spikes + stripes

While Willow went down for her morning nap, I decided to play around with these new Sam Edelman's that my brother bought for me.  Yah, for no reason at all. Just because he's one hell of a thoughtful and generous guy.  Thanks brother bear!!! I'm absolutely smitten over the bad ass spikey heel embellishment.  Don't mess with me or I'll round house kick you in the head! Lol, jk!! 

Also "new" is this Kova and T blouse that I purchased while pregnant. I was really attracted to the vertical stripe pattern.  I generally love all stripes, but seldom do you find them in this elongating pattern. They're usually horizontal, typical of the nautical trend that's EVERYWHERE.  Vertical stripes appear more sharp and classic… making this blouse one I would keep forever.

I paired it with a F21 suede skirt and completed my look with accents of silver and turquoise.

blouse (Kova & T via UO) skirt, cuff, rings (f21) turq bracelet (bamboo sky) shoes (Lorissa by Sam Edelman)

The sun paints the earth in primrose...

...and all the weight of the world is lifted off your shoulders.

It's like being in heaven, there at the Breedens home in Rancho Santa Fe, California. Vast acres of nature surrounding us with endless possibilities of adventure for an imaginative child. When ever we visit them, I forget about the reality that awaits us and I feel so lucky to have the opportunity of knowing this feeling. The feeling that makes you say, "Is this real life?"

kimono duster (coming to bamboo sky & shop.bamboosky.com soon!) shorts wild fox via shop.bamboosky.com) tank (brandy melville) flatforms (f21) cuff (house of harlow via shopnastygal)

BEHIND THE SCENES

photographer & director

photographer, director, location scout

It's a wrap

Fly high over rainbows

Somewhere over the rainbow,

blue birds fly.

They fly,

High over rainbows.

Why? Oh why can't I....

-Isreal Kamakawiwaole

Oh but, Willow my love.

Sure you can. Anything is possible.

new hair

Finally had some time this weekend, to pamper myself with a new do!!! Nothing drastic, but I've been dying to refresh my "mommy do" (long lifeless bangs, always tied in a bun). I was in dire need of cut. My hair was so long and shapeless. Blah! By recommendation of Linh, I went to Jovan at J Salon. I love to wear my hair beachy wavy/messy bed head and sometimes it's hard to explain this to hair stylists without offending their years of training. How do you tactfully say, "I'm a wash and go type of girl so please cut my hair in such a way that I will NOT have to take care of it by NOT deep conditioning it and NOT brushing it, EVER?"

top (Ladakh via shop.bamboosky.com) shorts (Siwy via shop.bamboosky.com) t-straps (aldo)

Well, Jovan got it! He added layers and volume in all the right places and now I have a "hot mommy do!" Still the low maintenance required for on the go mommyhood, but with more shape and texture. Of course, you can never replicate the way you leave the salon, so here's an instagram pic of my new hair at it's optimum potential. I wish I could have salon styled hair everyday.

BTW, how do like the shoes? They're my latest crush!!! I was on the hunt for the perfect t-strap a long time ago, but gave up once I became pregnant. When I saw these at Aldo last, I had to have.

And of course, I leave you with a picture of Willow doing what she does best….accessorizing and picking out desserts.

Sakura Bloom

Here I am at work, loving my new Sakura Bloom linen baby sling. Although I also have the Bjorn, this sling nurtures more of a bond between baby and mother because baby feels snug as a bug and the ergonomically correct positions in which they sit remind them of being back in mommy's tummy. There are several hands-free ways to wear baby (this position is called the "kangaroo") and you can use it from infancy through their toddler years. There's even a hands free nursing position! Imagine that! Typing this post with both hands while she eats!!!

Sakura Bloom slings come in linen (suggested for warmer climates) or silks and are available in a variety of colors or patterns. I got the single layer linen, pixie pattern in cotton candy. Oh, and dad's can wear this sling too, although I would suggest a neutral color like black or beige! LOL!

The only "down side" is that you really have to practice putting baby in correctly. It took me several days and more than a few attempts to get her positioned correctly to the point where she and I were secure and comfortable together. But, once you get the art of sling wearing down, the benefits are bountiful.

I was referred to this product by my friend Colleen who has twin boys and a 5 month old girl, thank you Col! You can learn more about this sling and get yours at www.quirkybaby.com