Where family and style coexist
Earlier this month we took a couples anniversary trip to San Jose Del Cabo where we co-celebrated our ninth and their fourth wedding anniversaries. It was a short trip, but a memorable one with a visit to the amazing Flora Farms (Go. Now.) and indulgences in surf, sand and everything else Mexico is about. Yes, tequila.
Flynn Skye dress, Rag & Bone hat, Dolce Vita sandals, J.Crew bag (old), Zara sunnies (old)
The positive effect of 48 hours away from your real life should never be taken for granted, and trust me in my house it never is. Although it feels like I have to move mountains just to get lost for a few days-childcare, dogcare, work leave, packing, etc., it is soooooo worth it. Last weekend Mike and I made our way down to the desert for some sun, fun and great music at the Coachella Music and Arts Festival. Highlights include showing Mike why I love The Parker Palm Springs so much, living in this new dress from Flynn Skye, hearing Pharrell sing “Happy”, watching Game of Thrones in our hotel room with no distractions and doing the Capital Cities shuffle in the sunshine.
I could spend all day under these misters overlooking the ping-pong table antics.
Everything at The Parker is styled to perfection, even the hotel map.
My new favorite drink.
Day one of Coachella brought brief desert rains and a little wind, but once Ellie Goulding took the stage she brought this sunshine and one fantastic dance party. There’s really nothing like dancing outside in the sun with a spellbinding artist, it’s such a release. Mike and I were both completely enamored with her.
Taking a break with my man. One of the many things I appreciate about Coachella is the appropriateness of jean shorts and boots on a mother of two. This is definitely not a carpool outfit, so it’s nice to let out my inner Daisy Duke at this anything-goes event.
To celebrate the first week of summer vacation and to get some much needed one on one bonding time in, Elle and I are taking a “big girls only” trip to Palm Springs. We arrived yesterday and already jammed so much into one day I’m a little nervous about how to keep this pace going. We hit the dinosaur museum at Cabazon, took a dip in the pool and strolled the grounds of our hotel, then finished it off with a movie. Elle’s having the time of her life and I’m enjoying the unique relaxation that comes from having only one kid to look after and rarely saying no. I have so many memories of desert trips with my family growing up, either here or in Las Vegas. I loved the endless hours in the water, whether it be a pool, lake or water park, and the incredible feeling of ninety degree nights. We always went to the same hotels and condos and they became homes away from home. It was a ritual I looked forward to all year. I’m hoping to make The Parker my family’s repeat destination, as it’s one of my favorite places to visit. As you can see, Elle kind of likes it too.
**The Parker often has special mid-week deals during the summer that are 1/4 of the usual price, get on their mailing list to get the inside scoop.**
Boots and Lovely Bird hats, a must for any music festival. That and a zillion pieces of rustic jewelry-yes, I was in style heaven.
Well, it’s over-my first Coachella and it certainly did not disappoint. The scenery was beautiful, the bands were amazing and the fun was endless. The few days of trotting around like a teenager did some real good on my soul, not so much on my back. But still, it was worth it. I laughed hysterically with my wingman Marisa and reconnected with Mike on our break from the kids. Highlights of the trip include making new friends, dancing the night away with Jurassic 5 and soaking in the desert sun. It was quite an unforgettable experience, one I’m glad I had.
Beautiful art installations and sunset views.
Earplugs and turquoise-a music festival must. That and a cutie to join you in VIP when you need a break.
A desert view from the pool.
Remember that Mammoth trip I took back in January? Well, I FINALLY got around to editing the video I shot using skills I picked up at Blogshop Video. I’m not gonna lie, this was a journey. Learning this new medium has been such a challenge for me-I really could not get my head around it at first. But once I figured it all out, it was so rewarding . It reminded me how inspiring learning a new skill can be. I’m hoping to look back on this in a few months and laugh at how amateur it looks, ’cause I’m now fully addicted to the whole process and can’t wait to dive in for more. Hope you enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed making it. Special thanks to Karim, my video guru. Happy Friday!
Song “Going Up The Country” by Canned Head
Never say never. I said I’d never wear denim with denim and here I am wearing it, and loving it. I think the key is in the color. I like the mix of light, almost white denim with a darker blue. When Mike and I hit the road for Mammoth last weekend I was inspired by the rustic scenery and got my mountain chic on with moccasins and turquoise. On the way up we pulled over to take a few pics at Red Rock Canyon, something I’ve always wanted to do but never have. Now I think I’ll always have to, it’s just too pretty not to. It reminded me that the joy of a trip really is in the journey, not just the destination. We’re always so amped to get out-of-town that we hardly ever stop to take it all in. Sure it was easier to do this time because we didn’t have the kids with us, but what 2.5 and 5-year-old wouldn’t want to stop and run around a cool spot like this? Next time for sure. Create a new family tradition, check.
Jeans, shirt similar, moccasins, turquoise necklace similar, Helen Ficalora horseshoe and love charm necklaces, vintage burgundy beads similar, sunglasses
I swear I take these off sometimes, just not much lately.
Cher
Hidden in the hills of Bel Air lies an oasis of sorts complete with swans, streams, and sycamores oh my! The Hotel Bel Air, where I recently spent an evening taking in the sights and sounds of a true Los Angeles landmark, has been redesigned by David Rockwell, Alexandra Champalimaud and Wolfgang Puck. The results are stunning. The night began with drinks in The Bar, which is probably the sexiest room I’ve ever been in. Black matte walls, art deco brass and huge black and white photographs by Norman Seeff. We sipped on cocktails in the company of Cher, Ray Charles, Mick Jagger and Tina Turner, well photos of them that is. I came home wanting more and started scouring the internet for his work. His portraits of some of my favorite, now classic, artists made me long for a simpler time when beauty and sexuality were clean, natural, healthy. So much less manufactured than today.
Carly Simon
John Travolta
James Taylor
While I was in Santa Barbara a few weeks ago, we stayed in this charming apartment and it has since become my mental happy place. Whenever I’m buried by the day’s stresses, I close my eyes and imagine myself having coffee with my girlfriends in this darling breakfast nook (above) as we gab, gab, gab to no end. Aren’t girls trips are the best trips? This was the first time I used airbnb.com to book an accommodation, but it will not be the last. The site offers short-term rentals including room rentals or in this case, an apartment. Actually this was an old Victorian farmhouse built between 1900 and 1904 as a single family home which was converted into five apartments in the 1950s. According to the owners it was once a sorority house for UCSB, and is possibly a little haunted. During our three-day stay, we did not encounter any spookiness, but we certainly did enjoy its endless vintage charm. Thanks again Allie and Erland.
Country charm.
The view from my bedroom. I spent the last morning laying in bed watching the squirrels play in the trees.
Spooky staircase?
Vintage charm.
Only regret of the weekend is that we didn’t get to have a glass of wine outside by this chimenea. Next time!
Lovely lavender on the front patio.
This past weekend I walked 39.3 miles on the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Santa Barbara to raise breast cancer awareness. Two of my closest friends and I trucked along the streets of Santa Barbara in a sea of breast cancer pink where we were greeted with local support of all kinds. Whether it was a sign held up by a young child, a “Tootsie for your footsies” Tootsie Roll treat or a balloon rainbow put up by neighbors, it was all greatly appreciate by us and thousands of walkers in attendance who collectively raised $4.7 million. It was a thrilling experience for that reason and also because this was the first year I walked the entire 39.3 miles. Note to self, check “walk a marathon” off the bucket list. There are many companies who sponsor breast cancer walks, but I am continually impressed with how well-organized this one is. Avon provides an endless amount of rest stops, medical stations, shuttle rides and smiles along the route and in those last miles when your muscles are screaming at you, those perks can make all the difference. If you’re thinking of going, stop thinking and sign up now. It is a challenge, yes. There is a minimum fundraising amount of $1800 and the training and walking itself can be rigorous. But it is all worthwhile when you reach that finish line to accomplish your goal and when you see those checks handed out to local facilities during the closing ceremony. My top insider tips are to get a good pair of shoes early so they are broken in by the time you get to the walk, stay in town an extra day after the walk so you and your muscles can ease back into reality, and take friends with you who a) motivate you b) make you laugh c) have good stories to tell along the way. Thanks for being a part of this with me Amy and Abby, you truly inspired me this weekend, in more ways than you already do everyday. And a special thanks to our besties Carrie and Tracy for showing up the last day with candy, car flair, and a ride home. You’re a real class act you two.
Tory Burch fox clutch (couldn’t find it anywhere on-line. Cami exclusive!?!)/Hammit studded pouch/Bronze and red sandals
This past weekend the fam headed down to (and fell in love with) Manhattan Beach. We were there visiting some longtime friends and their two beautiful daughters, but it felt more like a mini-holiday than a simple visit. Saturday afternoon was spent strolling down the strand where Elle played with her big-girl buddies and Coco became obsessed with wall-walking (just made that word up). Fun for her, little fun for Mommy’s back. Saturday night was spent wining and dining. Of course, the later part of the evening is a bit of a blur but I do remember rekindling my romance with filet mignon. I also remember Mike and I brainstorming how to move down there permanently, which we tend to do whenever we visit a charming beach town. Nothing cures a hangover better than a little retail therapy, especially in a new shop. So while our hubs walked the girls down to the pier, the mommies popped into a couple of boutiques including Cami (above) and one of my all time favorites, Jill Roberts (below-contents soon to be revealed). Like I said about boats, if you live in Southern California chances are you might know someone who lives by the beach. And while I’d hang out with this group just about anywhere, this was not a bad locale to catch up in. A sign in our hosts’ gorgeous new home coins it best I think, “You never know how many friends you have until you have a beach house.”
my dress similar/shirt around waist/necklace in heavy rotation/shades/sandals similar