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!