I can’t believe we’re already chatting about holiday looks, and Halloween was a hot minute ago.  But truth be told, I’m kind of excited and really wouldn’t want it any other way.

I love the holidays for so many reasons, but first and foremost I LOVE all the excuses to get together with those I love and celebrate.  Everything from Christmas Eve dinner (which growing up was always my favorite day of the year ….and how I think I first fell in love with cooking and entertaining), to champagne lunches with friends.  JP’s office party to my kid’s class parties and everything in between.  There seems to be something on the calendar all the time – and while I may be completely exhausted by 12/26, I wouldn’t’ want it any other way.

My only struggle was that for years, I felt like I never knew what to wear and always waited until the last minute.  But not this year, my friends.  This year I’m ahead of my game and ordering a few new things now so I’ll have easy, effortless outfits to put together that I feel great in (because let’s be honest, over the holidays there are plenty of other things to worry about than your outfits 😉

I put together a quick round-up of some of my favorite holiday looks.  I tried to give you a range of prices and looks, from easy wearable pants to silk skirts and sequin dresses.  And most importantly, things that you can wear again!  I’m all about red and green, but when it comes to my clothes, I need them to be a little more versatile than one month a year, so I focused on chic looks that you could wear for ANY holiday and ANY occasion.  From Hanukkah dinner to a girl’s night out.  Versatile pieces you’ll wear again.

I’ll also add that a lot of things aren’t on sale YET – but I have no doubt that many of them will be soon.  So keep this post tucked away if you’re not ready to buy anything just yet.  I promise you there are good deals to be had and I’ll share them with you as I see them.

Ok let’s jump in….. Read More

Wow, what a few weeks.  The past two weeks have been a little rough.  I’ve had a few tough “mom” moments (as I know so many of you can relate to). I haven’t necessarily been on my “A-game” for a while now, and I think it’s starting to catch up with me.

In the past few weeks, I’ve left kids stranded at soccer fields, completely missed class parties, forgotten lunches, missed ballet rehearsals, and just all around haven’t really been crushing it in the parenting department.

The first few big “mess-ups” had me in tears.  But then as they kept happening, something shifted a little and I found a way to let the guilt go (but oh man, the “mom guilt” is a real thing).

And here’s why…

I realized (and I knew this before, but clearly needed the reminder) that I’m NOT in fact failing (well, maybe a little). But rather what’s failing are these unrealistic standards and expectations we all have (including me!) to do it all.

To be a mama, and wife and friend and have a job, make sure everyone has clean underwear AND remember kids at the soccer fields. I mean, come on. Who can do all of that? I give up. I officially surrender. My kids are going to miss ballet rehearsals, I’ll forget someone somewhere again soon (I can pretty much guarantee that one), and I’ll definitely forget who has “hot lunch” on which day (that hot lunch schedule gets me every week. Ugh.)

But what I’m not doing anymore – is adding that extra layer of guilt. I’m totally cool with being just an “okay” mom. Because I’m pretty sure my kids still think that this “okay” mama is pretty awesome. And that’s god enough for me.  Today, “good enough” is pretty darn great.  

So to all of you who may have “failed” epically this week – with parenting, your career, your relationships, whatever. I see you. You’re my people. And I have news for you – we’re still crushing it. Way to show up this week.  Now let’s do it all over again next week. Read More

Well, I’m not gonna lie, kind of glad this week is over. I’m usually not one to say things like that. I can almost always see the good, in everything, but this week was a little bit of a doozy.

Frankie was really sick all this week, and with JP traveling, my job as #1 mama bear was in full force – and that was NOT my plan (oh, God, you are so funny).  Isn’t that always the case though?  What’s the saying….you make plans, and god laughs (or something like that.  You get the point).  

BUT rather than being frustrated with feeling like this week didn’t go according to plan…I’m going to make a quick list of all the good things that this happened.  Ok, here we go… Read More

Another great week in the books, my friends.  Another week filled with moments of joy, a few challenges and lots of in-between.

This week I had strained a muscle in my back. And while I’ve had issues with my back my whole life, this was one of the first times that I didn’t let the “pain” get to me.  Instead, I took it easier, embraced the forced “slower” days and gave my body a little TLC (which if you know me, you know I don’t do “slow”).  It was a great reminder to listen to your body and just embrace wherever you’re at. I also had the chance to try out Equilibria’s CBD cream with this new injury and I have to tell you, I loved it and think that’s why I healed so quickly.

This week I also had the privilege of being able to work with my sister and best-friend with Beautycounter (which you can read more about here).  It was honestly just so fun.  I couldn’t stop smiling during our entire meeting.  What a gift is that!  I feel so lucky to be doing something I’m passionate about – surrounded by people I love.   Seriously cool pinch me moment.

But proably the best part of my week has been having my mom in town helping me this week. At 40, I think I appreciate my mother’s help now, more than ever.  It takes a village to do all of this – raise kids, have a career, and just simply make it through the day!  We can’t do any of it alone.  I’m working on getting better about asking for help – and feel blessed to have my mom as the center of my little village.

Ok, before I get too sappy here, let’s jump into this week’s Friday Favorites.  Lots of goodies here…. Read More

Another amazing week is in the books, my friends.  So much to be grateful for.  My heart is overflowing with appreciation for all of the fun opportunities and connections this week brought my way.

Some days, and some weeks, are better than others.  And while historically I haven’t always been the best and stopping and appreciating all of the small little wins, the good days or the good weeks – today I am.  This was a good week.  And so today I’m pausing for just a moment and celebrating it.  Enjoying it.  And hopefully taking some of this momentum with me into next week and see if this good feeling can grow.

I had so much fun this week collaborating with my friend Shannon and Kristi on the HapiArt giveaway and was overwhelmed with the responses from all of YOU. Thank you to all who entered.  It was so fun seeing all of your entries and response.  I knew you would all love her art as much as we do.

I also had so many great conversations and connections this week with other local female entrepreneurs, and felt so inspired and supported by our conversations.  Whatever it is that you do, or are pursuing, I can say from experience that it’s so important to surround yourself with other people who are on a similar journey as you.  You are going to doubt yourself a million times, and feel as if you have no idea as to what you’re doing – so you need those people next to you cheering you on, giving advice or sharing lessons learned from their own experience.  It’s the only way to grow.   This week I’m feeling especially grateful for all of the connections and support that came my way.

I started a great new documentary series (you know I LIVE for a good documentary), found a new favorite cardigan, started a #last90dayschallenge, got a new red lip color and so much more…..

This was a fun week, friends, in ways both big and small.  So without any further ado (AND….I just learned that it’s “ado” and not “adeau” – see this week was filled with little gems ;)) here are this week’s Friday Favorites! Read More