A walk in the Park

I never thought the day would come when I would consider staying at my parent's home a vacation, but I can safely say that day has arrived! Which is ironic as I spent most my teenage years dreaming of the day I could live on my own. My "vacation" was filled with sit down baby free dinners, around the clock childcare, plenty of free time and even a spontaneous spa day. Each day was like a walk in the park!
(On Erika: Nike High Tops, IRO coat (on sale now), Joe Jeans, DVF clutch (similar))

Post Christmas Post

 Vintage 1950's ornaments 

Paper and Ribbons 

 Miss Layla and her Stocking 

Holiday Playlist

Tonight we are having a gathering with my in-laws and I have crafted the perfect playlist that will cater to all. It's a mix of vintage Christmas with a sprinkling of modern day favorites.

Winter Setting

This evening I am hosting a dinner party; I have planned numerous parties in my days so tonight is not my first rodeo. A great party has four contributing elements that determine its success: the ambiance, drinks, tunes and conversation. You could be the best cook in the world but if one of these elements goes astray your party will achieve lackluster results.

Today's post is addressing the ambiance. Here is my winter table setting for tonight's event, details in links below. I will provide a good festive play list and holiday cocktail receipt in a later post! In the meantime, read up on conversation etiquette dos and dont's here.

(Anthropologie Table Cloth, West Elm Salt & Pepper Shakers, Tiffany's Glass bowl, Anthropologie silverware (old), Aqua glasses (vintage), Pottery Barn napkins, napkin rings)

Part Two: The Boss

Sometimes one needs to spend money to make money, which for you may mean bribing your boss with some holiday goodies. Here are a few items that will be sure to impress the authoritative figure in your life. 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8 

The Holiday Season

I plan on sporting this Rag and Bone blouse non-stop. This functional top was designed for me as it is reversible and provides a solution to my daily dilemmas and baby mishaps.

Today my family got in the holiday spirit by attending a Santa Claus Party. Although Layla is not old enough to understand the magnitude of old Saint Nick, we thought it would be fun to shoot a few photos of her "first" encounter.

On Erika: Rag and Bone Blouse, H&M pants (similar) Sam Edelman heels, ( on sale now) Chanel Clutch
On Layla: Baby Gap hat, long sleeve and pants

Gift Guide: Part One

With the Holiday Season in full swing I am starting to panic about my near impossible gift list. The biggest challenge is finding gifts for all the men in my life as I have many....... including my husband, dad, father-in-law and brother-in-law.

After hours of scouring the Internet I am satisfied with my findings, which include the new Beats by Dre X Alexander Wang collaboration and Rocksmith the video game that teaches you how to play the guitar! 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11

Next gift guide on deck is gifts for the boss!  

DIY Wreath

Cut the thick portion off Branches (makes easier to weave in the frame)

Add other Foliage for texture 

Found these little green buds (which looked great spray painted gold)

Spray painted Gold leaves and secure with wire

Secure branches in same direction into wreath frame

Final product hanging up at my Mother-in-laws house

Check List:

• Wreath Wire-the size of the wire will determine your circumference 
• Noble Fir branches and other foliage (examples above)
• Floral Wire
• Gold Spray paint 
• Red berries

Hemline

The ankle hemline dress is replacing the iconic LBD this holiday season which means showcasing my legs mid winter is no longer a disturbing notion. This black number by Calvin Rucker met its match when I snagged it at one of my favorite local stores, Dressed & Ready. I look forward to wearing it at all the holiday soirees that I may be invited too. Which at the moment is none.....let's be real I live in Babyland so instead I look forward to donning this dress for pictures with Santa and the kids. ( Lanvin shoes, Carrie Hoffman jewelry, Calvin Rucker jacket and dress)

Park Playdate

 

Layla is just about 5 months old and her personality is beginning to develop. Her facial reactions to sound, touch and taste are priceless. She already lights up a room (or park) when she is present and elicits laughter from everyone she encounters. The "fun" stage has commenced and I am excited to be by her side and watch her experience all this world has to offer.

Today we took Layla to her first park outing at the Mission in Santa Barbara and we even stopped to smell the roses, at its renown rose garden.

 On Erika: Bella Luxx long sleeve (on sale now); 291Venice sweater (old);Sam Edelman booties; Jemma Sands wood brackets; Miansai gold cuff

On Layla: Baby Gap booties; (on sale now) Baby Gap red skinny jeans; Stem hoodie

Hidden Details

Gryphon jacket (similar) McQ Alexander McQueen wool pants , Joie shoes,

In the next few weeks I will be heading up to Seattle for the holidays which means I will need to start locating my winter wear. My winter clothing is stored off campus from my everyday attire and it usually takes me a few attempts to locate the random places they have been stuffed.  Fortunately I always keep this Gryphon jacket on hand as it is one of my favorite coats. I love all the unique details it boasts! I also have been ogling over these MCQ wool track pants that are now on sale!

Pitter Patter

(images courtesy of Freshly Picked)

I am a big fan of products made in the USA, albeit these items usually come at a premium. Moreover, I am a sucker for brands that have a good story. Freshly Picked brand boast both latter qualities. The CEO of Freshly Picked Susan Peterson, lived out the iconic American dream of Rags to Riches by building a successful shoe company with only $200 and a lot hard work. Her online company now ships baby moccasins nationwide and has garnered accolades from many celebs.

Teething essentials

Layla has entered the first phase of the teething process. This phase is commenced with harmless drool but as time lingers on the onset of painful symptoms occurs. For obvious reasons the teething process causes monumental agitation for babies and alleviating the symptoms is a necessary feat. Above are my 6 favorite teething essentials!

1. J. Crew Bib 2. Organic teething bon bons 3. Chewbeads 4.Wood teething toy 5. Zo li clover  6. Organic Monkey chew toy 7. Zo li chew sticks

Santa Barbara Getaway

Last Friday my husband and I packed up the family wagon and headed north for a weekend getaway with our friends, who also recently had a baby. Our arrival at the Bacara Hotel coincided with Happy Hour. Happy Hour took place on our room's balcony as each room comes equipped with a courtesy bottle of Firestone wine, and it is restocked each day! (For those patrons without babies there is an amazing circle bar off the lobby that has live music on the weekends).  Other kid/baby friendly features at the Barcara include, a kiddie pool, Monarch Children camp, and portable cribs.

The next day was filled with brunching, beach walks and dips in the pool. That night we dined at our favorite restaurant, Lucky's. The restaurant is located in Montecito which is 20 minutes south of the hotel but the food, drinks and swanky ambiance is worth the drive.

Unfortunately we did not have time to visit Santa Barbara's breakfast hot spot D'Angelos.  Bar none this bakery has the best chocolate croissants in Southern California.

Fall Table

 

Burlap table Cloth 

Bold colored floral 

Elk horn salad plates

Hand dipped mini Corn

Vintage Saucer

New Launch

J.Crew Baby has been in business only a mere two months and it is already my favorite site for baby clothing. I have been a long time fan of their Kid's line Crew Cuts so I am feeling grateful they extended the collection into baby wear!

What you can expect to find: In the same vein as J. Crew Men and Women, their baby collection offers a mix of ultra cool collaborations with the likes of Liberty prints, Petit Bateau, Rikshaw Design, and New Zealand’s organic Nature Baby.

Their in-house baby line also adheres to the J. Crew aesthetics by showcasing casual, preppy easy to wear pieces, such as striped tunics, cashmere sweater sets and ultra soft polka dot onies. 

A Fall Day

Today we went exploring country side! We discovered an unattended pumpkin patch and decided to go rouge and traverse the planted soil. Layla was captivated by the brightly colored pumpkins and surrounding greenery. Here are some of my favorite images from today.

On another note, my mantra for fall fashion is layering!  I love to layer not only for its practicality ( i.e (you can always add or subtract layers depending on the weather) but also because it is a simple way to incorporate contrast,color, and texture.

On Erika: Theory Sweater, Forever 21 jeans (similar) Rag and bone Booties, J CrewVest, Sunpocket sunglasses
On Layla: Baby Gap long sleeve onsies, Stem pants, PLH Head band