meh flying..

As much as I love to travel.. I'm not a fan of the flying process. I hate waiting in lines. I'm always stuck behind the person who is on their phone not paying attention, someone who hasn't flown before, forgot to take put their liquids in a zip-lock bag, etc. It's just annoying. Due to the snowstorm on the east coast airports were closed, flights were cancelled, etc. I thought for sure my flight would be cancelled.. nope! I thought I was in the clear. My only concern was purchasing a new suitcase. Why did I need a new suitcase? I flew out here with 3 pair of boots and got 2 more pairs for Christmas. Not to mention all the other crap I had to haul back to California with me!

What happens when I got to the airport? My flight was delayed causing me to miss my connecting flight to Los Angeles. I was stuck waiting in lines and then finding out I had to go other lines and wait some more. My luggage arrived on time to California but I didn't. My pregnant body was sore and overly exhausted by the time I finally made it to a customer service rep. Everything was booked to California! What did that mean? I had to spend the night in Washington DC waiting on stand by flights. Under normal circumstances I wouldn't have minded. I'm always the one up for an adventure! I'm 15 weeks pregnant, my feet were throbbing and due to waiting in lines I was unable to eat.. I wasn't in any mood for an adventure! Finally there was some sort of light at the end of the tunnel.. They found me a flight to Seattle leaving the next day. Hooray! United put me up in a room at the Hilton and gave me a food voucher that covered the best cheeseburger I had in my life (I'm sure I had better but I WAS that hungry that it tasted like heaven at that point).

So the lesson here is..

- Always make sure your layover is at least 1 in a half - 2 hours. That gives you room for delayed flights, etc.

- Always and let me stress ALWAYS pack PJs, vitamins, another change of clothes, pills, etc. in your carry on. That way you don't have to wash your undies in the sink and have to wear the tank top/shirt you wore the day before!

- If you do miss your connecting flight/have to deal with a cancelled flight I suggest.. Don't start screaming at the customer service reps (they're just as annoyed with whatever they've putting up with all day), Be firm but nice (trust me this wins points), Don't feel bad about playing the "pregnancy" "sick kid" card (It's good to make a point with it but don't abuse it), and if they're really helpful.. remember your manners!! "I truly appreciate it" "Thank you" - Yes, they're doing their job but if they just helped you out, pulled some strings, etc. It's still important to let them know that you're thankful for their hard work!

full steam ahead!

It's always around this time of year that I start getting upset and stressed out about my life. I feel like the minute December 31st hits it's a reminder that I wasted another year of my life not accomplishing the things I wanted to. Does anyone else ever feel like that?

I'm trying my best to work on getting my degree. It's hard while you're working a full time job. It's even harder when you're working a full time job where you barely make any $$. I am thankful though that I have a job. Where am I in life makes me feel like less of a person. Most people my age have done things the proper way. I get angry with myself. I wish I lived in a different apartment, etc.

Where you live, if you went to college/when you completed college, what kind of job you have, etc. shouldn't define who/what you are. Everyone is different and everyone does things in different orders. That is what makes you truly beautiful! If everyone did everything the same way - people would be boring! This year is going to be different. I'm going to pick myself up and brush myself off. I'm going to work towards my goals and keep on going. All I can do is my best. Rome wasn't built in a day! Here's to new experiences, working hard, making my dreams happen, enjoying the simple things in life and of course learning to stress less! I'm also going to start making lists of what I'm truly thankful for. I hope you all will do the same!

1. Snow (even if it's the day after Christmas)

2. The moment I found out I was pregnant with twins

3. My mother, Oma & Opa

4. Cuddle sessions with my 3 favorite felines

5. Waking up to missed text messages. Bonus points if it was from the person I was thinking of before I went to bed that night.

6. Hitting the farmers market on Sunday before the football games start

7. Songs/Artists that I wind up falling in love with

8. Getting treated to dinner.. even if it's in-n-out!

9. Napping

10. A good belly laugh that makes you cry

Last minute gift ideas

Did you forget someone on your list? Did you run out of ideas? Here are some suggestions for last minute gift ideas. Gift cards, lotion, candles, socks (everyone needs socks) and coffee are always good ideas. I always found lottery scratchers make a decent/last minute gift. My Opa loves getting them! Still stumped? Try Groupon or Living Social. Those two websites have some deals for some interesting things!

(Coffee - World Market, Socks - J.Crew, Candle - Anthropologie, & l'occitane lotion)

Packing Woes

When I was attempting to pack for my trip home I had many interruptions. Taking others to the airports, delivering Christmas presents to people, etc. It's safe to say I basically threw a bunch of clothing into the suitcase and hoped for the best.

2 layovers and 3 plane rides later I finally arrived in Bethlehem (Pennsylvania). I don't even remember what the weather felt like when I arrived because I was whisked off to see my three little cousins who were leaving the next day. It's safe to say I under packed for this trip. I was smart in packing in leggings and cozy socks. I wore my NY Giants sweatshirt to breakfast this morning along with my heavy duty down winter jacket. I think my Eagles loving mother was soo appalled at my sweatshirt that she decided to take me shopping. For the first time in a VERY long time I couldn't find ANYTHING I liked. So my Eagles loving mother will have to deal with the sight of my beautiful NY Giants sweatshirt a little bit longer. Above are some images of things I was looking for. Yes, they are a bit random.

Packing

This rainy LA weather is preparing me for the cold I'm about to experience when I travel back east this week. I'm not a fan of packing or unpacking. You think since I'm a girl and I love fashion that I'd enjoy packing. Nope! The cold weather is very uninspiring for me. I wind up living in my leggins or jeans, uggs and my winter jacket. I'm hoping this year I'll be a bit more inspired to pull something together. Above is the perfect east coast outfit - Just add a winter jacket!

Winter Wonderlands

I have been a VERY bad blogger!! I apologize. I'd like to blame my nausea, exhaustion, lack of planning, stress, etc. It's still no excuse!

I have lived in California six in a half years. It's hard for me to get into the Christmas spirit when I'm still wearing flip-flops and I look at sand instead of snow. This weekend I was determined to get into the Christmas spirit. I started some Christmas shopping (yes, I'm aware of how little I have left), looked at Christmas lights and busted out the Christmas music! If you aren't in the Christmas spirit.. I suggest doing this!

I will be back east in 7 days!! I'm looking forward to yummy scarves, cozy socks and sweaters, boots, snowy days, new york city, etc. I'm determined every minute of my trip home this year because next year is going to be a whole different story! What are you looking forward to this year?

mmmmm December

I've been a bad blogger this week.. my apologies!!

The month of December always brings a smile to my face. Everything is decorated nicely. The stores always smell like cinnamon. It always give me an excuse to eat massive amounts of pumpkin pie and not feel sorry about it! Here are some of my favorite photos I've taken so far this month. Why do you like the month of December?

Holiday Gift Guide: Munchkin Edition!!

Some people find it stressful shopping for the munchkins of the family.. I find it fun! I always try to find interesting/different things to give. I suggest finding out what the child is into. Do they like sports? Do they have a favorite sports team? Are they more artistic? Do they like to read? Are they into animals? The WWF (world wildlife fund) has several animals that you can adopt! The adoption kits start at $25.00. Check them out here. Hopefully these suggestions will help get the wheels turning for you!

1. Snowman in a sack - land of nod
2. Eco friendly finger puppets - land of nod
3. Peace, Love, Drool teething shapes - land of nod
4. Eco friendly clay - land of nod
5. Eco friendly paint - land of nod
6. Wooden stacking cone - land of nod
7. Eco friendly tea set - land of nod
8. Band in a box - land of nod
9. Fire Engine Speedster - land of nod
10. Jungle bean bag toss - land of nod
11. Teepee - land of nod
12. Princess and the Pea - amazon
13. The Belly Button Book - amazon
14. Lego Duplo Brick Box - Lego
15. Hubert Horatio Bartle Bobton Trent - amazon
16. Lego Basic Bricks Deluxe - lego
17. Nerf 'n' Strike - Hasbro
18. My First Lego Set - Lego
19. Nerf Football - Hasbro
20. The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe - amazon
21. Lemony Snicket - amazon

Holiday Gift Guide: $26.00 & under...

Here's another gift idea for the $26.00 & under price range...
Put together a classic scarf, clutch, hoop earrings and the perfect dish to hold change, jewelry, etc. Don't forget when you're giving a purse, wallet, etc. to put a penny in there for good luck!
(Earrings, Clutch & Scarf: Forever 21, Dish: Anthropologie)

Holiday Gift Guide: $18.00 & under

Here's another gift idea. Take a simple scarf, apple note paper and a monogrammed mug. Perfect gift for $18 & under!

(Scarf - Forever21, Apple Note Paper - Urban Outfitters, Monogrammed Mugs - Anthropologie)

Men's Gift Guide: $25 & Under...

I find shopping for guys is pretty easy. My advice is don't over think your purchases, keep it simple and keep it fun. I find putting a practical item (socks, boxers, slippers, etc.) together with a gift card (think of their favorite stores, music, etc.) and/or their favorite beverage seems to make a really nice gift. Don't hesitate to throw in a favorite snack or something they'll find funny in there. Hope this helps get the wheels turning!

1. The Beatles "Abbey Road" on vinyl - UrbanOutfitters
2. Beer cozy (think his favorite sports team or funny sayings) - amazon
3. Desk Calendar - UrbanOutfitters
4. Fingerless gloves - Gap
5. Tie - forever21
6. Sunglasses - forever21.com
7. Boxer shorts (plaids, funny pictures, sayings, etc.) - Gap
8. Mini Tabasco bottles (good for those non friendly hot sauce restaurants) - amazon
9. Belt - Old Navy
10. Zippo Lighter - Urban Outfitters
11. NHL Hockey Tee (think his favorite sports teams) - Old Navy
12. Box of Jokes - Urban Outfitters
13. Slippers - Old Navy
14. Cocktail Shaker - Urban Outfitters
15. Message Board - Urban Outfitters

Holiday Gift Guide: $4 bucks & under...

It didn't hit me until today that I only have 22 days to finish my Holiday shopping and finish my Holiday cards.. yikes!! I'm not a fan of giving somebody one present. I always feel like it's never enough. I like putting a few items together to make a present. Sometimes there's a theme but most of the time there isn't. This is the start of my "Holiday Gift Guide". Maybe this will help anybody who's at a loss on what to get someone! :)

Above is an idea of a few things that would make a cute present. A tote is a cute idea because it could be used for many things.. groceries, gym bag, tote for the farmers market, etc. A cute and inexpensive little necklace and a pair of socks (everybody needs socks!). Put items like these together and you have a perfect little gift for a friend, cousin, co-worker, sibling, etc.
(Tote, necklace & socks: Forever21)

It's raining.. it's pouring..

Whenever it starts raining I always feel like I'm stuck to skinny jeans and leggings. I find that my outfit is always warmer that way and it goes best with my rainboots. Sometimes I'm too lazy to think "outside the box". Here's a great alternative to jeans and leggings. Try pairing a cute plaid top with a solid skirt. The glittery belt adds a little "umph" to the outfit. Throw on some tights, your yummiest pair of socks and those rainboots and you're ready to take on that rainy day! You could also pair of a cute pair of combat boots or knee highs with this outfit!

(Shirt, Skirt & Belt - J.Crew, Rainboots - Hunter)

Giving Thanks...

I have lived in California for 6 in a half years. In those six in a half years I have only been home once for Thanksgiving. When you live 3000 miles away from home you have friends that become your family. I normally spend Thanksgiving with my adopted "west coast" family. However, this year due to cancer, changes in location, significant others we will all be apart. As sad as I am about this I'm looking forward to trying something new. I'm thankful that Victoria & her mom are hosting dinner at Victoria's place and that Lauren will get to be there! I hope everyone has a thankful & yummy Thanksgiving!

Turkey Eating Outfits

My family was big on looking nice for the Holidays.. Thanksgiving was no exception! I always secretly envied those families that got to sit around all day in their PJs or sweats and got to pick at food all day. Looking back at family photos I'm glad we always dressed up. My biggest dilemma when it comes to dressing for Thanksgiving is trying to find something fashionable yet roomy enough that my clothes aren't too tight. I found loose tunics and dresses are your best bet! Here are a few of my favorite "Turkey Eating Outfits". These three items can be found on shopbop.

(1. Winter Kate - Dixie Dress 2. Patterson J. Kincaid 3. Winter Kate - Grace Tunic)

Holiday Dresses

The Holidays and the parties that come along with them are literally right around the corner. I always wait till the last minute and wind up with another LBD (Little Black Dress). This year I'm wanting to find something that had a little more "umph" to it. Here's a few of my favorite dresses..

(1. Diane von Furstenberg 2. Donna Morgan 3. Opening Ceremony 4. Free People 5. Marc by Marc Jacobs 6. BCBG Max Azria)

The perfect Saturday outfit

If I could live in PJs and Jeans.. I would! I always look forward to Saturday because I can put on my most comfy clothes and conquer whatever errands I couldn't finish during the week. Here are some of my favorite pieces for running errands on a Saturday.

(Hoodie: J.Crew, Jeans: Crafted Boyfriend Jean, Tank: Splendid, Scarf: Love Quotes, Sunglasses: Ray-Ban, Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Flip-Flops: Havaiana)

Color Me Green

Color Me Green is my new nail spot. I love that it's eco friendly and the atmosphere is tranquil! If you want a decent priced & eco friendly manicure or pedicure.. you need to check out Color Me Green!

Have a Foodie Holiday

It's that time of year... Barney's Holiday catalog has arrived! This catalog is my version of the Sears Wishbook. I always look forward to seeing how creative they get in the photos. Here are a few of my favorite photos. Enjoy!

Boot Obsession

From the time I was little I have always had an obsession with boots. I sported the lace up ankle boots in the early 90s, rebelled into combat boots, rocked my way into the motorcycle boot and eventually graduated into a pair of knee high boots. I always look forward to fall because it's the beginning of what I like to call "boot season". However, this fall in SoCal it's felt more like spring/summer. I'm looking forward to going back east for the holidays and getting to prance around in my favorite footwear!

(1. Frye "shirley" 2. Jessica Simpson "Anne" 3. Dolce Vita "Braeden" 4. Minnetonka "3 layer fringe" 5. Steve Madden "Chelseey" 6. Steve Madden "Axee" 7. Hunter 8. Minnentonka "back zip")

Palm Springs in November

This past weekend I took my very first trip to Palm Springs. When I was packing on Friday I had the usual dilemma.. what do I pack? Better yet.. what do I pack for Palm Springs in November? Above is my outfit I picked out to wear on Saturday night. It was perfect for the cool Palm Springs night, stylish and comfy enough to walk around in!

(Cardigan - Splendid, Top - Winter Kate, Jeans - Banana Republic)

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Pinterest...

I have mentioned pinterest before but my obsession for this site is on overload! I'm someone who loves organization and it was getting tiring having to save links, images, etc. Trying to find those links, images, etc. would get tiring! Thankfully something called Pinterest was created! I now have a place to save those dishes I find lovely, ideas for photo shoots, patterns, & decorating ideas! Click on the link below and you can see all my pins! Enjoy!

See my pins on pinterest

messy hair

There's something beautiful and kind of sexy about disheveled hair. I have thick, wavy and coarse hair. It's a pain to straighten, brush, wash, etc. I'm one of those people that looks forward to 2nd or 3rd day hair. Newly washed hair for me = giant 80s hair (in a bad way). What does one do if they don't have the time/energy to straighten their hair? I prefer to put it into a messy ponytail or braid. Here are some of my favorite disheveled looks.

It was a puppy filled Saturday...

Normally I'm one of those constantly on the go people. This weekend I really listened to my body (& my doctor) and chilled out. As exhausted as I was I managed to pull myself together to get together with one of my close friends and take the dogs to the beach. Maybe it's my exhaustion or the stress but I've been feeling very uninspired. These four photos were taken this past Saturday. I love everything everything about them.. especially the pooches featured!

Halloween Weekend

I was hoping for a peaceful weekend (because I needed it) but I wound up running around the entire weekend. Above are some photos from my weekend

1) Curtis & I "cooling" down from our walk 2) We thought this would be a funny photo. No harm was intended. 3) Ringmaster costume. I was missing my whip, jacket & top hat. 4) Hope & I on her birthday 5) Curtis in my Giants jersey

November

This morning I woke up and there was a sadness that my favorite month has ended but excitement that November is starting. I always notice a difference each month brings. October brought the first fall "chill" to the air. This morning I woke up & noticed November brought a crisp fall chill. I love the way the crisp fall air smells and chills my nose in the morning. I'm looking forward to comfy layers, boots, scarves & thanksgiving dinner!

As overwhelming as my life has been recently.. these three items keep finding the time to "pop" into my head. To indulge or not indulge?

(1. Steve Madden - Harlem 2. Marc by Marc Jacobs cosmetic bag 3. Steve Madden - Bride Sandal)