Let's Pretend, Part 2

I had big plans for today, people. Hubs is working, but I was going to splurge on a few hours of unnecessary nanny time and go shopping by myself without any whiney, display-thrashing toddlers accompanying me. But, being the excellent mother that I am, I scheduled said nanny time during nap hours and mapped out an action-packed morning with the boys. Everything started off as planned- healthy breakfast of smoothie and fresh-from-the-chicken eggs (our neighbors are all up in 4H), the boys were piled into the double stroller for a brisk run which ended conveniently at the park, where I imagined they would tire themselves out for a peaceful walk home.

We made it all the way to the park part, when I noticed that something was up with Max because, A: he had no interest in the swings and, B: he was green. Grandma swooped us up and dropped us off at home in time for some serious barfing. Needless to say, there was no shopping trip.

So, again ladies, let's do some pretending. Let's pretend that my house does not smell like barf and Spot Shot, that I did not just eat that huge maple cookie with cream filling and that I made it to the 40% off storewide sale at Ann Taylor Loft(!!!) that I had soooo been hoping to go to. Let's also pretend, that I was a more socially responsible blogger and I let all you mamas know of the aforementioned incredible sale much sooner that 6pm of it's final day.

Anyhoo- better late than never, I guess. Loving all of their cool khaki hues:

And the slouch collar on the Ruched Waistband Jacket

Will probably be wearing these just about every weekend.

I'm smitten with the print and the sequin detail on this little pretty.

And I think it goes without explanation why I need this.

Here's to a healthier week Mamas.

Let's pretend...

Right now, at this very moment, I am sitting at my desk, alternately watching NBA playoffs and Zoolander, while polishing off an entire bag of microwave popcorn by myself. I didn't even bother to put it in a respectable bowl- I'm just shoving my hand into the greasy, butter-soaked bag. I am attempting to stave off the start of a gross, throaty, possibly fevery cold situation and have for some reason decided that this makes it OK to gorge myself and write a half-ass blog.

So, let's pretend that this is not the case. Let's pretend that I've lost those 8 pounds (you know the ones), my house is crazy clean, and I am busy packing my bags (with lovely things like this and this) in preparation for a little getaway with the hubs. I wouldn't mind paying another visit to the quaint and beautiful spot in Saint Lucia where Ry and I spent our honeymoon. Ti Kaye village, I miss you.

Happy Feet

Despite this unseasonably cold and rainy weather, and the fact that I wore tights and boots to work today, I've got all of my summer sandals dusted off and rotated to my bottom shelves in the hopes that I may be needing them one day very soon. That said, I have to have my toes ready in a moment's notice for some serious exposure. This calls for a major pedi (acrylic toe nails for my hideous runner's toe included) and an arsenal of fun summer polish colors.

As adventurous as I can be with color when it comes to my wardrobe, I don't often stray far from my few favored variations of wine and plum and purple-y pinks on my digits. This season, though, I've decided to kick it up a notch with a fun new palette and thanks to a head's up today from the my lovely sister,Ti McGhee, I think I've found it in Chanel's new summer line.

source

I'm obsessed with the Mistral (light coral-y pink) and the Riviera (hot pink). The minty turquoise shade, Nouvelle Vague, is sooo not me, but I think I'm willing to give it a shot, and am imaging how perfect it will look with a fun turquoise ring.

(Clockwise from left)
Turquoise Sedona Ring, $20
Kenneth Jay Lane Turquoise Blooming Flower ring, $137
Rhinestone and Turquoise Stackable Rings, $24
Kenneth Jay Lane Turquoise Cocktail ring, $157
AE Turquoise and Silver Cocktail, $15.50

Here's to happy hands and feet!

East Meets West Meets my Stomach

If I seem a little distant lately, it's because I've had very little time to myself and it seems whatever time I do have, I tend to spend eating. This arrangement is not working out well for my pants. It is, however, working out quite well for the Afghan foods lady at the Danville Farmer's Market. Aside from being a very convincing saleswoman, she's slinging some amazingly delicious goods. So good, in fact, that I am dedicating a post to it. So there.

Bholani Afghan food is made locally in Concord, California and can be found at most local farmer's markets, but also at good old Whole Foods & Mollie Stone's. They're also spreading the love across the country by selling all of their products directly from their estore. I've tried almost everything, thanks to a generous sampling policy, but my standard go-to's include the Spinach Bolani (zap it in the micro for a few), topped with the Garlic Mint Cheese Spread & Cilantro Pesto, and the sweet jalapeno jelly. The kids actually enjoy the Bolanis as well and seem oblivious to the fact that they're eating spinach- which is a definite bonus. Swoop some of these goodies up today, and you will not be disappointed- your pants, however, may have some issues.

Pick Pockets.

Even though it is not even remotely close to being within my budget, I'm fairly certain that if I owned this dress, I would wear it every day for the rest of my life. Plus, it's got pockets, so I'm pretty sure that qualifies it as being incredibly practical- right?

Let's See, LC

After the Midnight Goddess cancellation debaucle, the hubster swooped in with a wad of cash (the origins of which remain mysterious) and told me to "Get a dress." As clueless as he acts sometimes to all things "girl", the man can be pretty intuitive and he always manages to intervene just when I'm on the brink of insanity, as I was last weekend.

So, a frenzied dress search commenced. Mind you, little man and littler man were both in toe, and both G-ma and Tia were enlisted to stuff them with pretzel sticks and keep them out of trouble. This however, did not deter them from escaping their stroller and running like wild animals through every store we went to.

Normally, I'm very decisive. I know what I like when I see it and I actually shop better under pressure. Not the case. We left empty-handed, with the exception of two new Build-a-Bears and some left-over pretzels. I felt like Pretty Woman with my wad of cash- "I have alll this money- and no-bo-dy- will- help- mee."

My sister-in-law set out on a similar, albeit much more successful mission that same afternoon with my 1 year old-nephew- at Kohls!

Miss Dana is a true power shopper and swooped up 5 (yes 5- if you know anything about Dana, you know she likes her options) dresses from the LC by Lauren Conrad collection. I had yet to peruse any of LC's collaborative efforts with Kohl's, but did so today and was not entirely displeased. Let's explore, shall we? Some of the purchaseable highlights:

Floral Tank, $34
You know I love an exposed zipper and I think I could potentially like this print..

Military Jacket, $60
Although they seem to be everywhere right now, I'm not yet tiring of all the military inspired jackets that we're seeing this season. The cut on this one looks flattering and feminine.

Bow tee, $34
Loving this.

SequinSkirt, $44
I like the idea of a sequined top or bottom with separates as an alternative to a dress at a wedding or cocktail event- and I would have definitely had some of the cash wad left over for shoes!

So, all-in-all a few well-played items, though I can't speak for the collection as a whole for reasons such as this (to be worn at some sort of weird biker luau I'm presuming?) and this (Motherhood Maternity called- they want this back) .

D- didn't get to see the dresses online, so I'm really hoping you did not opt for the dress version of either of the two I just mentioned. If so, please disregard. See you Saturday!!!

Peonies Please.

One of the things I love most about Spring are the flowers. Peonies, in particular, are my absolute favorite and I spotted the first bunch of them at Whole Foods the other day, looking elegant and feminine and exclusive with their nine-dollar-for-three-stems price tag. I've tried desperately and in vain to start my own peony garden in the back. It's been almost five years and the four 5 gallons I planted pop their lovely green leaves up without fail every April, and sometimes even produce a few immature buds only to wilt in the sun by June without a single blossom. What gives peonies? I give you morning sun and afternoon shade, an appropriate ph balance, and a healthy serving of Miracle Grow- Why can't you show me just a small iota of the lovin' that you've been showin' M-Stew?

Until I figure out what their beef is with me, I may have to look elsewhere for a little infusion of peony. Sometimes T.J.'s hooks it up with a week or two of bargain bunches and I am all over it, but it's just a matter of time before I relent and hand my nine dollars (well- actually $18, cause I need two bunches for a proper arrangement) over to Whole Foods.

Or I could just wear them.....

Loving these Peony Studs from Anthro

Also obsessed with the peony print of this DKNY tank, but Donna is going all Whole Foods on this one with a price tag of $297. Yowza.

This peony print blouse from J.Crew is a little more doable.

And I think even my deflated old bags would look good in this adorbs Peony Print Huit Bra!

It's Official....

It's been confirmed. The universe is officially conspiring to destroy me. I received a very disheartening phone call from a lovely young lady at Rent the Runway on Friday, informing me that my beloved Midnight Goddess dress was NO LONGER AVAILABLE FOR RENTAL, due to some quality issues. Ashley of RTR was very helpful and offered to send me out any available dress I liked at the same rental price, but in the midst of the clavicle disaster, my sorry attempts at accomplishing anything work-related from home and my decision to hand scrub my entire sectional sofa, I just gave in and let the universe have it's victory.

I've still got my back up Tibi rental coming, but am slightly freaked out about the prospect of only having one option should I look like disco Grover in it. If I had oodles of time, and money, and an insane body- I'd probably just swoop all of these up for overnight delivery:

Temperley London Dress, $1595

Herver Leger dress, $995

Just Cavalli Dress, $425

Sarahseven dress (sans boots), $605

Pretty sure I'm just going to be squeezing my big butt into one of my sister's little dresses instead. Happy Monday!

Fuggin Tired.

Because I cannot let the broken clavicle out of my sight for two seconds for fear of lung puncture, because I'm feeling a little bit like the universe is conspiring to destroy me, because my hair looks like it's been doused in motor oil, and because I pseudo-slept with a horizontal midget's feet on my face all night, I am going to direct you elsewhere for your blogging enjoyment today. If you've got a few hours to kill and need some laughs, go check out the hilarious ladies of Go Fug Yourself, because fugly is the new pretty.

Despite my cynicism....Happy Friday!

When it Rains, It Pours.

Ladies, please forgive my absence. We've had a rough week. This is a very little, very fractured, not quite yet 2 year-old clavicle.

Yikes...

these little looks from Zara are absolutely, devastatingly, ridiculously cute:







And my wallet is not completely safe- they're keepin' little dudes looking good as well:

images from Zara thanks to Viva Full House

Max would be all over the Mocs.

Romper Room-y?

There are several things about the whole romper trend that seem to be screaming "DON'T DO IT!!" into my thirty-something ears. First off, I last wore one when I was seven (this seems to put them in the same category as knee-high socks and shirts with cats on them). Secondly, my disproportionately long torso may not lend itself well to the fit (read: camel toe) and then there's the disturbing reality that I will likely have to get completely naked when going to the bathroom at a public place.

Despite what I would typically and logically conclude as three strikes, I am still feeling an overwhelming desire to own one in a shade of citrus and wear it while sipping cocktails at the Parker in Palm Springs. That said, here are a few of my faves and some accompanying goodies:


TopShop Bow Pocket Playsuit, $50
Kate Spade Ines woven sandal, $225 (bargainista alternative here)
Kate Spade Folley Beach Makenzi bag, $295
Anthology Graduated Semiprecious Stone Teardrop Necklace, $98
Coral reef starfish studs at Kate Spade, $45

Trina Turk - Castillo Romper, $165
Corso Como Felony Sandals, $140
Calypso Fetish Clutch, $95
Kenneth Jay Lane Hoops with Beaded Dangles , $66

Zimmerman Chelsea scallop jumpsuit, $300
Kors Michael Kors Francesca Wedge Sandal, $225
Orange Cluth Bags by Melissa Malard on Sense of Fashion, $15
Kenneth Jay Lane 22-karat gold-plated cuff, $120
Kenneth Jay Lane Embellished double-hoop earrings, $28

Weelicious

For the most part, I think I've done a pretty decent job of raising my kids. They are generally polite, use their "please" and "thank yous", they share (with others, but not each other), go to bed like little angels and they do not hit, kick or bite.

Dinner time at our house, however, is a scene straight out of an episode of SuperNanny. I've allowed Max to develop some pretty terrible eating habits, mainly out of desperation because he is the world's pickiest and most suspicious eater (he's convinced that anything unfamiliar will probably taste like dog poop). Because of our work schedules and the boys' relatively early bedtimes, we rarely eat dinner as a family, and when we attempt to, the results are often disastrous. They generally prefer to stand on their chairs, if on them at all, so I spend the entire meal either repeatedly plopping them on their bottoms, or wrangling them back to their seats as they escape to play with toys or run in circles like wild animals. Every bite is coaxed in with a bribe, and by the time the meal is over, I'm typically so exhausted, that the thought of doing the dishes almost brings me to tears.

That's why, when I came across the site Weelicious, Catherine McCord's blog full of healthy recipes and food ideas for toddlers and babies, I wasn't sure whether I wanted to head to the store immediately and make every single dish, or simply add her to my list of people I hate because, who does she think she is anyways, with her kids that eat okra and shrimp cocktails?

After careful reflection, I've opted for plan C- pick a few of my faves and enlist Max to help me "cook" them. My one trick I've learned of late is that if I let Max feel as though he's contributed to the meal, he's always more eager to try what he's "cooked" so we can then brag about what a fantastic chef he is.

Here are a few of the dishes that I think chef Max and I will be whipping up in the next week or so:

Noodle Pancakes

Okra Nuggets

Tex Mex Rice Cakes

Chewy Granola Balls

And how cute are these?

Bon Appetit!

LBD+BBN

I've always been quite the connoisseur when it comes to patterned garments. In fact, there is rarely a pattern too bold for my closet. I've got clothing covered in florals, abstracts, fruits- even scooters- you name it, I've probably got it on a skirt. These days, however, my new-found frugality has led me to spend less on clothing and more on affordable accessories that will lend new life to old clothes. As a result, I'm amassing a substantial collection of big, bold necklaces, which, in turn has me dusting off all of my black basics to let the jewelry do the talking.

I love the look of a simple black dress paired with a great statement necklace- it's effortless and the result is always polished.

Work it at work:

Theory Wool-blend belted dress, $335
J. Crew Julienne Heels, $198
Ann Taylor Stone and Pearl Ribbon Chain necklace, $68

LBD + BBN= perfect for the weekend

Velvet By Graham & Spencer Lolita Dress, $110
Sam Edelman Gigi Sandal, $49
Zad statment necklace, $39


It's an obvious choice for a formal event:

ModCloth Orchestra Seating Dress, $54
Christian Laboutin Anees Folles Pumps, $1095 (bargainista alternative here)
Trina Turk Beaded Teardrop Necklace, $260

And it's a slam dunk on date night:

Mango Dress, $115
Ports 1961 Geisha Sandals, $750 ( bargainista-friendly alternative? try these)
Asos Fan Necklace, $11

Check out more fun necklaces that I'm loving here, here, here, here, here & here.

T-Minus 6 days

Mama's day is upon us and for all you mammas with mammas that have been slackin', it's not too late to show her you care without having Hallmark say it all for you. Still, the clock is ticking so I'll just cut to the chase and share with you some of the goods.

First off- some jewels- you can almost never go wrong with this choice, especially when it is sweet, simple and sentimental. We've all seen or own one of those little initial necklaces to showcase the names of our brood, so I was delighted to see a little spin on the trend in the form of delicate little stacking rings with initials on them. Supes cute and perfect for the new mom, but would also work well for the proud grandma, provided she had a reasonable number of grand littles.

14 k gold stackable rings, $246

Another fabulous Etsy find from seller Sara Reidsma. Ms. Reidsma is local here in SF, so for those of you in the hood, you might be able to nab it in time. Also found some similar sets in silver, for those of us on a budge (mom will understand).

And what Mamma doesn't really just want some QT with her favorite daughter(s) and or lady friends, sans hubby and wild male offspring? (honestly, between us girls, I love my guys, but sometimes my ideal mother's day does not involve any of them) How's about treating mom to a ladies-only afternoon tea?? I've been dying for an excuse to make a trip out to the Crown and Crumpet Tea Salon in San Fran.


How cute is this place?? I'm not sure, but something about the decor says "ladies only." Egg salad anyone??

Monday Musty

J.Crew Reese Sandal, $138

So I've been hovering over the "Add to bag" button for these little pretties for several weeks now, but the hundy-plus price tag has kept me from pulling the trigger- you know, especially now that my average shoe price is about $19 bucks.

Good thing I held out, because I was doing a little browsing at my old friend DSW and came across these sufficiently similar cheapies:

Madden Girl Maliboo Sandals, $39.95

See you in 5-7 days my affordable little friends!