Made in America Mondays-Lucero Olive Oil Company

I am branching out today (pun intended) and featuring a product that is not baby, style or clothing related. In fact, this is the first "foodie" product to grace the pages of Year of the Bib. I do not consider myself a foodie, and if I am really being honest, I had Taco Bell last week, which is a hateful thing to foodies...but that was then and this is now. I am sharing this disclaimer because it validates my story about a tiny miracle that occurred in my kitchen.

Several months ago I hosted a small dinner party. My husband and I agreed to keep the menu simple; green salad, pork tenderloin, and rosemary scallop potatoes. I lightly doused Lucero’s rosemary infused olive oil along with other seasonings on the latter two menu items. The results were out of this world and subsequently two earth-shattering things occurred; (1) my husband informed me it was the best meal of his life and (2) my guest asked for my potato recipe. This of course opened Pandora’s box and I promptly ordered several varieties of their olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Here are three of my favorites. 1.2.3.

To learn more about the Lucero Olive Oil company please check out their website here or better yet visit this American owned and operated business in Northern California

Santa Barbara's Hidden Gem-LotusLand

Today I am teaming up with RelayRides to discuss my hometown's hidden gem! When RelayRides inquired about Santa Barbara's best kept Secret, LotusLand was the first and only spot that came to mind.

It took me three years of living in Santa Barbara to discover this botanical mecca. In fact, my all knowing, horticultural enthusiast mom spilled the beans during one of her visits. She had heard about Lotusland from a friend who grew up near the estate and insisted we must make the trip. The tour of the 37 acre estate did not disappoint, I was blown away by the vast and lavish landscape including, the Japanese garden, succulent terrace, and citrus orchard. The tour even included juicy tidbits about the garden's visionary, Madame Walska, who was a well known, wanderlust opera singer in the 1920's and 1930's. Madame Walska and her 6th husband purchased the estate in the 1940's with the intent to open a retreat for Tibetan monks. When the monks never showed face, Madame Walska turned her attention to the landscape and set out to create a grand garden oasis. Up until the 1980's Madame Walska was "head gardener" and called all the shots; a true spitfire as they say. To learn more about Madame Walska and this historical hidden gem visit their website here.

In the same vein as Lotusland, RelayRides is the "hidden gem" of rental cars. Their unparalleled service and unique business model is changing the rental car industry in a big way! To learn more about RelayRides, check out their website here.

Made in America Mondays-Filson

I know the whole heritage thing seems to be slowing a bit, but just hear me out on one of my favorite  bag brands.  Filson, which got its start in 1897 by outfitting men bound for the Klondike Gold Rush, is all about sticking to its roots-comfort, protection and durability. Still around today and thriving in the Pacific Northwest, their products are made to last and built with only the finest leather, hardware and fabrics. This computer bag belongs to their more modern Black Collection. All Filson products, including travel bags are made in the USA.

Year of the Bib X Chairish-Styling an Accent Chair

1-Walnut Lamps/2-Accent Chair/3-Metal Teardrop Lamp/4-Sea Urchin Art/5-Horse Painting/6.-African Springbok Pillow/7-Raffia Wallpaper/8-Flokati Shag Rug /9-Vern+Vera /10-Mid-Century Cocktail glasses

I have a thing I like to say about decorating; do what you want to do and what pleases you. I am a rogue decorator and not one to follow any rules or decorating bylaws. My decorating style is also very mercurial; one minute I am in love with my simple beach bungalow aesthetics and the next I am desiring to create a rustic, Hemingway feel.  

Which is why Chairish, and I are a match made in decorating heaven. Chairish, which has been featured on Elle Decor, InStyle and Oprah Magazine, is an online marketplace  to buy and sell pre-loved furniture and home decor. No more wasting my Saturdays hoping to find some handsome "found objects" at a local garage sale. There is also no need to get up at the crack of dawn to be first in line at the Pasadena swap meet, everything I need and more can be found on this nifty site. 

Today the team at Charish asked me to style an orange accent chair, here is what I conjured up; most of the accompanied one of a kind items (minus the wallpaper and Wall Sea urchins) are available now on Chairish!

Rabbit Hole

Sweater-Rag and Bone/Pencil Skirt-Express/Shoes-TopShop/Sunglasses-Chloe (similar)

I feel like I have fallen down a rabbit hole of sorts; I have been so busy juggling multiple fronts the past several weeks that the change in my surroundings have gone unnoticed. Now, having just come up for air...It dawned on me that summer is in it's final stretch...Goodbye backyard BBQs and hello sweater weather and hot cocoa!  To commence this fall season, I picked up this exquisite Rag and Bone pre fall sweater at Diani, which is one of my favorite Santa Barbara based boutiques. I also have my eye on this white leather handbag, to which I currently only have visiting rights but hope my wardrobe gets full custody in the near future. 

Made in America Mondays-Bannor Toys

Bannor Toys started as a fun hobby with just a few toy designs in the Bannor residents basement,  located in Des Moines, Iowa. Fast forward three years to now, and the company has grown into a full time family own and operated toy business with a modern day workshop.  Their product offering includes baby teething toys, ABC building blocks, toy cars and my favorite the personalized baby rattles....plus much more!

The most exciting part about purchasing a Bannor Toy is that you can have a product that exceeds all federal toy testing requirements, is made in the USA, and you are still supporting a small business that is eco-friendly. This company strives to create an environmentally sustainable business model; their wood scraps heat the shop in the winter, they re-use and re-purpose their supplies and materials, use eco-friendly packaging, and all the toys are created from responsibly harvested woods.

"In a world of mass production and quantity over quality, we still take the time to hand craft each toy one at a time. That allows us to create a toy that is of heirloom quality so you know that it is safe and will last until your kids pass the toys down to your grandkids."

What to Wear to Brunch

Shirt-Theory(similar) Shorts-J. Crew (similar)/Shoes-Zara ( in store only, similar here)/Sunglasses-Ray-Ban/Bracelet-J. Crew

This past weekend my husband and I jumped over to Palm Springs for a short getaway. We were both excited and eager for an adult only vacation, far removed from the everyday chaos. The trip was a brief two nights but we managed to pack it in with fun activities such as, bronzing poolside, late morning brunching and a night on the town with friends.

We frequent Palm Springs often as it is only a mere three hours from my home, and I find it amusing that my wardrobe seems to drastically change when I visit the desert. Unconsciously, my shorts get shorter and my heels get higher and I tend to dress in my edgy attire, such as this jumper from my Coachella trip, which was featured on OOTD Magazine this week!

During our getaway we brunch at the La Quinta Resort and Spa.  I kept my outfit simple with high waisted white shorts paired with a short sleeve chambray.

If you visit the La Quinta Resort for brunch be sure to order their Bloody Mary, which comes equipped with bacon infused vodka. It will knock your socks off!