A Reason...A Season...A Lifetime

2012 has been a challenging year in so many ways. There have been a number of significant changes in our lives - some more positive than others; there have been friendships lost and gained, moments of beautiful joy and times of great sadness but through it all I have been grateful and so incredibly thankful for the blessings of love, family, true and genuine friends and faith.

 A dear friend shared this with me a few years ago, it's always resonated with me, however as I re-read these eloquent words this evening I found myself filled with a deep sense of peace, a quiet presence from within and I knew - I am exactly where I am meant to be - with the people I need and with whom my life is intended to be shared - I feel blessed beyond measure and I will greet 2013 with a smile on my face, peace in my heart, a clear mind and a soul nourished and filled with love. 

:: A Reason...A Season...A Lifetime ::

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season. 

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant. 

Thank you for being a part of my life,

whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime. I wish you a very Happy New Year! May 2013 be a year of love, laughter & much joy. 

xo, 

All that Glitters is Gold

I am always playing with nail polish & I love creating unique colors. A few weeks ago I created Champagne Rain, it's a beautiful & subtle color but I've been wanting create a fabulous gold as well. The gold I've been envisioning has brilliant sparkle, it's not too metallic & it remains bright.Here's what I've come up with!   

:: All That Glitters is Gold ::

This is still a bit off from what my perfect gold would be but it's still a beautiful colors!

It really changes with light & the larger flecks of glitter sparkle brightly...

I love bold & bright colors but lately I've been drawn to a more subtle palette & I really enjoy the subtle edge of this colors...

:: All That Glitters is Gold :: 

OPI, Designer Series (really, really, really old)  & elf, Golden Goddess

Hope you enjoy!

xo, 

An Epic Failure

You can read all of the details about why the Neiman Marcus - Target venture was epic failure in my previous post, but let me provide you with another shinning example. 

The shelves remain fully stocked of all merchandise that was a part of this collaborative collection AND it is ALL 50% off now! Even with this insane discount the shelves remain packed & some items still feel exceedingly overpriced! 

EPIC FAIL.

With that being said, I did purchase a few items because quite frankly I was shocked at the discount & I didn't mind parting with about $30 for these less than fabulous but still cute pieces. 

:: small silver pouch by Marc Jacobs - Originally $70 now $35 ::

:: leopard print slippers by Derek Lam - originally $50 now $25 ::

:: accent box by Eddie Borgo - was $50, now $25 ::

First of all this is a teeny tiny box! 

Secondly, I did not know how much these cost until I got home. When I went to check out there was not a price anywhere to be found & so the manager decided to give them to me for $10 each! When I came home I discovered how much they really cost & I about fell off of my chair! 

 Needless to say, I am happy with my new purchases. I believe both retailers made several monumental & obviously detrimental  mistakes with this collection but hopefully everyone involved will be able to learn & grow from this experience :) I am very curious to see what Target's next big launch will be?

xo, 

:: Carefree :: Cuddly :: Cozy ::

Last Friday it was actually cold and rainy here in California! It had been a long week & as usual I had a full day which included getting my hair done. It was one of those days where I could have easily curled up in bed with a book & read & napped throughout the day. I decided the next best thing would be to select an absolutely carefree, cuddly & cozy outfit for my day. 

:: leopard head band - Pier 1 :: vest - The North Face :: denim button down - Target :: black leggings - Pink by Victoria's Secret :: tank (not visible ) Target :: Boots - Ugg of Australia, really really old! :: handbag - Burberry ::

I was already running late for the morning & literally snapped this one on my way out. I had forgotten something & had run  back to grab it. 

These are one of my favorite pairs of Uggs, I realized that I have had them for over a decade! They feel like pillows on my feet & are perfect on cold winter days :-)

It was one of those days where it just felt better to layer on my accessories. I've had all of these pieces for years & I love how quickly I am able to toss them on in the morning. They are all incredibly durable as well which is always great when I am on the go & running around. 

I will definitely be recycling this outfit & I can already think of so many different ways I will be able to accessorize this look. Every wardrobe should have great basics. The black leggings & denim shirt are a couple of staples for me. These pieces are so versatile & literally have limitless options when it comes to ways you can wear them & what you can pair them with. Not to mention they are both so incredibly comfy! 

xo, 

A Moment of Silence

I had planned a post for yesterday, however in the wake of the days tragic events it just doesn't feel right to talk about something as inconsequential as what I wore for the day. To even describe what happened as tragic seems to undercut this abhorrent act of cowardness. My heart has been with these families & will remain with them. 

President Obama spoke yesterday & poignantly mentioned the birthdays, college graduations, weddings & other events that these children will never have the opportunity to experience. With the holiday's around the corner I cannot even begin to imagine how trying it will be for these families as they attempt to navigate life without their children. To come home & see gifts for a child that has been denied the opportunity to open them must be absolutely gut wrenching. The holiday's will never again be the same for these families. 

I will continue to pray; for the children, for their families, & for our nation. The level of violence that occurs as the result of firearms is simply unacceptable & senseless. 

May God provide these families with the strength to see them through the coming days & months. May these families find comfort in the beautiful & now sacred memories of their children. May these families feel the strength, support & love of their community & country. And may God walk with them all & help them to one day know peace again in their hearts & homes. 

Please join me in sending your thoughts & prayers to these families. 

* All images via

An OOTD On the Go!

I've done OOTD posts before but they've been versions similar to all of the generic OOTD posts...me standing somewhere, static & unmoving. Here's the thing, fashion is anything but static! Fashion is dynamic, it's always changing, constantly on the go & venturing to discover what's next. My life as of late seems as though I am constantly on the go - from interior design to personal styling & even the mundane of running errands it's been go, go go which makes functional style even more important in my book :)

 :: The Basics ::

::  Ballet Flats by Yosi Samra - Hot Pink | Toothpick Jeans & Belt - J.Crew  | Blouse - H&M ::

In between appointments & on the go! 

A quick snap from the car, hair & makeup took a back seat due to the pace of my day...

Dashing through the stunning Fall leaves, I loved how my flats looked against the leaves...

 One of my favorite handbags by Burberry. I adore this one because it is so versatile & literally holds my entire life! 

I hope your week has been going well. I can't wait to show you something that I've just received, I am SO excited about it! Stay tuned...

xo, 

Quincy | A Healing Presence & Gentle Spirit

My family & I have had Saint Bernards for a little less than a decade & one of the many things I have fallen in love with is what amazing therapy dogs Saints make. When my husband & I decided we were ready for a dog we knew we wanted to rescue a Saint. A few months after we brought Quincy home he & I completed his training & certification as a therapy dog. 

 :: On our most recent therapy visit children had the opportunity to visit & read to Quincy  ::

Quincy & I work a lot with children & the experience has been incredible. One of the programs we participate in is an after school program for children who do not live with their parents, they may be in foster care or living with a guardian. My job is to simply hold Quincy's leash,  his job is to provide unconditional love & support. 

 :: Our swet boy ::

On average our visits are about an hour in length & Quincy will usually visit with somewhere between 6-8 children. I've witnessed all ranges of emotions from the kids as they spend their time with Quincy, some have barely noticed him, others have gently pet him, some like to talk to him & one sweet girl just wrapped her arms around him and wept. It was so touching to watch this little girl, who very clearly was struggling & yet Quincy seemed to provide her with such comfort and peace. It was like he knew she needed him. I am continually amazed by the positive impact our visits seem to have.

 :: Quincy loves to snuggle! ::

Our therapy program has been wonderful in so many ways. I look forward to our visits & I feel so grateful that our sweet boy is able to give back & help others simply with his presence & gentle spirit. 

xo, 

A Last Minute Meal...

Let's be real, I've never pretended to be Martha Stewart & as much as I love being a wife & taking care of my husband I'm not really all that handy in the kitchen. Last night was yet another comical endeavor...it was nearly eight o'clock & I finally decided that I should just dash to Whole Foods to grab something for dinner. You might be surprised with what I came up with...

Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans & Sweet Corn

I simply steamed the green beans...

And then peeled & cubed the sweet potatoes & boiled them...

While the sweet potatoes were cooking I tossed the sweet corn into a pan until it was golden brown...

After about 10 minutes at a rolling boil I placed the sweet potatoes into a bowl & used a fork to mash them together with just a touch of butter & a bit of salt & pepper...

A dollop of sweet potatoes, fresh green beans & sweet corn topped with a little Parmesan cheese :)

I made this last night and I had it again tonight, it's so yummy! I also really love how easy it was to make & it didn't take long at all. Best of all I didn't feel too guilty about dinner because it was packed with fresh veggies. 

Hope you all had a great week!

xo, 

The Healing Power of Tradition

I began this blog, as I am sure many of you began your blogs, as a creative outlet & also as a way of documenting my life. I've never been good about keeping journals or scrap booking but blogging has allowed me to easily document & share my life with pictures, memories & experiences. I've always been careful when selecting what I posted for a variety of reasons, however never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagined that my blog would or could be used against me or my family in any way. Well, news flash it has been and to say that I feel betrayed is an understatement, to say that it has made an already exceedingly painful situation even more hurtful does not even begin to scratch the surface of the damage these actions have caused. 

What has become crystal clear is who has been there to support not only me but my family as well. For all of these people, for their love, strength, kindness, decency & respect, there are not words strong enough to describe my gratitude for the positive contributions you have made and continue to make in my life & the lives of those I love. Thank you. 

Obviously, from past posts as well as what I have just explained above my life has been a little complicated to say the least. I had hoped that things might have begun to settle down just bit, but apparently that is just not in the stars for me at the moment. I have always believed that when we are in pain, be it physical, emotional or spiritual, there is a lesson to be learned, there is insight to be gained & there is growing to be done. This latest turn of events blindsided me & while these actions were both hurtful & infuriating they have already taught me several lessons, but more importantly they have reminded me of what is most important & sacred to me. 

:: Family :: Friends :: Love :: Loyalty :: Authenticity :: 

:: The Healing Power of Tradition ::

Last year my husband & I started the tradition of going together & selecting an ornament for one another. There is only one simple rule, we each must choose an ornament that reminds us of each other.   I just read last years post & it reminded of how lucky I am to have such a truly remarkable man as my husband and best friend. This year, due to the general chaos our lives have been in, we got a bit of a late start. Our selection was a bit more limited but we still managed to come up with some pretty darn cute ornaments.  

My green Welly's!

Once again, my husband could not have selected a kinder or more thoughtful ornament. When I was a little girl by Gran & Grampsie would come back from London with Welly boots for my sister and I. I used to wear them & nothing else! In fact I used to wash the car naked but wearing my boots. Needless to say I began wearing them as an adult long before they became trendy. When my husband and I first began dating if I wore them & he saw a puddle he would stop the car & was incredibly amused by the simple joy I took in stomping through & jumping in the puddles. He even picked an adorable green pair, just like my favorite Welly's :)

"The higher the heel the closer to God" & it sparkles!!!

We are only supposed to select one ornament for each other but my sweet boy said he could simply not resist this one as well. It's an adorable high heel that is entirely sparkly. When he showed it to me it made my heart swoon :) 

 For my handy man, who can fix or build just about anything!

When I saw this one I knew it was for my boy. His tools are like my handbags & shoes & I absolutely love that about him. This little tool box says, 'There is NO such thing as too many Tools! It is perfect, & considering this is our first holiday in our new home & the moving and rearranging we've been doing  I will always look at this & think about this time in our lives. 

I love this tradition for so many reasons, but this year it really helped me to refocus on what matters, it made me count the abundant blessings I have in my life daily & it made me cherish & value my authentic friendships even more. 

Happy Holidays!

With love, 

An Epic Opportunity Gone Horribly Awry

What a letdown! I guess I could have written this post earlier having previewed the new Neiman Marcus - Target Collection, however it just didn't feel quite right. Today this hybrid line launched & to  I could not be more disappointed. There are roughly 60 items from some of the most notable names in fashion, however not a single designer maintained their brand identity or created a piece that made me swoon! 

My original post was titled, "The Odd Couple" I think "Oppsy" migh be more apt

I knew the Missoni for Target collection would be exceedingly hard to top. Missoni created & delivered high quality pieces that exuded the brands essence. From dresses, to tops, skirts & shoes Missoni successfully introduced their brand to a demographic that would not generally be their typical customer. The Missoni collection for Target looked & felt like Missoni whereas this latest collection feels as though the designers were somehow convinced to lend their names to Target & Neiman Marcus but were secretly promised that they would not have to design or prouduce anything similar to their actual products & lines.  

One of my favorite Missoni for Target pieces

As a lifetime admirer & consumer of fine products I have always appreciated the exceptional quality and beautiful lines of Oscar de la Renta & Carolina Herrera. These fashion icons have & continue to captivate & create some of the most classically stunning pieces of all time. Oscar de la Renta is one of the few designers who still sketches each of his couture creations personally. Obviously, I was not expecting to see couture pieces, however I had hoped to see pieces that still embodied the essence & heart of the participating designers. 

Some of the exquisite signature detailing that is Oscar de la Renta 

Tory Burch is known for shoes & clothing, especially her trademark tunics, but she created neither of these. Instead her contribution was a cosmetics case and a thermos??? Brian Atwood has recently become one of the hottest names in women’s shoes & instead of delivering a divine pair of shoes he created a pair of leather-studded gloves??? I don't think Mr. Atwood needed to come up with a pair of stunning heels but some fun flats, an outlandish pair of slippers or even a creative pair of trainers would have been more appreciated & appropriate in my opinion. Alice + Olivia made a piece of luggage. I don't really even know where to begin with that one?!?! And then the legendary Diane von Furstenburg has given the world a designer yoga mat. WTF.

Diane von Furstenburg for Target Yoga Mat

Disappointed does not even begin to describe the letdown of this launch. What surprises me even more is that these designers lent their names to this line. I get that any press can be perceived as good PR, especially with the current state of the economy but had I been in the position of any one of these designers I do not think I could have conscionably participated nor would I have felt comfortable placing my name on any of these items. 

An exceptionally executed partnership - high quality items that represent the essence & integrity that is the luxury brand Misson

I will be very curious to see what others think of this partnership & its execution. I know this post may feel a bit on the negative side, however having been a thrilled & satiated consumer of the Missoni for Target launch I am truly shocked & disappointed as I think the original concept had incredible potential. 

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend; I would love to hear your thoughts on this as well!

Much love,