. But I need to remind myself that I'd rather have every corner of every room in my home be beautiful and mean something, than throwing it together in urgency. So here we are... little bits at a time. 

Stella's room is nearly complete, as I tackled it first, wanted her space to feel like home right away. She got involved in the planning from day one, even picking out the paint color. (Ballerina Pink by BEHR!)

The wooden letters were painted white and hung on a string in the backyard of our old house for her second birthday. Remember it here? We cut new pink ribbon and daddy tacked them above her bed with tiny nails. The dresses were sent to us c/o Biscotti and Kate Mack and they are just too pretty to keep hidden in the closet.

The chandelier is from Pottery Barn Kids and the hubs nearly electrocuted himself to death installing it (thanks, honey) but isn't it pretty? It replaced a very unattractive ceiling fan.

The framed floral art is antique and was scored at one of my favorite local thrift stores. The lamp base was also thrift for about five bucks. I was looking for a simple design that had a pull switch for tiny fingers and believe it or not, that was very tough to find! I ended up finding this simple shade at Big Lots and it was perfect! (Inexpensive, but doesn't look it, right?!) The frame is from Home Goods and holds one of my favorite photos of her.

A pregnancy photo and a memory box (also from Home Goods) displays a vintage slip dress she wore as a tiny tot. I want to cry when I think about her chubby legs teetering around in that thing... The vintage postcards need to be framed and hung, but dwell above until I find the perfect spot.

This little bunny jar is one of the most meaningful items in the room... Stella likes it because she can hide trinkets and treasures away, while I reminisce about my sweet friend (who also made my wedding dress) and the day she gifted it to me while Stella was still in my belly.

Stella in stripes and Chanel-esq jacket! {My little model}

Call me ridiculous, but wearing coordinating outfits with my daughter to dinner is just about as fun as it gets. Here's her look that matches my previous post for dinner at Post and Beam. She insisted on wearing the jeans, even though they are a bit too big. I guess she was going after the boyfriend look. Dying over this jacket and currently looking for a similar in my size. Hope you're having a great day!

Ode to Chanel Jacket- c/o Biscotti and Kate Mack

Striped blouse - Zara

Jeans - Mossimo Supply Co (similar)

Sunsets, Stripes & Savory Nights (+Aviation cocktail recipe!)

Blazer  - H&M

(Did you see my video rant about it here?)

Dress - Unknown label

(Via Crossroads Trading Company)

Sparkle flats - Bamboo

(Similar for cheapo)

This past weekend was filled with family time, good food, and not one, but two sunsets I actually took a moment to notice. This evening in particular was sweet and savory. From the company, to the cuisine, to the cocktails... Here, on the patio of Post and Beam, I got to spend time with my littles, the hubs, my father in law in town from NY, and a girlfriend I hadn't see in forever! We devoured oven roasted brussels sprouts, shrimp and grits, incredibly delicious pizza and my new favorite drink; The Aviation Cocktail. Cheers to soaking it all in! xx