Glam & Fashionable

Sneaky Sneakers

2015-04-07T17:21:00.005-06:00

I have always been a heel girl until about nine months ago. Sneakers have really taken over my wardrobe. I am not afraid to admit it! If it weren't for all the amazing styles and colors I might not be as addicted. Converse, New Balance, Nike, lace and slip-ons... you name it, I am dying over them all right now. Don't be afraid to match them with your pants over to your skirts and dresses. You can look chic in anything you choose to pair them with. And comfort is such a plus in this case!

Just remember to polish off with some sparkle for a girlie touch. xx

Get with it Men

2015-04-02T12:49:00.002-06:00

Nothing attracts me more than a stylish man. It always speaks volume when I see a guy well put together.

For help in the men area remember to keep a combination of colored shirts. They can be solid or strips. That is one way to keep your wardrobe fresh (men). Don't stick to jeans all the time either. Grey is my favorite color! (I'm not a jean girl myself... unless your speaking comfy overhauls) Grey is just as versatile as a khaki pant is. Grey pants will go with anything! And they look SO good while doing so.

If you are willing to step a little outside of the box, go with olive green pants. And if you DARE, move to a brighter pastel color, shorts are the best in my opinion.

Just remember to keep your look effortless and at ease. Comfort is key for most men so start from the bottom up with comfortable shoes and you'll be on the right foot!

Chilled Over

2014-12-11T17:35:00.001-07:00

I don't know about you but this 65(degree) weather in December in CO is leaving my faux fur extremely unhappy. Fur has always been one of my favorite go tos during the chilled months. It seems so easy for me to throw a faux fur vest on and strut out the door. It's effortless and makes me look the most put together.

If this weather doesn't kick it up and start bursting a chill over the Rockies I am going to be missing out on a lot of fabulous faux fur. In the meantime I'm pulling inspiration and praying that the cold comes sooner than later! Christmas with snow please make your way.

Gifts For Him

2014-12-10T21:07:00.000-07:00

In my opinion, the significant other (male to be more specific) is always the hardest to shop for! And for that reason I start brainstorming ideas months in advance. Am I ridiculous?! I mean, I just really want to have some good gift ideas lined up so the extra preparation is a must.

Incase you are in the same boat, I've listed some great ideas (or inspiration) to get your ideas started. These can be for under the tree or in his stocking. I remember I use to always forget about the stocking. Hello! When I was a little kid all I was interested in were the massive boxes under the tree. Now I may be a sucker for cute nick nack, pucker up, face decorating (make-up), body oil, kitchen accessory goodies that I find in my stocking!

So now for the manly items:

Music: Get your guy styling with some beets or bose headphones. I definitely hinted for awhile trying to find exactly what he liked. Either make a guess or start quiz'n him! I also think he will be a fan of the portable speaker.

Grooming: A big thing right now are razors and the brush. Make him fell fancy with his own grooming set. I think this Jack Black set is pretty amazing. But don't forget a fancy razor and brush to go along!

Foodie: If your man loves being in the kitchen there is a lot you can do to make his heart pound. Let me say grill accessories of any sort will make him feel manly. For real. I don't get it either but you'll be his favorite forever with those gifted grill gifts! A nice set of knives, BBQ seasonings, personalized grill gloves (IK right) or a meat cooking class will for sure leave no disappointment!

Personalized: Now for the pretty items. Monogram a beer paddle flight, beer mugs, rock glasses, his wallet or his pocket knife.

Apparel: Clothes are always good but you can surprise him with his favorite sports team cuff links, an upgraded stylish watch, funky socks, a tie or bow tie (for the real trend setter).

Get him styling'

snow fall

2014-11-11T09:43:00.001-07:00

Our first snow fall means it's time to start pulling out those warm layers that make us feel oh so cozy. I have loved every bit of the Fall weather we have gotten but the snow fills me with joy. I love living in a place where I can experience all the beauty the four season have to offer. I've fully embraced fuzzy socks, layers upon layers, infinity scarfs, hats and warm drinks in my hands (almond milk lattes to be exact!).

The first item that comes to mind for cooler weather are sweaters that make you feel like you're wrapped up in blanket the whole day. I absolutely love sweaters. They have a feeling of being oh so homey.

No outfit is complete without a hat (of your choice) atop and cute booties to conquer the day.

White Mix

2014-10-19T07:19:00.000-06:00

It's fashionably acceptable to break the "no white after labor day" rule. Wearing white into Fall and even Winter has become quite fashionably trendy. I mean all the ladies are doing it! Aside from wearing white after labor day, I've compiled a list of some pieces that are a great transition into the cooler months (I will be sharing with you soon). Don't worry, Fall and Winter don't have to be boring at all! It's all about chunky layering and those miss matched prints!

An oversized white tee: throw it on with a stellar denim button up or cargo lined jacket. With fall an oversized white tee is the perfect piece to transition. You can't go wrong with layering your chunky sweaters over the tee either. An oversized white tee is always fashionable!

Suit up for Fall

2014-10-07T17:40:00.000-06:00

I know I don't give you much help with menswear but when I was asked by Bonobos to partake in a celebratory post about the launch of their Fall Suit Collection I became overjoyed! It is about time I helped the men... or ladies who shop for their men. These suits are fabulous (ladies and gentlemen)!! For Bonobos Fall 2014 Suit Collection, they have made their signature Italian wool suit even better! They are offering new fabrics and updated interior details, including the interior pocket. Ahhmazing right?! The fact that they are taking style to the next level and pimping out the interior of their suits is marvelous. Men, it all starts from the inside out. You have to take pride in this little amount of detail. The ladies will love it on you.

Starting with their Foundation Slim - Wool, I love the Marled Grey Tweed. I think it's a great piece to dress up or down. Another eye catcher to me is the Nottingham Blazer in grey. This is your blazer on the go that will go with every shirt you own in your wardrobe. Style the blazer with jeans or colored pants, cuff your pant legs and show some ankle skin or a fun patterned sock. These fashionable tricks will kick up your style to the max.

Personally, a top favorite of mine is the Capstone Slim Tuxedo (guys be looking sexy). I love it in Grey Honeycomb, Navy Herringbone and Black. I would take all these into consideration for a black tie event, Christmas party, gala or romantic dinner with your lady. They are so sharp looking! The grey and navy color are very stylish for those of you who are bored with the same old black suit. These suits come in standard and slim fits, regular and tall sizes so you can find the perfect fit for yourself.

I love that Bonobos works to ensure the best quality product. The wool suits super count for Foundation is 100 and Flagship is 130.

According to Bonobos VP of Design- "Fit is the most important detail for a suit. Marry that with classic color options and quality fabric, and you have a great looking, versatile suit for every occasion."

For those of you uneasy about how the fit of your suit should be the VP of Bonobos has some great tips! Jump on board with these and find that perfect fit for yourself!
1) Fit starts with the shoulders. The jacket should grab your shoulders snuggly but not overly tight. If the shoulders fir then the rest of the jacket can be adjusted.
2) Length matters. To determine the appropriate length, you should be able to cup the bottom of the suit with your arms by your side.
3) Show som shirt. (A flexible rule) Have a quarter-inch of your shirt cuff showing. If your wearing a heavier cuff, showing a little more is okay.

Happy suiting men!
xx

pumpkin seeds

2014-10-06T12:54:00.001-06:00

In preparation for Fall it sounds like pumpkin seed oil may be the new coconut oil!?!! Well, I don't know about it being the "new" coconut oil but I am so giving it a try. Pumpkin seed oil over coconut oil!!? If any of you know me you know I LOVE coconut oil. Okay, I more than LOVE the oil, I am IN LOVE and obsessed with the so greasy soft feeling oil. This is all okay with me. It really has made a difference for my skin. Every night I get a full on shiny body full of coconut oil from head to toe. Now if you don't like being greasy you won't like this regime at all but I think you should get over that and grease up. It will make you look so youthful. I mean my boyfriend has even jumped on board with the coconut oil regime (don't tell him I told you). Aside from using it as the most amazing moisturizer ever, I also use it as a conditioner for my hair. Don't put it on your hair during the day, you'll have some extremely greasy hair! Only apply to damp hair ends and then rinse off in the morning. Your hair will be shining with smooth beautiful ends the next day.

As far as pumpkin seed oil goes it supposedly does a lot for our looks! I am such a sucker for anything natural to help with my looks! The oil is rick in Vitamin A and E, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, as well as antioxidants. If you don't believe me, this is just how great the pumpkin seed is --->packed with benefits.

1) For the skin: Pumpkin seed oil is rich in fatty acids which is a must for healthy skin. It also is fantastic as an anti-inflammatory product. Hydrating the skin is a given.

2) For the hair: I already said it's rich in Vitamin A, E and K, as well as minerals and fatty acids. These are all great to help strengthen your hair. The oil hydrates hair follicles which means shiny, lustrous stands!

3) For the body: The oil will not leave your skin dry once your done in the shower! Your skin will be nourished and hydrated. Don't worry about smelling like a pumpkin. The oil does not have much of an aroma.

4) For the face: Pumpkin seed oil is the perfect preparation for when you are going to give yourself a facial. It does this by softening your skin and opening up your pores.

5) For the food: The oil provides concentrated dosages of minerals that support hormonal and reproductive health. Ladies! It also helps with healthy egg production! If your tired of olive oil, this is a great replacement!

If you are unaware about how and where to start with this pumpkin seed oil extravaganza. I suggest using the oil in the kitchen. I love the La Tourangelle oil.

Fall To Do

2014-10-01T12:40:00.001-06:00

I seriously love Fall and everything that comes with it. I love the fashion, the crisp air, the colored leaves, the smell of spices cooking, hot cups of coffee, honey crisp apples, cooking soup, pumpkins and snuggling up to a good book. In preparation for my post on fall fashion staple items I want to share with you my Fall To do List. I make it a priority to give myself lists every season. I find it the best way for me to conquer and achieve! I'm so excited to be back in Colorado this Fall. That means I get to watch the Aspens change colors, visit an apple farm and embrace the farmers markets coming to an end. And so here is my list:

1) Experiment with oatmeal: Every year when the weather gets cooler I find myself reaching for the oatmeal more and more. There is something so amazing about a warm bowl of almond milk oatmeal. I've decided to take the challenge and experiment more with what I put into it. Warm baked apples and cinnamon sounds like a good start!

2) Drive Kenosha Pass: Always brought up in conversation but never have I experienced the beautiful changing leaves of the Aspens. This weekend has finally been set and I cannot wait to explore the pass.

3) Go apple picking: Thank goodness there are multiple apple farms to visit for a Denver resident. Hayrides, apple spice making and climbing ladders to pick crispy apples sounds heavenly!

4) Learn to bake a pie (from scratch): Since the boyfriend just goes on and on about his grandmas homemade apple pie every year I have decided to crush my non sweet tooth addiction and take a leap for learning how to bake a pie! Bring on the sweets!

5) Go bold and paint my nails orange: I love everything pink, red, maroon, violet, white, blue, gray and silver but yet do I have to go above and beyond with orange. This fall will be the year!

6) Donate to a food drive: Giving back and volunteering makes me feel so good as a person. I want to help those in need by donating something homemade (if I can) to them so they can be thankful this year and have something good to eat for their Thanksgiving meal.

7) Sign up for a race and run in the leaves: The call of a 10k is everything simple and goal oriented to accomplish.

8) Enjoy the last few weekends of the farmers markets: I seriously learn something new about veggies every time I go to the farmers markets. That or I find out about a new veggie! Last year it was finding out about watermelon radishes (changed my life) and this year it was about a mini pumpkin size zucchini?! Amazing when your going to put them on the grill!

9) Take a class: Knowing me and the "lists" I love to accumulate. I have a list of classes I would like to take to educate myself. I am hoping calligraphy can be crossed off this Fall! I welcome the availability of a course in Accounting, Excel and Photography :).

10) Learn something new: Goes hand in hand with #9. I would say this is already half way done while I continue to teach myself about coding.

11) Go to a pumpkin patch: As of last year I have become a huge fan of painting a face on my pumpkin! Rosy pink cheeks and pink luscious lips. This year I'm feeling more painting fun with glitter included! It all starts at the pumpkin patch and what my freshly picked pumpkin has to offer.

12) Host a game night: Girls nights, blankets, tea, wine and the flickering of candles seems like the perfect setting for a game night!

13) "Boo" someone: There is a thrill in making someone jump with a smile ;). Welcoming the feeling to be spontaneous.

14) Go to a movie: I miss going to the movies! The more busy I get the earlier I go to bed and the more I miss out on going to a movie. I think I'll be a little adventurous this Fall and attend a movie in cinema or just catch a matinee.

15) Do lots of reading: I absolutely love reading! Lately it has been reading a lot of different business books. Time to finish The Learn Startup and dig into something new! The pile seems to be getting bigger and bigger.

16) Have a tea spice party: Movie night, game night and tea spice party! All these night/party ideas sound so fabulous don't you think?! I'm thinking this tea spice party will have to be a modern twist on an American/European style (London cannot go unnoticed). Clear glass mugs with spices of all flavors and teas that melt your palette. Of course dippings and smells must strictly be of cinnamon, nutmeg and pumpkin.

17) Use a leaf as a book mark: Green, red, orange, yellow, the leaves take my breath away by how beautiful they are! I think I need to keep one in safe hiding this year and be reminded of the beautiful season every time I open up my book.

18) Get ahead on my christmas shopping: I will get ahead of the game and instead of add (add, add and add) to my Christmas list I will start to think about what I am going to get the loved ones in my life! Better to be ahead than behind!

19) Find a few new fall pieces: My favorite part of the Fall season!! You can imagine my list is starting to get quite long (oops) but I'm starting to narrow down and put together my absolute must haves that can be used as a staple pieces in my wardrobe. I hate not wanting to wear something the following year so this year I am being extra careful that will not happen for years to come!
(*POST: coming soon!)

20) Make apple cider: Along with learning something new I'm going to keep learning and make myself some home made apple cider! It'll be healthy and warm and delicious!

Street Style Spring 2015

2014-09-20T10:05:00.003-06:00

Street style is one of my favorite "events" I look forward to during every Fashion Week. Woman really stretch their boundaries and step it up with their fashion. I love gaining inspiration from the ladies who are front and center in it all. I've seen lots of fringe, turtle necks (yes they are back), graphics, mixed prints (still happening!), crops, overhauls (thank goodness), lips (wahooo) and whites!

It's all about what you make of it. I know my own style but it's fun to see what ladies put together so I can pull what I like from "her" getup. Be creative and use your inspiration! All I know is we are way ahead of the game and can start collecting ideas for next spring!

NYFW Spring 2015

2014-09-19T21:43:00.001-06:00

Long over due, I know, but it is definitely time for a New York Fashion week recap! It isn't even Fall weather yet and I am already so excited for spring/summer next year because of all the catwalk looks. The designers really excited me this time!!
Aside for the catwalk I always love what gets put out there for street style because I feel like it is the one time fashionable ladies can go beyond their fabulous boundaries. Wayyy beyond.

Let me share with you some of my catwalk favorites and then I'll spread the glamour about street wear.

Cynthia Rowley made my eyes sparkle. These fairy tale looks are my favorite! I can definitely see myself in the following! I especially love her eyelet design and the use of tuxedo stripe pants.

Badgley Mischka did a very glamorous chic look on the runway. I absolutely love the timeless appeal each piece gives. The collection makes me want to go to a fancy gala or resort getaway asap.

Nanette Lepore's is dreamy! I love the laid back dressy look. The combination she did of flowy dresses and printed pants is my favorite! What else could you need for a hot summer?! The sandals are even beyond this world. I love how she makes such an effortless look look chic. (Hence the adorable top knots.) I think this collection was meant for me.

Ohne Titel is super sexy in my opinion. The colors are so vibrant and playful. This is the exact collection I would go to for a night out. I would take it to the next level looking edgy with an artistic stripy black heel studded ankle high heel. A daring red is always a go to too!

J Mendel is always a favorite of mine. This collection shows gowns and dresses that can be worn for so many different occasions. The short dresses in the collection are perfect not just for going out but also for in the office. The colors are so fun too! There are some super fun pieces such as the black sheer pant (which can be work with SO MUCH) and the fun color splash fur coat. Pushing the limits but standing out in a crowd, you most certainly will when wearing J Mendel.

Oscar de la Renta had such an amazing Spring '15 lineup! It is so hard for me to only pick a few favorites to share. You must look at the whole collection! Feminine, flirty, polished and luscious color is only a little bit of what I can describe the collections as. I feel like I am entering a secret garden of pure lace peek-a-boo elegance. The collection is very "picnic tea party in the park" in my opinion. Anyways if I could I would own every piece. I have been so inspired by the runway for Spring '15 and can't wait to search away before the season comes back.

There are so many designers collections my eye catches its extremely hard to pick only a few. Lets just say Spring '15 is going to be amazing! There really are no boundaries. I love the mix of hard and soft. It's really all about your emotions and what your feeling for the day or evening. It's fun to see and collect inspiration because there is plenty of time to plan for the season.

Do you have any collections you are in love with?? I get excited hearing what others find amazing and how they want to incorporate it in their wardrobe.

White Out

2014-08-31T13:40:00.002-06:00

Happy Labor Day weekend ladies!! I'm having a few last moments with everything white and fabulous. There is no color more crisp and chic than white (in my opinion). If you're wearing the color from head to toe you are showing off an exceptionally stylish outfit. You can show it off in different shades or all in one crisp hue. I've gathered some of my favorites so take what you want and have fun!

Birkenstocks

2014-08-29T11:58:00.001-06:00

They might have been famous back in the sixties but they are back again, Birkenstocks are being seen everywhere! Birkenstocks roots trace all the way back to Germany. And thank goodness for Johann Adam Birkenstock for putting the time in! These mountain friendly fashion setting sandals are back in wardrobe transition. In Germany these sandals are used as house slippers, similar in thought to us Americans in Ugg slippers, but we took the Birkenstocks to a new level and showed off how fashion stellar they can look out on the streets. Heidi Klum even designs footwear for Birkenstocks... I had no idea, did you?! We have to thank Margot Fraser for going on holiday to Germany and bringing these awesome sandals over to the US. Boss lady knew what she was doing!

I haven't jumped on this but I so badly want to! So if your willing to send a pair for trial... I am more than willing!! I find myself eyeing the matte black and shiny gold every time I come across the word "Birkenstock". These sandals are amazing ladies (and men)! Seriously both sexes need to rock these. They are uber comfy and look so cute (Please get rid of those flip flops!). I have to tell you you have so many more options too than they did back in the days. Birkenstocks are amazing me with all the vivid wild and awesome colors: teal, pink, yellow, white... need I say more?! I've even seen an army pattern! There is definitely a color for every lady and/or man. I've already dreamed up a wardrobe full of what I would be wearing my birks with... overhauls (duh, I seriously wear them all the time you might think its all I own), boyfriend jeans (w/ or w/out holes. Yes I know my babes hates the holes in your jeans but some of us just can't knock them away... "me"), dresses, joggers and more.

So don't put down these awesome stylish street shoes! Try them! Fall is ready for them!

dreams

2014-08-29T11:09:00.002-06:00

But First Coffee

2014-08-28T11:11:00.001-06:00

"But first coffee" has been going through my head a lot lately. And with the all the traveling I have been doing a coffee press is the best accessory! I'm pretty sure it's my new favorite thing! Coffee brings me joy, I love it. Okay I love coffee A LOT and believe it or not coffee has multiple health benefits. Sooo bear with me as I tell you about one of my favorite drinks every (and hopefully convince you to have a cup yourself).

Coffee has its downfalls too. Jitters, anxiousness, dehydration and restless sleep can come from a cup of joe. Lots of fatty milk, carmel, sugar, whip and syrup aren't good either and can ruin the positive effects coffee has on you by causing weight gain you do not want. NO. It can also become addicting BUT if consumed in moderation (like with everything else we put into our bodies) it helps neutralize free radicals. It can help protect against Type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, liver cancer and liver cirrhosis (according to Harvard Medical School). Coffee is a nervous system stimulator which leads to sharper focus and enhanced concentration. It also helps us look on the bright side of life and spot all the positives. In other words it can lift your spirits and get our creativity side rolling. Coffee can also help you burn fat and improve physical performance. Who doesn't love to hear that?! Coffee is one of the natural substances that have actually been proven to help aid fat burning. It can boost your metabolic rate 3-11%! Wahooo. Great news right! With the adrenaline kick it gives it makes the fat cells break down body fat, releasing them into the blood as free fatty acids and making them available for fuel. It only make sense now to have a cup a half hour before the gym. More adrenaline, more energy, more fat burning! Aside from before your workout, if your anything like me you think about coffee as soon as you wake up. I know my boyfriend now does (from being around me so much). He expects the "barista" to be brewing the joe as soon as two feet fall out of bed. I usually like to wake up early and before anything else enjoy my cup of coffee. If I'm at my mums I'll walk out on the deck and look out at hole 18 (nothing beats this 5 star view of the golf course). Other times I'll sip as I get ready for the day in front of the mirror, turn on the news, read through morning blog posts, catch up with morning smiles with the boy or just lay in bed smelling the beans and feeling the hot steam rise onto my face. Last and night least, coffee is a stool softner. Maybe not what you want to read but lets me honest its naturally human. Elimination helps keep the body healthy and coffee certainly does the trick.

In our culture we are consistently on the go. So taking a few minutes every morning to reflect and enjoy a cup of coffee is the perfect treat. It should almost be mandatory! It's important to be still, smile, smell, rest, be happy and enjoy the little things.

One of my favorite activities to do is search for that bag of fresh new beans, remember "great coffee begins with great beans". Coffee quality is everything. Let me repeat that... coffee quality is everything! Please do not start with Folgers and expect to experience all the wonderful side effects I have mentioned. There are some key ingredients that make up a quality coffee and these are:

1.) Origin: Where is the coffee grown? (coffees from different regions offer slightly different tastes)
-A local barista can help you pinpoint what your looking for if you explain your desire of taste
2.) Craftsmanship: Where is the coffee roasted? How long ago was it roasted? You want to make sure they are as fresh as possible. With this, it's a good idea to find a local roaster so you can experience all the flavor.
-After beans are roasted they go through an oxidation process. After two or three weeks they are not going to taste as good as they did.

I have to share a few of my favorite coffee choices!
1.) Coffee Press. Since being with the boy, always my first choice.

2.) Almond Milk latte (Found at a lot of local shops. By the way, local coffee spots are the best way to go!)

3.) At home brew with a splash of almond milk (my brew is always different depending on the style of bean I am currently trying)

So ladies I think it's time to look lovely and start smelling happiness!

I would love to hear about some of your favorite brews, coffee spots or bean preferences. I'm always open for trying something new!

crisp air

2014-08-27T10:02:00.002-06:00

Time to start pulling that fall inspiration. With the crisps mornings lately I am finding myself with an itch for new dark polish, junky sweaters, deep jewel tone jeans, bark colored booties, and luscious furs. I'll be putting together a list of fall must have staples but for now I thought I would get the inspiration rolling before its cut down to single digit Fall Needs. I am so ready for a hot cup of joe and lots of layers!

Healdsburg Wine Country

2014-08-25T16:33:00.001-06:00

A balanced blend of old-town charm and sleek modern architecture, Healdsburg is where we ventured to for our first trip to Sonoma County. You can only imagine the excitement I had (gosh and even still have from being able to go)!!! Wine country had been on the list of places to go for awhile. The charming little hip wine country town of Healdsburg is packed with a plethora of fine restaurants, wine tasting stops, chic boutiques, and more. Thanks to a friendly recommendation from one of the babes work friends, we got to enjoy some of Sonoma County's best wines! The day will filled with lots of light sipping and strolling through the vineyards.

As we started the day we took our first stop at Bella Winery. A small, family-operated winery, Bella Vineyards and Wine Caves specializes in zinfandel grapes and believes that their wines are equal in eminence to some of the finest bottles in the world. I can tell you as soon as you drive up the gravel road to come into clear eye sight with this place you will fall in love!!
As we walked up to the barn style building we witness lush sounding music from a guitar couple, open picnic grass, and smiles among endless unknown faces. What an amazing feeling right?! Yes we smiled at one another and knew we were going to have a great day! The friendly staff at Bella started us off with a chardonnay then we moved on to a few different reds (pinot and zin), paired with the chefs special, ratatouille, and lastly, we ended with a dark chocolate peanut butter cup paired with a "12 late harvest zin". The late harvest zin was everything new and exciting to me since I had never had a red dessert wine before. Not my favorite in choice but i'm glad I got to taste the unfamiliar. They call it a late harvest zin because while the other wines are harvest in September, the dessert red is not harvested until October, hence "late harvest".
Bella offers a beautiful intimate setup with the wine tastings in their cave where you drink your wine alongside wine barrels. The tasting room also faces a barn which overlooked the hills and valleys of Healdsburg. The wine cave, built into the hill underneath their vineyard, was my favorite part and made the experience that much more amazing!! It was super romantic and decorated so cutely. I also loved how relaxed it was with black labradors greeting us. How can one not love this winery with the friendly tail wag and nose nudge of a dog during it all?! I wanted to take the day and spend it all at Bella but we got ourselves going to see what else was waiting for vineyard heaven.

The next winery we stopped at is Ridge Vineyards. They specialize in premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay wines. Fun fact: they are upmost proud for their Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon for achieved international fame for its fifth place finish in the 1976 "Judgement of Paris" wine tasting. So exciting to me! I am seriously loving all the wine knowledge I've received in the past two days. The experience was so educational. I wanted the staff to keep feeding me knowledge! Okay going on... the views from the vineyard are drop dead gorgeous! Drop dead gorgeous. The tasting they do is broken up into two options, the first took place inside where we tasted four different wines (Carignane, Zin, Paso Robles, Geyserville), the second tasting was outside on the patio where we tasted four wines plus their Montebello. The babes was extremely wide eyed at the amount for a bottle of Montebello so we took full advantage and enjoyed a tasting of their ever so famous fifth place winner! The taste I think is still in my mouth! That is how potent and amazing it is. The Montebello just started slide in and disappear it slides in and last a lifetime on your tongue. Worth every penny. As far as my favorite at Ridge, the scenery and knowledgeable staff top it off! The rest of the afternoon we spent sitting on the patio at Ridge looking out at the vineyards and learning all of what we could about their grape growing process. I have formed a true appreciation for wines and can't wait to start learning more about all the different varieties! The process that goes into wine making is so amazing to me. A beautiful beautiful place!!

Farm to fork experience, Barndiva is where we ended the night for dinner. It is a beautiful restaurant and really captures the rustic farm quality. In my opinion it is the "country chic" experience. It was a chilly evening so we dinned inside and enjoyed the evening with their day boat scallops and wild king salmon. Melt in my mouth amazing! Lets just say we had a hard time keeping our forks in our own dishes. Sharing is caring!

If you can hardly believe it we left a little room for dessert! Knowing my babes desire for dessert he was instantly struck when we walked by a ice cream and pie bar place! He's such a sucker for good ice cream and pie!! Needless to say I'm glad we made the walk around the corner because it was an amazing treat. He's pushing me towards the sweets more and more and in this case I was more than okay with it.

If your every in Healdsburg and have a sweet tooth I highly recommend the pistachio cherry ice cream with a piece of strawberry rhubarb pie! They also have (on occasion) a carmel pecan pie and coffee ice cream pairing that I wanted to indulge in but they were out of coffee ice cream for the day. Anyways it finally all came to an end but an end to a magical day!!

I think were going to start making it a tradition to visit different wineries. I've already started a list of new and exciting vineyards to visit next time we venture to Sonoma or maybe even Napa! I love it not just for the wines but also the knowledge I leave with! If you have any recommendations of your favorite wineries I would love to know!

pining

2014-07-20T15:30:00.002-06:00

4th

2014-07-08T21:06:00.001-06:00

Still dreaming red white and blue.xx

art

2014-05-19T12:46:00.004-06:00

I was in need of some major shoe porn this morning! The sun is out, summer is here, feet are pedicure ready... so let the toes peak out! I always say, it's a good idea to leave the house with a piece of artwork on your feet.

Let Monday sparkle for you.xx

sparkle

2014-05-18T11:19:00.001-06:00

Rounding up Sunday inspiration. Lots of brights, florals, summer entertaining and everything that glitters. I hope your day sparkles with the sun. xx

orgasm

2014-05-17T16:44:00.000-06:00

NARS orgasm highlighter is one of my go to beauty products at the moment. The peachy pink shimmer looks absolutely amazing for every occasion. When I'm in need of a lift I can always count on orgasm to do just the trick. I love it so much I have it in both the powder blush and highlighter. The best part about having it in the highlighter is its multiple uses. You can use it on your eyes, cheeks, lips and body. The sheer color blends effortlessly to create a shimmering accent. Apply with your fingers and you will have that instant glow!

home couture

2014-05-17T10:25:00.002-06:00

Drinking a hot cup of coffee (with steamed unsweetened vanilla almond milk), top knot perfected with harem lounge pants, I recently came across a tour of Corri McFadden's perfectly decorated apartment in Chicago. Another strong entrepreneurial woman, she gives wonderful advice in her interviews for the new working woman.

There was a lot of glamorous details in her apartment that caught me but one in particular was how she decorated a bowl with Chanel buttons. "Who needs candy when you have Chanel!?" I couldn't agree more Corri! Now where can I start my Chanel collection!! My place will definitely need some Chanel color to real the eye in.

bombers for summer

2014-05-16T00:51:00.002-06:00

I've recently found myself eyeing the new styles of bomber jackets. I think they are perfect for pulling off the sportswear inspired look, especially by strutting a fun print. In my opinion its all about the prints. They can instantly jazz up any outfit. Don't question yourself on the outfits you would wear the bomber with because you can transition it into every outfit. Layer it with a pencil skirt or tailored outfit for the office and then let it fly open with a mini dress for the evenings. You can even put it over your cute workout wear on the way to the gym... you'll feel more pulled together than you realize. Seriously though, they are so cute! I need to find myself the perfect one asap.

mums

2014-05-11T13:19:00.002-06:00

A mother is someone who loves unconditionally. A woman who raises, loves, and cares for you. Raises you to be a good person and loves you no matter what mistakes you make. She sits down with you and listens to what you have to say. She is always right, even when you hate to admit it she knows what is best for you and is helping you along the right path. My mom has been the rock in my life and has lead me to be the woman I am today. She has stood by my side through every decision and supported me in everything I have done. I love you more than you know mum! Thank you for being so supportive in my life and loving me with all your heart. You are always there for me and put us 4 kiddos before anything else. I only hope I can be as amazing when my time comes. xx