Along Abbey Road

5 Shoes Every Girl Needs In Her Closet

2013-05-22T08:28:00.002-07:00

Colorful Pump | Wedge | Gold Flat | Sandal | Black Pump

My closet has been stripped down and ripped apart in the last month. You see, I am one of those weirdos that gets sentimentally attached to my clothes and shoes -- especially my shoes. But, after watching one too many episodes of Hoarders, I bucked up and rid my tiny closet of the tattered clompers I haven't worn for a year and probably will never wear again.

Then I had a shoe epiphany...

"Abbey, you really only need five pairs of shoes. Simplify, girl. SIMPLIFY!"

And simplify I did!

Okay, so I obviously have more than five pairs of shoes, but if you feel at a loss as to what shoe styles you need, this guide is for you!

1) Basic Pump: It is like the LBD (little black dress) of the shoe world. Don't argue with it. Just go get yourselves a pair of basic black heels. The pointed toe will help elongate your legs too (please and thank you)!

2) Flat Sandal: This is pretty much what I wear all summer long. I like to buy mine in a basic brown or black color because they will go with everything. Shorts, skirts, pants, you name it!

3) Versatile Flat: It seems counterintuitive to buy a flat that is in a bright or metallic color, but I am telling you that they are the best basic! The bright color can dress up your look or give you a polished finish to a simple look.

4) Wedge: These bad boys are easy to walk in, comfortable and add the right amount of boho and glam to your look. Need I say more?

5) Fun & Edgy: This is your wild card shoe. And every girl needs one! It's the pair of shoes that is maybe a bit too colorful or crazy, but you feel like they are your soul mate (or sole mate! People, I'm full of terrible jokes). In that case, I say buy them! And wear them with pride! The world is yours for the taking!

All of these shoes I found are from Shoedazzle. I have been weary of the whole shoe club thing, and was hesitant as to which one I should sign up for, but then I saw that Rachel Zoe is the guest stylist for Shoedazzle and the price point was right up my alley. Sold and sold! And bonus, you get 25% off your first pair of shoes. What's not to love?

So, my fellow fashionistas, what shoes do you have your eye on? Happy shopping!

*This post is sponsored by Shoedazzle. All opinions are my own :)

Summer Style

2013-05-20T08:02:00.001-07:00

Shirt: LOFT (on sale!). Skirt: LOFT. Shoes: JellyPop. Handbag: H&M (similar). Sunglasses: Target (similar).

As the days get warmer and warmer, it's time to bust out the summer gear! Shorts, skirts, tanks, tees, sandals! Hoorah!

This is my basic summer go-to look. I love wearing a simple cotton skirt, paired with a printed tee. It is simple, cool, but still looks effortlessly on trend. Adding a pop of color with accessories is a good way to pack some punch in the outfit, and a wedge can be interchanged with a simple sandal.

Today I am teaming up with Gentri of Gentri Lee and Jessi of Haircut and General Attitude where they are showcasing their favorite warm weather looks too! We decided it would be fun to make this a linky party so we can all see what you are wearing! I love getting outfit inspiration from all over and it is a fun way to find other blogs as well!

Now get to linking up your fabulous looks below, and be sure to link back to us! Can't wait to see what you are wearing!

Does Blogging Make One Thinner?

2013-05-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

Shirt: LOFT (similar). Pants: Thrifted (similar). Hat: Madewell (similar). Shoes: c/o PB&J Boutique. Sunglasses: Target. Lipstick: NYX.

Hello, white pants! How do ya' do? I remember when we bid adieu last fall, and I am happy to see your brightness back on my legs. Gives a girl an extra skip in her step.

After looking back on those old photos of the last time I wore these pants, I have clearly lost weight. Which leads me to this theory that I have. The theory that blogging makes you thinner. Now that I have been blogging for years (when did that happen?!) I subsequently have been reading blogs for years. And I swear to you that majority of the people have become more thin. Or, perhaps it is just we have all learned our skinniest angles. Either way, I am convinced that narcissistically staring at yourself on a computer screen day after day will in fact cause you to lose weight, whether you are aware of it or not.

Is it just me that thinks that? Are my eyes playing tricks on me?

My weight dropped once I finally found out I had Celiac's Disease and got my hypothyroidism under control. Regulating the body's metabolism and cutting out all wheat products will do that to a person. I wish I had some inspirational workout story to tell, but it was really just getting my health in order. Sooo, should you feel not quite like yourself and you just can't seem to shed those last 10 lbs of baby weight or whatever it may be, perhaps you should get your thyroid checked! It can literally be a life saver, helping physically and emotionally.

And that is my story of how I lost my weight and one of my numerous (and ridiculous) theories on blogging. The end.

Sweet Made Sweeter

2013-05-16T08:27:00.000-07:00

Toddler life means lots of days at the park. Lots of 'em. Luke and I like to take lunch picnics and if we are lucky, we get to catch a dinner picnic or dessert with daddy. And that we did!

One of our favorite warm-weather treats is a Frosty from Wendy's, which just so happen to be gluten-free. High five, Wendy's. High five! Wendy's also recently added the Frosty Waffle Cone to their shnazzy menu, so we decided to spice up our ordering routine and tried one out. Did you see the look on Luke's face after taking his first bite? Bliss. Pure bliss. Can't say I blame him. The Frosty is a staple on the treat chart and makes those sweet moments even sweeter.

Looks like we should all add the Frosty Waffle Cone to the dessert menu this weekend, am I right? And definitely some quality time enjoying that gorgeous sunshine! I know that's where we will be!

*This post is sponsored by Wendy's. All opinions are my own, however they may be influenced by the subconscious voices of my parents input lurking in my head... and Matt reading over my shoulder trying to tell me what to write (don't worry, I'm not listening to him). Husbands... #smh. As always, thanks for supporting our sponsors! :)

A Random Thing Or Two-sday

2013-05-14T10:29:00.001-07:00

Dress: c/o eShakti (all dresses 40% off!). Shoes: Target. Clutch: Target. Sunglasses: Target (similar). Lipstick: NARS Funny Face.

1) The last two pictures are what happens when you forget to adjust the shutter speed on your camera. And when you are trying to pose and start to lose your balance and end up looking like you are attempting an awkward version of the hoedown.

2) Fact: Wearing lipstick back in the 1700's was believed to bewitch men and trick them into getting married (source). I kind of feel like that's still true...

3) Did you know Angelina Jolie had an elective double mastectomy as a preventative measure against getting breast cancer? Would you do something like that if you knew you had an 87% chance of developing it?

4) You guys, Luke just gets cuter, and cuter, and cuter the older he gets. Looks like someone has his daddy's genes!

5) Would you rather cry every time you heard the word "the" or let out a blood-curdling scream every time someone said your name?

With Love Little Lottie Giveaway

2013-05-13T09:15:00.000-07:00

Happiest Monday to you all! The sun is shining, the flowers are popping up in all varieties of colors, and I am pretty sure it is the world's way of smiling.

To celebrate spring arriving in full swing, we have a giveaway from With Love Little Lottie! Tina is the bow making genius behind this sweet shop and she just so happens to have the cutest blog to go along with it. Her bow ties and headbands are the highest quality for the most affordable price. She doesn't miss the little details. I just got the Little Man Seersucker Bow Tie for Luke and cannot wait to dress him up in his Sunday best!

Lucky for you, Tina is generously giving away two bow headbands of your choice or a baby bow tie! Yes, this is a girl and boy friendly giveaway, so you will definitely want to enter to gussy up that sweet little honey chile of yours, or that pretty head of yours!

Enter the giveaway in the widget below and good luck!

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Cake And Paninis

2013-05-10T09:55:00.000-07:00

Matt and I vetoed the whole getting each other presents thing this year for our anniversary. Instead, we decided to stay in for a pleasant, home-cooked meal. I decided it would be a good idea to make something fancy, and this red velvet strawberry shortcake cake was the end result. Do not let the pictures fool you. This beast stands a foot tall! And the weight from four layers of cake started to crumble the bottom layers at the end of it all. That was the moment I realized making a trifle would have practically given my the same end result and would not have been nearly as time consuming. I mean, this monster took me almost three hours to whip up. Wife of the year award goes to me.

Also on the menu were paninis of my own invention. A turkey caprese with an extra dash of pesto and red pepper jelly, if you will. Yes, mouth-watering. And definitely not gluten-free. I figure I can have a couple of splurge days a year, and since I completely skipped out on Thanksgiving dinner, this was my moment. So what if my head aches and my arms tingle a bit for a few days? This carb fest brought me joy in no other way possible than good food does. You know the happiness I am talking about. Like I've said before, food tastes better than skinny feels. End of story.

Since we should all indulge ourselves in food decadence every once in a great while, I give you the recipes for the most glorious dinner, perfect for a summer night.

The Abbey Panini (I just made that up)

Ingredients:

-Loaf of rosemary bread

-Turkey

-Pesto

-Red pepper jelly

-Basil

-Mozzarella cheese

-Tomato

Directions:

Put butter in a skillet on the stove top over medium heat and let melt. While butter is melting and heating, spread pesto on one slice of rosemary bread. On the other slice, spread red pepper jelly. Layer in turkey, basil, mozzarella slices, and tomato. Place on skillet and use another pan to press down. Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and repeat on the other side. Yum-o!

Red Velvet Strawberry Shortcake (derived from this I Am Baker recipe)

Ingredients:

-1 box of red velvet cake mix

-1 box of white cake mix

-1 large container of Cool Whip

-1 large container of sliced strawberries

Directions:

Bake two 9" round red velvet cakes, and two 9" round white cakes using the directions per your mixes. Cut up strawberries in the meantime since the baking takes forever (especially if you are lame like me and only have one 9" pan to bake with. Actually, make sure you have two for this recipe or you will be in the kitchen alllll daayyy and that is never fun, unless you like that sort of thing). Once cakes are cooked and cooled, put together the cake. Cake first, then whipped cream, then strawberries. Repeat until you have an enormous cake that looks like it is going to topple over. Now eat your heart out!

Happy Anniversary

2013-05-09T07:57:00.000-07:00

Today marks 4 years since Matt and I tied the knot! Consider this the ultimate Throwback Thursday, anniversary edition. From the days of acrylic nails and tanning, to baby spit and poop, we've been through a whirlwind of experiences.

We've lived in 5 places, eaten 200+ gallons of ice cream, shared 5,000+ laughs and have 1 darling, charming little human to show for it.

Happy Anniversary, you burning hunk of love. Thanks for providing me a beautiful life and sharing moments with me that are better than any fairy tale dream a girl could hope for. You are the the real deal! I love you!

"For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul." -Judy Garland

Washington, I Love You

2013-05-08T09:18:00.000-07:00

I cried as I stared out the windows to the tarmac, soaking in my last few moments in Washington. It is the place that holds memories for 19 years of my 25 year-old life. It is my home. Even though my parents no longer live there, walking around the stores, parks and streets brought me that feeling of completeness that only your roots can give you.

My days in Washington aren't really talked about on this blog. I suppose I just had strange feelings of animosity toward it last time I went 4 years ago and associated all the awkward and not so appealing events that occurred. My hometown isn't and shouldn't be defined by a few humiliating and rebellious teenage years. I blamed it for my problems, but the issue was really on the inside, and those devious thoughts and problems followed me no matter my location. But, as time has its magical ways of healing wounds and patching things up, I happily welcomed my arrival in Washington and the nostalgia swept over me intensely, knocking me and my heart to the ground.

Luke met his two oldest uncles, aunt and cousins. And was enamored with them. My best gal pals, Molly and Katie (we call ourselves the BBP, which is a good story for another day), came up too and we were solemnly up to no good, per the usual. The sun shined in a way that made me wish we could move back. We visited old stomping grounds, and went on scenic tours of old hangouts and places I climbed towers and monkey bars as a kiddo. And there were so many new things too! Buildings, schools, stores, parks... I officially felt like an old dog.

I am currently trying to persuade Matt to find a job up there so I can live out my dream of living in a quaint old home in the North End of Tacoma. Oh, the windows and molding and shrubbery! We'll see how that one goes...

Oh, and for the record, Luke was a champion flyer. Like, the most well-behaved child that ever did fly. I feel badly for underestimating him. I suppose that taught me a lesson in parenting to give your child the benefit of the doubt and trust them until they prove you wrong, right?

Until next time, Washington. I truly love you and all the memories of people, places, and events that you bring along with it.

Yours, Mine And Ours

2013-05-01T10:26:00.000-07:00

1) Hands: Matt, 27; Abbey, 25; Luke, 15 months

2) Feet: Matt, 27; Abbey, 25; Luke, 15 months

3) Eyes: Matt, 27; Abbey, 25; Luke, 15 months

Learning to love my natural self has always been a fight. A battle in my mind of what is "beautiful" and "desirable" in the materialistic standards of the world, versus embracing the body that allows me to fully experience the joys and true beauty that same world offers. Being a part of the blogging culture comes with a lot of digital enhancement, tweaking, and erasing flaws. But how does that help? I like to witness that other women out there are happily living in their imperfections and welcoming them with open arms. I don't want to be afraid of judgments anymore, I just want to fully love myself. Unpainted toenails and all (which is a weird insecurity I've had all my life -- my toenails being unpainted and bare).

I can tell you the exact shape, tone, and look of every part of Luke. Call it the mother's memory. And that sweet, tiny body of his is perfect. At what point do we go from appreciating this precious gift and start critiquing it and demanding it's not good enough? Don't get me wrong, I don't like body hair, pimples, wrinkles and any other funky thing that happens to the aging body (and obviously I like makeup and all that crazy stuff), but it is part of being human. We don't need to be freakishly and perfectly glossy and preened with a certain body fat percentage to be exquisite and loving of ourselves.

Hence, I give you the hands, feet, and faces of the ones I love, myself included, even though it scares me a little to put these out there for the world to see. Unedited (minus a few exposure and lighting adjustment to give the best view of the photos), no cosmetics (although those are the remnants of some lash extension -- no, my lashes are not that long naturally! I wish!), and raw -- just the way God made us. And you know what? I think they are beautiful.

Encinitas Street Faire

2013-04-29T10:18:00.000-07:00

(My outfit details) Jacket: H&M. Shirt: LOFT (similar). Pants: Kohl's (similar). Shoes: Converse.

That's right. We go to fairs with an 'e' on the end. We, or I suppose I should say I, like to act crazy and embarrass my family at such public events. We like to eat kettle corn, chocolate covered strawberries, and anything else that clogs the ole' arteries. Dead bats are contemplated as a purchase, because who doesn't need a dried up bat for good luck? Luke likes to pose like a model at any given chance, and then show his dad a thing or two about said modeling. Then traffic laws are attempted to be violated, fits are thrown, and nap time ensues.

And that's the way the Rodriguez family does the Encinitas Street Faire! Ta-da!

Safari Park

2013-04-25T10:33:00.000-07:00

(What I'm wearing) Shirt: LOFT. Denim: LOFT. Hat: Boutique (similar). Lipstick: NYX Pure Red.

One of the perks of living in the San Diego area is all of the parks, including the famous zoo and safari park! Our friends, Sean and Caroline, treated us to a day with their free guest tickets so our boys could play together and explore all the creatures that this splendorous earth has to offer.

I am fairly certain the petting zoo goats were the biggest hit. And are goats always that fat? These guys were monsters. And so tame. For something with horns that could ram you at any moment's notice, they were quite docile and up for all the ear pulling. There was hugging too, of course. Luke spent most of his time tugging then hugging, tugging then hugging.

And there were elephants! Oh, how I love elephants. They are simply the most adorable animals. I wish I could have a pet elephant. I would paint it like they do in India and ride it everywhere. Also, meerkats. They aren't pictured, but they are like the kittens of the safari. They are just so yittle and cuddly looking! Too bad they bite and would probably make a not so great pet.

If you are down this way, make sure you take a trip to the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park. Especially if you have kiddos! You can never go wrong with animals.

That all being said, hooray for animals, toddlers, and great friends!

Just Keep Swimming, Swimming, Swimming

2013-04-24T11:24:00.001-07:00

Striped Bikini | Bikes & Stripes Maillot | Polka Dot Bikini | Floral Bikini | Chevron Bikini

Can you guess what's on my brain? Swimming! Beach! Anything wet that involves sunshine! Get in my life, ya hear? Just when we are all geared up and amped to hit the beach all day, eeryday, it decides to go all cloudy and poopy on us.

So what do I do in the meantime? Search for that perfect retro bikini swimsuit. Which, can we talk about how hard it is to find these in actual stores? Let me know if you've had such luck, because I cannot for the life of me find a single one.

Let's get to discussing each and every one, because it's only the appropriate thing to do for such an important decision. I've searched long and hard, and I do believe I've found my top picks around the webz.

Up to bat first (starting from the top left)...

1) The striped retro bikini (top and bottom). Stripes: check. Bows: check. Retro: check. I mean, what else could a girl ask for? This one is a major contender for me.

2) Next we have the adorable retro one-piece. IT HAS BIKES ON IT. Need I say more?

3) She wore an itsy-bitsy, teeny weeny, pink and red polka dot bikini! Seriously, I kind of let out a squeal when I found this one (top and bottom). I'm a sucker for red and pink and I think it would be the sweetest thing for our days at the beach this summer. It reminds me of cotton candy, so that's kind of a win-win in my book already.

4) This little retro floral number is just plain cute. Right?

5) Can I get three cheers for a chevron-printed retro bikini (I am blithely aware of the fact that I have now used the word "retro" to an excessive degree, but that's what I am going for in the swimsuit department!)? I about fell off my chair when this beauty popped up in my face via my newsfeed this morning. Seeing that this one is the lowest price of them all, I just might have to make it mine. High five to you, Kingdom & State!

So, now the trick is picking one. Or two. Maybe three if I'm good? Help me! Which one would you pick? All five of them? Alright, you talked me into it... ;)

Arizona

2013-04-22T19:47:00.000-07:00

Luke and I ventured our way out to Arizona two weekends ago. The visit reaffirmed all the faith I hold in my heart about the power of family. Life sometimes deals you a mean funk and a lot of times it's only family who can pull you out of that stinky rut. Whether it's burning to death at coach pitch baseball games or working on a 1,000 piece puzzle with a fifth of the pieces missing, it's those seemingly insignificant moments that equate to complete happiness, knowing that you matter to these silly people.

"Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.” -Jane Howard

Let There Be Lace!

2013-04-19T10:01:00.000-07:00

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

I've been humming and hawing over the whole lace trend. Do I get a lace dress? Do I not get a lace dress? Then the sun decided to pop its glorious face out for the world to behold, and I decided a lacey get-up needs to make its way into my overly-stuffed closet.

These are a few of my favorites from around the web. What I like about lace dresses is they can be worn as a day dress with some sneakers and a hat whilst you are out and about brunching and doing all sorts of cute things, or they can be dolled up for a more formal affair with some sparkly accessories and a great pair of heels.

What do you think about lace dresses? Yay or nay?

*Post sponsored by MissesDressy (www.missesdressy.com/dresses/designers/sherri-hill)

What This Outfit Really Says

2013-04-18T16:44:00.000-07:00

Shirt: Urban Outfitters. Pants: H&M. Shoes: Converse. Purse: Coach Factory. Hat: Boutique (similar). Sunglasses: Boutique (similar). Heart Ring: c/o Style Lately.

Because changing out of pajamas into sweatpants constitutes getting dressed, hats covering grown out roots and dirty hair is a regular these days, and sunglasses hiding the fact that I didn't bother to put on makeup -- that's what this outfit really says.

AKA I am a mom.

At least I showered today. Do I get a gold star for that?

The Perfect Wedding Gift

2013-04-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

Tis' the season to go to weddings. Last week Joelle, Lauren, Elisabeth and I came together to bring you ideas for the perfect attire for a spring wedding. Today we have the perfect wedding gift!

When Matt and I tied the knot, my favorite gifts were the ones that came in a sweet package of something I could actually put together, hence the ultimate cupcake gift package. The towel, mitt, and spatula would obviously come in handy for many other uses with newly acquired kitchen gear, and I am pretty positive the Barefoot Contessa mixes are the yummiest, most scrumptious baking mixes known to man. Also, I swear by these paper cupcake cups. I used the yellow ones at Luke's first birthday party, and they are sweet on the eyes as well as the taste buds.

Be sure to check out the gifts Joelle, Lauren, and Elisabeth put together for more inspiration on the ultimate wedding gift!

Goodness Begins With Me

2013-04-16T09:43:00.001-07:00

This past weekend I attended the funeral for my sister-in-law's father. The evening of the funeral, our family solemnly received the news that a family friend had also been taken from this world. Then not 72 hours later, tragedy struck in Boston. To say my heart is heavy is a bit of an understatement. From my corner of life, the world is a sad, sad place right now.

But then I got to thinking.

The funeral was a celebration of an exemplary man's short, but beautiful and wonderfully cherished life. I left it wanting to be a beacon of gladness and joy in this mad, crazy planet like he did. He stared adversity in the face and made the most of every situation, even when it literally could not get any worse.

Instead of being overcome with darkness, I know all of the people that have passed on would want everyone to search for the good in the world, and spread it once it has been found.

If I can't grasp an understanding of why people are taken from this earth, and why people destroy the sanctity of human life, what I can do is love more fully, more deeply, and be a better friend to kin and strangers alike. We are all in this together. From the stranger next to us in line in the grocery store, to your very best friend. That random individual walking past looking solemn and somber is the child, sibling, spouse, and friend to someone who deeply cares for their perils and struggles in life, so why can't I? Even if it is just a meek, but warm smile that says, "I care about you, I love you and I want you to find happiness."

Goodness begins with me. If I want to help the world engulf hatred with love and swallow up chaos with peace, I will slowly be the change, one small smile at a time.

Yours, Mine And Ours

2013-04-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

1. What we are currently stuffing our noses into for split seconds at the beach or late at night when the world's dozed off.

2. We like our caps around here, especially since it means taking the easy way out and not doing our hair for the day! High five to bed head!

3. Our lifelines. Let it be known that this monstrosity of an Otter Box has saved my phone from its death probably 126 times. My clumsy hands mixed with Luke's throwing baby angst spells for disaster. Isn't Luke's little phone cute (remember the days of snake?!)?

What do the little details look like in your life?

A Guide To The Perfect Spring Wedding Guest Attire

2013-04-10T07:53:00.001-07:00

From left to right: Joelle of A Charming Occasion | Elisabeth of Bella | me | Lauren of Style Elixer

It's April. Guess what that means? It's wedding season! Let the peony bouquets and mason jar decorations pop up all over the map! Seriously though, I wish I could get married again. It's just a entirely different experience now that Pinterest exists. There is no excuse not to have a wedding worthy of an editorial feature!

Even though I won't be planning more weddings, I will be going to a few this year, and I always find myself standing in front of my closet, scratching my head, and thinking, "What in the Hades do I wear?"

That's where we step in! These lovely ladies above and I have joined forces to bring you our Spring Wedding collaboration! First up: wedding attire!

So I know you've seen this dress before, but I actually think it is the perfect dress for a day wedding. Adding a sassy print to a dress with some color is always a good bet for a wedding because it clearly separates you from any mishaps in being mistaken as a part of the bridal party (my biggest fear when going to a wedding... really, though. I try to find out their colors and everything so I am sure not to clash with their theme). I always try to stay away from white or anything too "bridal." Don't steal that bride's thunder!

Go check out what Joelle, Elisabeth, and Lauren are wearing to their weddings this season!

And now that your brain is spinning with ideas to wear to all your weddings coming up this season, we have a shnazzy giveaway from Shabby Apple for you! Shabby Apple is an adorable women's vintage-inspired clothing store and they have the perfect dresses and skirts for this wedding season. Enter below to win $100 to their store, which will allow you to pick up one or two of your favorite pieces (I personally love this and this). Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hair Bow Giveaway!

2013-04-08T10:06:00.000-07:00

Today I am so excited to introduce you to Tina from the blog A Chai For Me, Thanks! First of all, you are going to love her and her baby girl, Charlotte. Charlotte is one of those darling little people that looks like a porcelain doll that you want to scoop up and keep in your pocket forever. I mean, look how cuuuute she is! I will take twenty Charlottes, please... oh, and a Tina. I truly am not just saying this, Tina's blog is one of those that is real and that you look forward to reading. She doesn't sugarcoat crap or make you feel like you don't live a glamorous enough of a life. She is honest and raw and after leaving her blog you feel uplifted and inspired in a realistic way. I like that.

Second, Tina is a fellow momtrepreneur and just opened a new Etsy shop called With Love Little Lottie, where she sells these bow clips and headbands (p.s. she is offering 20% off your purchase of $5 or more with code YAY4BOWS). You all know I love a good hair bow, and they are the hot commodity in the hair accessory department for spring. Translation: you need to win these hair bows either for yourself, your daughter, or all of the above.

The lucky winner will win 2 bow clips and 2 bow headbands. Enter the giveaway in the widget below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

7 Things I've Learned Having A Kid

2013-04-06T18:38:00.000-07:00

There is great debate in the world as to whether having children is the right choice for everyone. I get that, I respect that, but kiddos are insanely awesome. It's the type of craziness and happiness bundled into a chubby, pink, tiny human that cannot be explained until you actually have the kid. Kind of a frightening thought, the whole "you break it, you bought it" mentality, although to put it more accurately it would be a "you conceived it, your stuck with it" situation.

So, with my biased views thrown out there, here are 7 highly valuable things I have learned from having a bambino, which translates into 7 reason why I think people should have kids:

1) Love. Like I said, that love is like no other. It's as if your heart jumps out of your body and engulfs itself in this little person, and then multiplies till you think it will burst.

2) Being a parent practically forces you into some sort of organization and cleanliness. Let it be known that a trail of messiness followed my path everywhere I walked before Luke entered the picture. Clutter and all that junk hardly bothered me, and piling things in a closet out of sight felt clean enough. Babies, however, are an entirely different story. They are so sticky and covered with poo and all kinds of weird crap you didn't think could humanly be possible to excrete. Alas, regular cleaning is essential to maintain sanity and you should see my floors these days! Sparkling (almost)!

3) Patience is not a virtue I innately possess, but it is slowly edging its way into my character. Rushing frantically and feeling pressed for time has ceased and I am more gracious in allowing things to happen as they will.

4) Sometimes I like to have pity parties and feel sorry that my world no longer revolves around me, but then Luke will reach out for comfort and protection and place his darling, fluffy-haired head on my shoulder. Knowing that someone needs you and depends upon you is the grandest, fulfilling emotion. Is it daunting and frustrating some days? Abso-freaking-lutely. But, I am a firm believer that the new-found adapted selflessness of caring for children transcends over into the way you treat and care for others. It's bonkers, and I love it.

5) Babies and kids are funny. That first time they play games with you, laugh with you and do hilarious things makes all the screaming, throwing food, whining, and fake tears seem piddly.

6) Now, I haven't experienced this next one, but I am banking on it to be one of my all-time, heart-melting-into-a-puddle-of-love, favorite moments in my entire existence... the first time your babe utters those life-altering words, "I love you." Gahhhh. The stuff dreams are truly made of.

7) Figuring out this whole parenting thing with Matt has enhanced our love, appreciation and overall marriage. We've combined forces and we are a team, tighter than ever. For the most-part, we agree on how we parent which I believe is vital. Unmatched parenting styles could spell out disaster, but everyone is different. It's also pretty incredible to see a small version of the man you adore running around. We are more complete, things make more sense, and watching your burning hunk of love take care of your baby is sexy. I mean really, what is more attractive than a dad bonding and playing with their child? That's why people keep having babies. It's a powerful aphrodisiac, I tell you!

What are your thoughts on having kids? Is it for you, for everyone? Why? Why not? Seriously, I want to know!

Dare I DIY?: All-Natural Scrub Exfoliant

2013-04-04T13:02:00.000-07:00

In an ongoing effort to figure out this whole gluten-free lifestyle, I've learned that it is just as important to be aware of the products that go on your body and not just what is put in. I also am starting to make the shift of using all-natural products, specifically ones that go on my face. There is just this awful mental image in my brain of my face falling off with leprosy in my old age because I was ignorantly lathering my face with radioactive toxins as a young woman, unbeknownst to the FDA. Sounds like the story lines of a comic book series or something silly like that, but needless to say I always feel much better using that natural goodness. I suppose a good rule of thumb to go by is if you can eat it, you can put it on your face... right? Right. And what better place to start than with making your very own, organic scrub exfoliant?

Unfortunately, adult acne is real and I have it. My skin was virtually pimple-free as a teenager and then I hit 21 and all the acne I missed out on in pubescent years found its way to my face. Lovely.

Enter this exfoliant!

Materials:

1 oz fine pink Himalayan sea salt

1/4 c gluten-free oat bran

1/4 c organic almonds

Food processor

Bowl

Spoon

Small glass jars

Instructions:

Measure out needed amounts of salt, bran and almonds. Chop and grind almonds in food processor until finely ground. Combine all three ingredients into a bowl and mix well. Distribute into glass jars for storage.

Isn't that the easiest all-natural scrub in the world? The good thing about this one is that pink Himalayan sea salt is a super mineral that cleanses and rejuvenates your face. Almonds are great for nourishing skin, as they are packed with antioxidants and the bran is awesome at sluffing off that dead skin. I prefer to use this scrub on my face and arms about 2 times a week in the shower. Just wet desired area, apply a small handful and rub it liberally all over that gorgeous face and body of yours! You will be softer and all the more glowier for it.

A Random Thing Or Two-sday

2013-04-02T16:24:00.001-07:00

Dress: Vintage. Cardigan: LOFT. Necklace: LOFT. Shoes: c/o PB&J Boutique.

1) Luke is in this awful phase where he sticks his fingers down his throat until he is starts making a terrible gagging screech and is on the verge of hurling. Is this normal? Because it certainly isn't funny.

2) Fact: There are six million more women in the world than men (source).

3) The sun is out and here to stay! Open windows throughout the house? Yes, please.

4) You know what else warm weather means? I get to bust out my culottes soon (and pretend I work at Disneyland)! :)

5) Would you rather be the love interest of Adam Levine or Justin Timberlake (I am slightly obsessed with The Voice and JT's comeback so I think a face-off between the two is in order)?

Easter

2013-04-01T10:48:00.000-07:00

Easter Sunday hit a home run clear out of the park. There was chowing down on loads of candy, despite measly old wrappers getting in the way. Church was full of singing and heartfelt musical numbers. There were bow ties, pink and dapper shoes. Plastic eggs lined the fences and scattered all over the grass at the cousins' house. Cheeky grins and plots to steal all the candy were made, complete with scaling pillars and anything else deemed necessary to complete the mission. An entire ham was nearly consumed (not pictured) and four baskets of candy later, we all had raging stomachaches.

I dare say this Easter is going into the favorite Easter hall of fame!