neta loves

| WELCOME, SUMMER? |

2015-02-11T15:36:00.000-08:00

i don't want to brag to my friends in the mid-west, or east coast-- especially my new englander's who are just bombarded with snow but this week is like summer here in san diego. it's been 80 degrees on the coast so i busted out some summer-like fashion and plan on going to the beach later this week. i hope you are all having a great week so far. xx

maternity shorts | oversized tunic not maternity: sized up so i can grow with it | tote similar, sharper price point | sunnies | sandals

| WHAT I PLAN ON PACKING FOR HAWAII: |

2015-02-10T21:00:00.001-08:00

we go to hawaii in a month. i don't know what the heck is going to be going on with my bod come next month but here is what i'm thinking will be perfect for my maui packing list. aloha! xx

comfort meets style. i am liking neutral colors, simple pieces and loads of flowy actions //

| CURRENTLY LOVING: ALL GIRL EVERYTHING! |

2015-02-09T18:06:00.001-08:00

IT'S A GIRL! holy happy monday! today we found out the little nugget inside of me is a little lady. it was so magical! we found out at our appointment while we were seeing tons of up close and personal shots of the babe. we kept it a secret from my family and had them over for VG cupcakes stuffed with pink in the center- while we were eating them we shot a video and sent to our east coast family and friends.

jeff and i were way too impatient for a reveal but it was so was fun to do a little something for family. everyone is super excited and it's starting to feel so real now that we can identify the baby as a she! hope you all had a great weekend. xx

tee similar | cami | denim | hat | watch

| #TBT // JUNE LAKE ROAD TRIP: |

2015-02-05T16:02:00.002-08:00

guys: this is going to be my first ever throwback thursday. i don't even do #TBT on ig so this is sort of a big deal. jeff has the flu, yikes, so I have quarantined myself in our office and i've been getting loads done--- work, emails, organizing photos bla bla bla. i came across photos from jeff's quick birthday trip to june lake that we took in the beginning of the year. if you haven't been to june lake, go. it's neighbors to mammoth and yosemite; it's quaint, cute and worth a visit. we stayed at the double eagle lodge; it had a great cabin feel, was cozy and in a great little location, jeff drank local beers, we explored paths -- didn't hike due to the babe in the belly but there are awesome hikes, had dinner in mammoth and just enjoyed the winter. xx

| VDAY GIFT GUIDE: |

2015-02-04T18:32:00.000-08:00

ok my husband is like the sweetest, most giving, thoughtful person on this earth but he hates valentines day. like wants to know why he has to give flowers on a certain day when he surprises me with flowers and other thoughtful gifts randomly throughout the year. my answer? i don't want to feel left out. OMG- i'm so lame...like typing it made me cringe. Every year Jeff sticks his tail between his legs and makes me feel special on the hallmark holiday but if you wanted to hint hint to your significant other (who also hates valentines day) below are some cutie gift ideas..and a few cute ideas for him too!

| BOY OR GIRL? |

2015-02-03T14:04:00.003-08:00

we just got back from the doctors and guess what? we didn't find out if we are having a boy or a girl! the good news? all is good with baby T and my doctor informed me that when i start feeling those kicks i'm in for a real treat: this baby is super active in my belly! We are hoping to find out next week- where we will have an ultrasound with a bit more advanced technology. I was so set on finding out the sex of the baby today: i was picturing nursery's and jeff & my future with this little bundle of joy. i've got to be honest-- i'm ok with not knowing the sex; i'm just so happy we have a growing babe in my tummy with strong enough limbs to be kicking like crazy and that i'm healthy. but! none the less, here are some nursery inspirations that are making me swoon to get our guest rooms transformed into a babe's room.
I'm loving neutrals for a boy or a girl. I love the idea of the baby's room being decorated with grey, white and touches of feminine or masculine pieces. Jeff and I are both huge fans of the animal prints: i think those will be a necessities in our nursery along with a good rocking chair. decorating a nursery is so fun- I'll definitely share pics as we start operation nursery:

source // 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

| THIS & THAT (ME BEING RANDOM) : |

2015-02-02T19:54:00.001-08:00

i feel a little ramble coming on:
first of all holy superbowl! my home was/is filled with excitement over the patriots winning it all this year. what a game--- i thought we lost is for a second there but *phewph*... i am a bonafide converted boston sports lover (thanks, hubs). this may sound a little wacko of me but i love that we lived in boston when the bruins won the cup-- i walked down boylston; the parade path, on my way to work and the energy was undeniable & electric. i loved that the red sox were in the world series around our wedding and when they won the game on our big night our DJ played sweet caroline and all our bostonian's went wild. the following day they won the world series while we were still on our wedding high with family and friends. today i can say our baby will be born the same year the patriots won the superbowl... maybe i'm being cheesy but these memories stick. i so wish we could get to the east for the pats parade.

+ always representing boston sports (and drinking beverages).

moving on...
i got acupuncture for the first time today and it was amazing. i've always been fascinated with it but never felt a need to get it done. after the go, go, go of san antonio this weekend my body was feeling it. so: my appointment went something like this // fill out paperwork, go in for a consultation, got rubbed down in my spots that were in pain, got the needles in my legs, arms and ear and then took a nap for 30 minutes. oh boy, unbelievable. over the weekend i also connected with a holistic nutritionist and a chiropractor who both recommended acupuncture. i am feeling great but plan on going to see her weekly to re center myself. the holistic nutritionist also went over some foods i should and shouldn't be eating during my pregnancy.... woah eye opener. stay tuned for my little ~~health journey~~ lifestyle change i'll be on.

+ ordered these two cookbooks that were recommended to me by a friend which go pretty hand in hand with what the nutritionist told me.

and finalllllly tomorrow we have a doctors appointment- we hope to be able to find out if we're having a boy or a girl.

+ this pregnancy is flying by! i can't believe i'm close to the half way mark. seems like i just snapped a photo of this bad boy.

so that's that. i hope you all had an awesome weekend and have a great week. xx

| MISSION ACCOMPLISHED // THE PERFECT BOOTIE: |

2015-01-28T20:18:00.001-08:00

man oh man -- i've been on a mission. i've been searching for the perfect black bootie for quite awhile now. enter: the petty bootie by sam edelman. i scoured san diego for a pair -- nordstrom, sold out in my size, urban outfitters sold out in my size and then it happened: bloomingdales had my size and bam! they're mine.

the best part about this whole exciting petty bootie situation? i own them in a nude suede and had no idea they came in black leather. i am packing for a quick business trip to san antonio and lets be real: wearing heels while prego is so not in the cards--hats off to the mama's who can do such. this bootie is the only shoe coming with me for the weekend and i'm so excited! weeeeee! xx

| A WOVEN OBSESSION: |

2015-01-27T16:25:00.000-08:00

i swear the bump looks way bigger in these pics than it actually is (insert emoji laugh/cry face). that plaid sure does a number on a blooming bump. ;-)

the woven and jeans are a recent purchase from old navy--- the jeans are maternity and i really like the fit, the top is not. hope you are all having a good tuesday. xx

| WHAT GOT ME THROUGH MY 1ST TRIMESTER: |

2015-01-26T17:42:00.001-08:00

i announced on friday that i am pregnant! this is my first pregnancy and am feeling blessed for this growing baby inside my belly. being a first time mom to be I had no idea what my first trimester would bring: would i be banging my head against the porcelain thrown? when was it ok to tell people we were expecting? what doctor should i go with? Luckily, other than being exhausted 24/7 I didn't get sick during my first trimester, didn't have totally crazy cravings except meat (prior to getting pregnant I was a vegetarian) and have a few awesome mom girlfriends who helped me with their best first trimester advice.
today i wanted to share some things that got me through my first trimester... there was obviously much more than just this snapshot--- like a super understanding and loving support system (the hubs, my family and friends) and certain foods that just didn't look too appealing to the eye visually while creating this post.
i hope this helps any mom's to be in their first trimester--- xx
1. prenatal vitamins // i did a bunch of research and actually started taking these before we conceived. they are huge and had a hard time getting them down but did it with the intention of what's best for baby.
2. prenatal DHA // i was taking fish oil prior to conceiving and switched to this prenatal style as soon as i found out i was prego. these are super easy to take and don't give you a weird aftertaste.
3. water // oh so much water. i've been trying to drink 100 fl oz a day which actually hasn't been the hardest thing in the world for me. pre pregnancy i used a naglene reusable bottle but after a nauseous spell one day i've been having a hard time drinking out of it again [weird, i know]. a cold glass of water = so much comfort in my first few months.
4. luna bars // oh thank the heavens for luna bars: they helped (still helping) me get down my prenatal vitamins and i love having them in my handbag when a random hunger spurt comes out of nowhere. i also was keeping nuts like almonds and pumpkin seeds in my bag.
5. ginger chews // although i didn't throw up i did have spurts of nausea: these ginger chews helped me a ton... and i love that they had a little spice to them.
6. pregnancy pillow // this was and has been a lifesaver for me. i am a total stomach sleeper so having this body pillow is comforting even though sleeping on my side is my least favorite thing to do.
7. mario badescu enzyme cleansing gel // my skin was a total nightmare during my first trimester...actually it still is: so many hormones! i was on an rx by my doctor for my skin and had to get off that. this gel is gentle and has calmed my skin down a bit.
8. lifevantage perfecting lotion // prior to getting pregnant i was using (and loving) this regiment but my prego skin just wasn't having it. i still just love this perfecting lotion so i've just kept it implemented in my routine.
9. mario badescu facial spray // this spritzer is so refreshing after a face wash, shower or just because. I feel like it gave my overly tired skin life.
10. pharmaca lavender essential oil // there are a million choices for essential oils these days: i just wanted a bottle on the fly to put a few drops in the bath to unwind.
11. mayo clinic guide to a healthy pregnancy // i went to my local library and checked out a few pregnancy books before buying a ton: the mayo clinic was one of them-- they give such easy to follow insight and speak in a first time mom needed dialogue.
12. tracy anderson method // this was definitely a late first trimester event but i will say i love it. the set comes with 9 dvd's that you follow along each month. I have been following the method and also have been taking bar method from home.
13. kiehls ultra facial cream // i love this moisturizer so much. i've also been using palmers cream for the rest of my body... i was and am so chap.
14. peter thomas roth pumpkin enzyme mask // this mask was super soothing to my broken out skin and the smell was somewhat soothing to my queasy belly.
15. h&m leggings // ahhh if i could get out of my favorite pair of nike sweats i was putting on h&m and gap leggings. it wasn't that i wasn't fitting in pre pregnancy pants but all i wanted was comfort.
16. j.crew wovens // same as above: wovens are just easy.. if was hot I was throwing it in my purse incase I got cold over an oversized tee.
17. j.crew slippers // if i was moping around the house my feet had these guys on. LL bean also makes a great pair
18. minnetonka moccasins // the outdoor version of my around the house slippers. done.

a few other things i couldn't live without? food wise: hard boiled eggs, oranges and cereal. in bed wise: my iPad, books (my mother in law got me this book for xmas & i loved it) and netflix & amazon prime.

| HOLY MIA + BIG OL NEWS: |

2015-01-23T18:05:00.002-08:00

i totally went on a MIA spree. you can't do that when you are trying to have a loyal group of followers on a blog. well, the reason for the season? i am pregnant! wahoo(!!!!!) still not a good excuse for the lack of missing person report that should of been filed. the first trimester knocked me down..like bad. thankfully, I wasn't sick but I was beyond exhausted 24/7. I am 16 weeks today: have tons of energy and feel like my pre-pregnancy self.. so: i'm backkkk for like the 27th time.
xo

took this idea from c&c // look for once a month bump dates.

ps: i'm super excited about my own fonts! weeeeee.

have a great weekend!

| GIFT GUIDE FOR YOUR WANDERLUST IN YOUR LIFE: |

2014-12-17T23:50:00.000-08:00

when you start counting up all the people you need to get gifts for it can get overwhelming and pricey. i was thinking of a few last minute gifts for the travelers in my life and everything i found is super affordable, fun and as a fellow wanderluster I would be so excited to receive any of these things for an upcoming trip. this gift guide contains gifts under $50 and btw there's only 1 things on the guide that makes it right near the $50 price point.. so, enjoy! xo

recyclable tote // travel journal // face mist // hand cream // cosmetic case // travel size toilettree pack // water bottle // luggage tag // rick steve book // battery pack // emergency pack

| MONDAY BLUES: |

2014-12-15T15:40:00.001-08:00

oh man.. now that the holidays are here i'm ready to admit I totally 100% procrastinated on shopping, been sick, been cold (#socalproblems), been lazy, been cuddling charlie, been making one million excuses to not blog, be a good wife and get some dinner on the table sort of funk-a-dunk. ok, i'm ready to snap out of it and kick life in the butt. capisce? ugh, thanks for sticking with me. here's to a good week.

source 1, 2

| FAVORITE FRIDAY LINKS: |

2014-12-05T13:48:00.003-08:00

one: i've been loving j.crew & j.crew factory's gift guides this year. stumped on what to get loved ones? check out their gift guides and all your problems will be solved. source, j.crew factory

two: i love a fun DIY, especially around the holidays. i've made festive wreaths for halloween and thanksgiving but next on my list a december inspired wreath. source, country living

three: i saw this reindeer inspired cookies on bradley means' pinterest board and i must make them. bhg also shared festive cookies that are always a hit during cookie exchanges. source, bhg & mush and co.

four: i love celebrating christmakuh. i've been looking for a cute menorah and this one definitely fits the build. btw, it's a diy! source, martha stewart

five: i look forward to cupcake and cashmere's gift guides every year. i love everything on her gift under $100. source, c&c

six: every year i want to check out christmas lights (and somehow don't). this year i found this handy list to find ones all over san diego, score! source, san diego family

| LUXE FOR LESS: |

2014-12-04T09:59:00.004-08:00

i bought the madewell parka last year when it was on sale for a real steal of a price...more than 50% off what it's going for online currently. it's waterproof, cozy and oh so fashionable. i was recently shopping at forever 21 and i really loved their rendition of the ever so fashionable forrest green parka; enjoy todays luxe for less. happy thursday! xo

luxe // mcq alexander mcqueen, rag and bone

for less // american eagle, madewell, forever 21

| GIFT GUIDE FOR HIM: |

2014-12-03T17:22:00.000-08:00

one. this hoodie is a bit nicer than his college alumni hoodie ;)

two. i love the idea of a blue tooth speaker and bose never disappoints.

three. a nice watch always gets a guy excited; the shinola watches are so classic and can be worn throughout the year.

four. i know jeff loves sneakers but hates buying them; these new balances have been on his list for some time now: they go great with denim or can be worn with exercise shorts

five. guys need travel kits as much as us girls. have him ditch the freezer bags and sport a fashionable, manly kit.

six. if he's been eyeing the new iphone 6 this holiday season is the perfect time to gift it to him.

seven. my philosophy on basic t shirts? you can never have too many! i love these by j.crew.

eight. this henley can be dressed up or down and is perfect to get your guy through the cooler months.

nine. if you and him travel as much as jeff and i this jack black carry on gift set is perfect.

ten. who likes buying undies for themselves? these make great stocking stuffers!

eleven. love this reusable water bottle and so will he.

twelve. jeff recently read this book and raved over it. gift it to him so he can read it before he sees it in the theatre.

| CYBER MONDAY! |

2014-12-01T09:48:00.002-08:00

happy monday! i hope you all had a great long weekend full of family, friends, love and lots of food. i did a tiny bit of black friday shopping but i really wasn't feeling it-- jeff ended up dropping off my mom, sister and i at a local mall so we didn't have to deal with parking and that whole headache. did you support small business saturday? i love all the small businesses in leucadia and along the coast. and now: enter cyber monday. is your inbox full of steals and deals? i love shopping online especially during the holidays: i hate the crowds! here are some of my favorite cyber monday deals...enjoy. xx

+ old navy // gap // banana republic : 40% off your online purchase. use the code CYBER at checkout. oh, piperlime is 30% sitewide & 40% sale. use the code CYBERSALE at checkout. currently in my basket: this oversized cardigan, dress, trench

+ jcrew : 30% off full price pieces plus 40% off sale. use the code MONDAY at checkout. drooling over this stadium-cloth coat in forrest green, my go-to annual set of pajammies; loving this set.

+ vince : 25% off entire site. use the code UNWRAP25 at checkout. i'm eyeing this and this.

+ nordstrom : up to 40% off your online purchases plus double points (10 points on the dollar if you are a level two member). i love that nordstrom doesn't jam black friday down our throats but i must say i've always loved this rebecca minkoff tote [ now 40% off! ], i also love these boots.

happy shopping!

| LOOKS FOR THANKSGIVING: |

2014-11-25T17:58:00.000-08:00

today i went out to j.crew and h&m to find a thanksgiving outfit. disclaimer i already had an outfit put together but the weather in san diego on thursday is like a warm summer day (89 inland)! my key to a successful thanksgiving look is simple: it's all about comfort. you are eating all day so an elastic waist is so important to me. i also think wearing baggy is ok as long as it's chic--- think a frock dress. i love getting dressed up for holidays, i hope you all have your outfits put together; if not all these looks work for any coast and are all present collections.

look one // woven, skirt, tights, booties. look two // sweater, legging, boots. look three // sweater, legging, heel

| GIFT GUIDE FOR THE COOK: |

2014-11-24T10:28:00.000-08:00

holy moly. last week was a total blur-- in bed. i'm feeling better but i can't believe thanksgiving is this week. it's like i woke up from my "blur" and into holiday season. over the weekend we ran to the store *pure chaos* and got some of the basics i need for the dishes i'm making; i still need to run to traders to finish up which i plan to do today. also, can you believe stores are already offering their black friday prices? i love black friday but i can't get on board with black thursday...wednesday..etc. thanksgiving is all about giving thanks and being with loved ones: not the mall. i will say i love the holidays and am looking forward to them; i'm really not a scrooge.
hope you all have a great week! xx

+ 1. kitchenaide // i received an artisan stand mixer as a wedding gift: it's the hands down number one kitchen tool i use: if your kitchen lover already owns one there are tons of awesome attachments you can gift. i especially love the ice cream making attachment!

+ 2. crate & barrel // fill this marble utensil holder with some cute wooden spoons and the cook will sure to be happy!
+ 3. jk adams // jeff and i are obsessed with cutting boards: these boards are made in the USA, durable and can double as a fun cheese board.
+ 4. modcloth // how stinking cute are these cheese knives?
+ 5. the cellar whiteware // a lot of brands have been making the cutest pieces with fun play on words: these soup bowls are perfect for a night in with a yummy slow cooked soup.
+ 6. threshold // this chalkboard canister is can store coffee grounds, flour or cookies. it's cute enough to sit on a kitchen counter too.
+ 7. cuisinart // modern day hand mixer: this is an awesome tool for cooking and baking.
+ 8. kuhn rikon // these knives rock and the bold colors make chopping and cutting a bit more fun.
+ 9. sur la table // i love marble: this cake stand is perfect for any baker's fresh pie or cookies.
+ 10. the lion and the lark // you can find the cutest handmade goodies on etsy. i love these recipe cards. they're cute enough to share and it's always nice to support a small company.
+ 11. crate & barrel // only available in store: these recipe dividers will help keep chef organized.
+ 12. martha stewart // a pastry dough blender is also great for cutting up herbs or making lumpy mashed potatoes. an inexpensive gift that should be in any cooks kitchen.

| GET INSPIRED: THANKSGIVING TABLESCAPES |

2014-11-18T11:30:00.000-08:00

with thanksgiving just about a week away there is lots of planning going on: after multiple plans falling through thanksgiving will be held at my parents this year. my parents just did a big remodel so i think my mom is really excited to host her first holiday there (especially with my sis and brother-in-law back in town). i have volunteered for mashed potatoes + gravy, rolls and pies..oh yes, most importantly, to me, the tablescapes. i love sprucing up a table: here's what is currently inspiring me. hope you are all having a great week. xx

sources 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

| GIFT GUIDE FOR HER- STUFF HER STOCKING: |

2014-11-17T12:30:00.000-08:00

holiday season is approaching. like quick. when did it become mid-november? i'm starting to see gift guides on all my favorite sites so i figured why not get a head start? hope you all have a great week. xo

1. madewell always makes the best scarfs; this oversized plaid one is cozy and chic all at the same time.

2. sugar paper at target? stop. this 2015 calendar is dreamy. it makes me want to be the most organized gal out there. stuff her stocking with any of the sugar fish x target and it's sure to be a hit.

3. i'm a note taker, list maker...if it's not written down it's not getting done, kind of girl. most of my girlfriends are like this too. this smythson notebook is small enough to fit in most bags and stylish enough to whip out anywhere.

4. ok. stop. this is so cute and any gal who likes makeup even a smidge will die over this benefit advent calendar. it comes with all the benefit favs and the packaging is adorable so skip the wrapping.

5. i'm a sucker for cute sayings + words on accessories. these old navy gloves may not be the warmest gloves but they are darn cute and perfect for a cool night in california.

6. girls love their tumblrs and recyclable mugs: or is it just me? i could never have enough. this j.crew reusable water bottle is the perfect size for a quick workout and is dishwasher safe!

7. ok. this shirt does make me happy! this megan lee design shirt come in different states with cute sayings. roll it up and stuff it in the bottom of the stocking ;)

8. kate spade makes the sweetest, daintiest products and this business card holder is thin enough to throw in the smallest clutch and get your network on.

9. i really love deborah lippmann polishes: they are such a great quality and her polishes contain no toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor or DBP and no animal testing. this mini set is perfect for the holidays.

don't forget the candy and a bux card ;)

| A DAY AT DRUMLIN FARM: |

2014-11-11T14:50:00.000-08:00

top no long available, similar // denim // beanie // jacket // boots // sunnies

| WHAT I'M LOVING RIGHT NOW: |

2014-11-10T08:21:00.003-08:00

| FAV LINKS THIS WEEK: |

2014-11-07T14:37:00.000-08:00

i'm getting in the holiday spirit early this year. i am loving good housekeeping's 3 festive holiday mantels. -via: good housekeeping
the 9 secret weapons to you wardrobe is the perfect article to share with anyone who wants to invest in classic pieces (of course, you can find them for cheap too) - via: real simple
i've been toying with buying a gel mani machine for home. after reading into the gloss' make your manicure last, i'm pretty convinced i'm adding it to my christmakuah list. -via: into the gloss
super last minute of us: we're participating in the run fur fun 5k in boston tomorrow: i love running for a good cause! -via: mspca
there are certain weeks i feel my body craving veggies; byrdie's i ate salad for a week article got my mouth watering and super motivated to create some of the salads -via: byrdie
thank me later for this one: i love buying cheap reads. when i found book bub i wondered how i've survived without it. -via: book bub

| RAINY DAY SCHEDULE: |

2014-11-06T10:42:00.002-08:00

what i'm wearing: j.crew, woven // rag and bone, denim // gap, sweater // hunter, rain boots // old navy, socks [ available in stores ] // longchamp, handbag // super, sunglasses