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makr cards for christmas!

December 1, 2015 3 Comments

this time of year, i haven’t had much time for anything other than holiday prep – and i’m not complaining! i mentioned it in another post, but having a kid around during the holidays makes everything just a little more delightful. seeing the way adam’s eyes light up when we set up the tree, or watching him react to all of the silly christmas decor is enough to make me melt into a big sappy puddle. we’re even sending out christmas cards this year, which i have never ever done in all of my life. but when makr asked us if we’d like to partner up to try out their service, i was totally on board. and you bet i pulled up our cheesiest family portrait just for the occasion. i know that all of our aunts and uncles and distant relatives will be delighted to see our little family, and to hear about our new addition to arrive early next year!

i ordered the happy holidays pack, which includes a set of cards that you can customize front and back, along with little matching gift tags! the tags came in handy because i’d already put together my own little hot cocoa recipe to send as gifts for friends and family who live in faraway places. and i had a lot of fun putting together a customized calendar using pictures of adam throughout the last year. but of course, who could resist our silly little family portrait? it’s very rare that we pose like that, but looking back, i’m glad we did it at least one time this past year so that we’ll have a little token of our memories as time goes by.

get 20% off your holiday pack order via makr.co with code “CALI” now through 1/31/16!

this post was sponsored by makr.

lifestyle, home

breakfast in bed with eve

November 25, 2015 8 Comments

as many of you know, my life has changed pretty dramatically over the past couple of years. after making a big move across the state, having our first baby, and buying our first home, we just found out that we’re expecting another baby early next year! with all of these constant changes, we’ve been making a lot of big adjustments. one adjustment we didn’t anticipate? the shrinking size of our bed! we’re all about attachment parenting, and we’ve been co-sleeping with adam since he was born. and while we are beginning to transitioning him to his big boy bed, we still fully expect him to occasionally wake up during the night and wander over to our bed… which is soon to see yet another new occupant! so when eve asked us if we’d like to try out a mattress, i jumped at the opportunity to upgrade!

eve just launched in the us earlier this month, so i was pretty excited to be among the first people to give it a try here in the states. the model is simple and straightforward: they designed one ridiculously comfortable mattress, cut out wholesalers and middlemen, and ship the mattress in vacuum-sealed packaging so it can easily fit through a doorframe, or up a flight of stairs. the result is a luxury mattress experience at a fraction of the price. when it came time to pick my own, i didn’t even hesitate: i knew we needed a king sized bed to accommodate our growing family.

when the mattress arrived, it was tightly wrapped up in its compact box. we slid it into the bedroom, pulled it out of the packaging, and watched as it magically unrolled and filled with air right in front of our eyes. the yellow trim and cheeky packaging was unexpected and delightful, but we were sold once we stretched out on our new massive expanse of bed. adam hopped around while i dressed the bed in new linens. and we spent the rest of the day anticipating bedtime to give it a try. as expected, the mattress is super comfortable thanks to four different layers of squishy memory foam. and all of the extra space feels like a major luxury after sleeping on a much smaller bed for the last couple of years.

one major perk? eve offers a 100 night trial – if you don’t like the mattress, they pick it up and give a full refund – no questions asked. but we’ll be keeping ours, thanks!

this post was sponsored by eve. all content and opinions are my own.

lifestyle, kids

blurb books for the holidays

November 24, 2015 1 Comment

’tis the season, you guys! in some years past, i’ve been known to be a little bit of a scrooge, but having a baby has really changed my perspective on the holidays. children have this way of making the holidays magic. and this year, i’m really excited to have had the opportunity to partner with blurb books to create customized photo books to give as gifts to some of my closest relatives. adam’s grandparents and great-grandparents are always pestering me for more photos of adam, so i know that these little books will bring them lots of joy. i have to admit, even i got a little teary-eyed when the package came in the mail and i flipped through the images of adam over the past two years. i arranged the book in reverse chronological order, so as you turn the pages, you watch him transform from a rambunctious toddler to a squishy little baby to the very day he was born. it’s kind of fun to get lost in memories as you reminisce further back in time to days not so long ago, but forever in your memories.

and the best part is that the entire process was totally painless. the books are completely customizable, but virtually foolproof. i get completely overwhelmed by projects like this, but i was able to do the whole thing online. you can start by choosing a book size, pick from a few different style options, and then simply upload your photos and insert text wherever you desire. my hard drive is currently a mess, so i was happy to see the option to pull all of your images directly from your instagram account. and that’s pretty much it! of course, if you happen to be a design pro, then there are also a lot of other options for publishing your book, but i definitely like that you can keep it simple, and still come away with a really beautiful book.

this post was created in collaboration with blurb books.

my style

outfit: devoted to denim with hudson jeans

November 17, 2015 2 Comments

when it comes to my personal style, you know i love an easy vintage dress, but nothing beats a good pair of jeans. when you find that perfect pair of dark wash skinny jeans, you pretty much know they’re going to be the hardest working staple in your wardrobe. they’re universally flattering, and they fit into any wardrobe, regardless of your style. they’re like the fashion thread that binds us all together. so of course, when i teamed up with zappos + hudson jeans for my latest outfit post, picking these jeans was pretty much a no-brainer. they’re made of a super soft and stretchy viscose-denim, so they’re insanely comfortable, and they’re the darkest shade of inky blue, which is one of my favorite colors. i really have to hand it to hudson: they have cool british roots, but with an ease that captures the whole laid-back california vibe.

so far this fall, i’ve been really obsessed with comfort, so these were an especially good match with a super warm and cozy oversized sweater. and i went with a totally neutral palette because who says you can’t wear black and blue and even brown all together? that happens to be one of my favorite color combinations. but of course, you could just as easily dress the whole thing up with a flowy top, fancy heels, and a bright pop of lipstick for a night out on the town.

wearing:
hudson krista super skinny jeans in delilah courtesy of zappos
colorant sweater
brookes boswell wakefield hat
j.w. hulme legacy handbag
maryam nassir zadeh roberta heels in midnight suede

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this post was created in partnership with zappos + hudson jeans.

my style

outfit: #foreverforward with zappos + hudson

November 4, 2015 2 Comments

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you guys, it’s finally fall. as in, it was cold and rainy yesterday and it was actually necessary for me to wear jeans and a sweater. when i woke up this morning, it was 39 degrees outside. it’s downright chilly. so yes, i am quietly rejoicing while pulling all of my knits out of boxes and planning what outfits to wear while the weather is cool. and luckily for me, i recently joined forces with zappos to pick a few pairs of hudson jeans for the season. i was instantly drawn to their ’70s-inspired fall collection, and placed my order for this pair of insanely soft mia jeans. they arrived in two days with free shipping, just in time for me to pull together this comfy look on the first chilly day of the season.

and they totally satisfy my desire to swath myself in warm and cozy clothes while still looking pulled-together and vintage-inspired. i’ve talked about this before, but for me, even if i’m just wearing jeans and a t-shirt, i still always try to add an element of interest to my look. i tend to be a bit of a minimalist, so instead of piling on lots of accessories, i usually like to play with interesting shapes and silhouettes instead. the slim fit of the jeans keep the boxy sweater from being too overwhelming, the heels add height (and another little nod to the past), while the hat balances out the shape of the flares. it’s an easy outfit formula that i’m definitely going to be revisiting a lot this fall.

wearing:
hudson mia five-pocket mid rise flare jeans in oracle courtesy of zappos
vintage sweater
brookes boswell boro in black straw
swedish hasbeens peep toe high
vintage coach bucket bag

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this post was created in partnership with zappos + hudson.

my style, beauty

#yourbesthair with living proof

November 2, 2015 2 Comments

when it comes to doing my hair, i don’t tend to do a whole lot. call me a creature of habit, but i don’t really stray from my usual routine or the same old products that i’ve used for years. in fact, i’d say the bulk of my routine is really about getting frequent haircuts and then hoping that’s enough, haha. it’s not that i don’t want to try new things, i’ve just never been one to spend more than a few minutes getting ready in the morning, and i wouldn’t even know where to start when it comes to conditioners or serums or treatment masks.

but over the past several months (has it already been over a year?), i’ve started to get increasingly frustrated with this messy mop of hair. it always used to be predictable. my whole life, it’s been super thick and super straight, and as long as i went in for a cut now and then, i was good to go with my very minimal routine. but after adam was born, something changed. my typically pin straight hair started to bend. not a curl, not a wave, just a bend. this annoying bend that doesn’t seem to want to go here nor there. no, it’s not some major crisis, but it’s definitely been a challenge dealing with this new post-pregnancy texture. i don’t want to fight it, but i do think i’m long overdue for an update on how to manage this hair.

so when living proof asked if i’d be interested in partnering-up to try out their line, it was the perfect opportunity for me to break-free from my usual routine, and try some new products for my “new” hair. i used the product selector to choose a routine, and ended up with the perfect hair day shampoo and conditioner, as my base. some days, i coax it to go straight using the no frizz nourishing styling cream, but i’ve also been having a lot of fun adding more texture and wave.

to get the look:

start with the prime style extender cream on damp hair to prep for any look you want to achieve.
i wanted to play up the texture in my hair, so after partly drying it with a blow dryer, i sprayed it with the instant texture mist to scrunch and twist it into place. it looks really cute like that, but you can also encourage a few loose waves with the help of a curling iron.
my hair is still on the straight side, so i finished up with the flex shaping hairspray to keep it in place for the rest of the day.

the finished result definitely helps to make the “bend” in my hair look more textured and intentionally messy, as opposed to literally looking like i just rolled out of bed. it’s a fine line, people!

this post was created in partnership with living proof.

my style

outfit: fall classics with zappos + clarks

October 21, 2015 1 Comment

you guys, it’s finally starting to feel like fall! i know my friends in the eastern states have already had a chance to breathe in the crisp autumn air while sipping on pumpkin spice lattes wearing cable knit cardigans, but those of us living in sunny southern california have been experiencing the unique torture of enduring 100 degree weather… in october! so yes, i was a little bit more than excited when i was actually able to step outdoors in closed toe shoes and layers without breaking into a sweat.

and thanks to my latest partnership with zappos + clarks, i was dutifully prepared for the occasion. i was really excited to team up with clarks because i’ve been a fan of the brand since as far back as i can remember. when i was a little girl, i would go with my dad to the local shoe shop where he would buy a new pair of clarks whenever his trusty pair wore out. and later, when i was in my early 20s, i became totally obsessed with the clark’s originals, and still own my favorite remakes of their classic styles from the ’60s and ’70s. the brand has a history spanning all the way back to england is 1825, and i’m pretty much a sucker for anything that has stood the test of time. so i was especially happy to find this cute pair of chelsea boots, the clarks pita sedona, from their new fall collection. i placed my order and they arrived in the mail in exactly two days with free shipping. i am so excited to continue wearing these throughout the season, and for years to come.

lifestyle

glad to give

October 13, 2015 5 Comments

we may be in the middle of yet another heat wave, but the seasons are changing and it’s officially fall. i’ve been slowly getting into the mood with a few decorations here and there, but more importantly, i’ve been doing a lot of cleaning up and clearing out. hard to believe it, but adam is 21 months now, and he’s just about grown out of all his summer clothes. i’ve even had to say goodbye to many of the baby toys he once loved so much! he’s still occasionally entertained by a rattle or little wooden clutch toy, but i have to face it, my little baby isn’t so little anymore! but having to cycle through new things so frequently while he grows and changes has been a good exercise. it helps me to realize how fleeting these moments truly are, and it reminds me not to get too attached to stuff. our collection of stuff is not what defines us, and once it’s served its purpose, it’s time to move on.

but of course, most of the things that adam has outgrown have barely been used, and still have lots of life left to them! so it was perfect timing when glad asked me if i’d be interested in teaming up for this post, in hopes of inspiring others to donate their gently used goods to those in need. you can visit glad to give to schedule a free donation pickup from a local charity of your choice.

beauty

3-step skincare with clinique!

August 24, 2015 2 Comments

remember last week when i tried out a few new shades of lipstick in partnership with clinique? well, since then, i’ve also been following the 3-step skincare system every day, morning and night. and i’m happy to report back that it’s been working out really well! one of the first things that jumped out at me about the system is that they don’t try to be one-size-fits all. everyone has different skincare needs, so it’s nice that they have a variety of different formulations depending on your specific skin type. they’ve got you covered whether you’re skin is very dry to dry, dry combination, combination oily, or oily. if you’re not entirely sure which category you fall into, you can schedule an appointment with a consultant at one of their locations, or you can take a little quiz on their website to get you started.

i know you can’t necessarily tell from a few photos, but i’m feeling really good about the improvements i’m already starting to see since starting the routine. a big part of that comes from simply taking the time to pamper my skin a little bit, and using products that are clinically tested, unscented, and gentle on skin. it sounds simple, but it’s so easy to forget! which really is a shame because when i think about it, i’ve actually been way too self conscious to even consider leaving the house without makeup on. and it’s been that way for a while. i wear makeup and neglect my skin, it starts to break out, i cover it up with more makeup, it becomes a vicious cycle. so being able to shoot these photos with only a bit of mascara and lip color was a surprisingly liberating experience for me, as cheesy as that may sound. but it really is true! we gotta take care of ourselves every now and then! or, you know, every morning and night with a little skin care routine.

step one: cleanse

what i love about the liquid facial soap is that it’s super gentle and mild on my skin, but it completely washes off all of my crazy waterproof eyeliner and mascara at the end of the day without making my skin feel tight or dry. bonus points for being completely scent-free (like most clinique products), making it much less likely to irritate skin.

step two: exfoliate

it’s so easy to forget to use a toner, but gently sweeping clarifying lotion across your face after cleansing and before moisturizing really helps to wipe away any excess oil, and clears your skin to help your moisturizer work better. since i’ve been using it, i’ve noticed a pretty big difference. my skin seems a just a little bit brighter, and my makeup seems to go on just little bit more evenly. who knew?

step three: moisturize

i may be a bit biased because this classic little bottle of dramatically different moisturizing lotion has had a spot in my medicine cabinet since i was a teenager, but you really can’t go wrong with the lightweight, yet potent mix of skin-strengthening ingredients. you can smooth it over your entire face, or simply apply to areas that feel a little dry. i tend to focus mostly on cheeks and under-eye area.

i’ve also been supplementing with a few other products that are even more specifically targeted for my skincare concerns. one of my favorites is the new pore refining solutions charcoal mask that i’m now using 1 – 2 times a week to help detoxify and clear my skin. it’s such a simple ingredient, but charcoal naturally draws out excess oil and impurities, and leaves your skin feeling fresh and smooth. i’m also a fan of the even better clinical dark spot corrector. it’s a nice serum that i’ve been squeezing-in between steps two and three to help lighten some of the acne marks left behind from previous breakouts.

beauty

pop lip

August 17, 2015 8 Comments

i know i don’t write about makeup all that often, but increasingly over the past couple of years, i’ve become totally obsessed with trying new skincare and beauty products. yet despite this little known fact, i still very rarely approach the beauty counter. i sometimes casually pass by when i’m at the mall and take a timid peek at the products, all neatly lined up in their shiny packages. but i tend to shy away if anyone behind the counter ever asks if i need help! so when clinique asked me if i’d be interested in making an appointment with one of their consultants, it was just the push i needed to finally try it out for myself. clinique has been a gold standard in the beauty industry for years, and they’re well known for having wonderfully formulated products with top notch staff, so i knew i would be in good hands.

when i arrived at the mall, i was greeted with a cute little menu of different options specifically targeted for whatever skincare concerns i might have. i got to rattle off my specific skin situation: that i have combination to oily skin with a tendency to break out. i have little dark spots from previous breakouts that kinda drive me nuts. and of course, i’m beginning to see the first signs of aging, and while i’m not trying to fight it, i know it’s important for me to up my skincare game. then we talked through what we would try and i got the luxury treatment: cleanser, my new favorite charcoal mask, the 3-step system, and an assortment of other products to compliment my new beauty routine. she explained the benefits of each product and talked about specific ingredients and addressed all of my concerns. i’ve been following my new routine every day, and will be reporting back with the results next week.

but for today, i wanted to talk about makeup! i tend to keep things pretty simple: a bit of foundation and concealer topped with a very light blush, mascara, and a swipe of liquid liner. i’m not really interested in contouring or a smoky eye, but i do love to play around with different lip colors. my consultant totally understood and let me guide the way, helping me pick a few colors from the new clinique pop lip collection to compliment my skin tone. it combines a bold, saturated color with a smoothing primer and a velvety finish. it’s moisturizing and surprisingly lightweight considering the bold pigment, which is a welcome change for me because i’d been trying increasingly dry, matte formulas that just weren’t as appealing to me anymore. pop lip still lets you wear a bright color, while still feeling totally comfortable all day long. so of course, i will now grace you with some silly photos of my new lip colors.

wow pop is a demi-matte bubble gum pink shade.

love pop is a demi-matte violet shade with little flecks of glimmer. i was surprised that this one turned out to be my favorite!

cola pop is the darkest shade. it’s considered a demi-matte nude, and comes out as a classic neutral burgundy.

grape pop is a demi-matte violet. it’s purple, but not so dark that it’s overpowering.

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